Many innocent drivers are stopped in the Chicago area on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI), and many drivers who had only one drink at dinner make harmful choices when they go through a DUI checkpoint or are pulled over by a law enforcement official. If you are stopped for a DUI, it is important to avoid common mistakes if you are able to do so. At the Law Offices of Jonathan Minkus, we know that drivers are frequently stopped on suspicion of a DUI when they have not even consumed any alcohol or substances. We also know that drivers have rights under Illinois and federal law, even if they have consumed alcohol before getting behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. As such, we want to do everything we can to ensure that your rights are upheld if you are arrested for or charged with a DUI.
The following are common mistakes or miscalculations that you should avoid if you are stopped for a DUI in Chicagoland.
Do Not Assume That Refusing the Breathalyzer Will be Better if You Were Drinking Alcohol
Never assume that it is better for you to avoid having a BAC registered on a breathalyzer test. Refusing to take a breathalyzer test has serious consequences in Illinois. Your driver’s license will automatically be suspended for a year, and you can face other penalties.
Never Assume That You Will Not be Convicted of a DUI Just Because You Have a Low BAC
A DUI conviction can result from a BAC of 0.08 or above under Illinois law, but it can also result from driving in a manner that shows you are under the influence of alcohol even if you never take a breathalyzer or blood test.
Do Not Assume That You Will be Able to Keep Your Driver’s License for Work Purposes if You are Convicted
Even if you can get your driver’s license back for work purposes, it will likely be after a mandatory period of suspension of at least one month.
Do Not Make the Mistake of Thinking Drugged Driving Will be Treated Differently From Drunk Driving
Illinois takes intoxicated driving, or driving under the influence, very seriously. In addition to drunk driving, people who are driving unsafely due to lawfully prescribed prescription medications can still face charges.
Do Not Think That the Penalties Will be Minor for a First Offense
A first-time DUI offense—even if you have never been stopped for another traffic offense in your lifetime—will result in at least a one-year loss of driving privileges, a fine of up to $2,500, and the possibility of a jail sentence of up to one year. You need an Illinois DUI defense lawyer to assist with your case.
Contact a Chicago DUI Defense Attorney
Are you facing DUI charges in the Chicago metropolitan area? Do not make the mistake of trying to handle your DUI defense on your own. Our firm has decades of experience handling criminal defense matters for clients in Illinois, and an aggressive Chicago DUI defense attorney at our firm can begin working on your case today. Do not hesitate to get in touch with the Law Offices of Jonathan Minkus to learn more about the DUI defense strategies that we may be able to employ to help you beat these charges. Contact us today for more information and to begin working on your defense.
