If you have been arrested for drunk driving in Waukegan, Illinois you need a DUI criminal defense attorney who knows how to defend you. Hiring an aggressive Waukegan DUI attorney who is local to Lake County can make a significant difference in the outcome of your DUI case. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious criminal charge and Illinois has mandatory DUI criminal penalties that attach upon a guilty finding. Our Waukegan DUI lawyers can help you fight your charges. DUI criminal defense attorneys aren't all the same! At DUI Lawyers 24/7 have decades of experience defending DUI offenders in Lake County, Kane County, and McHenry County.
Being pulled over in Waukegan by law enforcement officers after consuming alcohol can turn a routine situation into a criminal one. If you have consumed any amount of alcohol or drugs and are subsequently pulled over for any reason, you need to know your constitutional rights. During a DUI investigation, don't admit to consuming alcohol.
Be very polite when refusing to answer the police officer's questions concerning the consumption of alcohol. Advise the law enforcement officer that you would rather not answer their questions without legal representation. In addition, the police officer can't force you to perform field sobriety tests. Field sobriety tests aren't reliable and most people, even without consuming any alcohol, can't adequately perform these tests. An experienced DUI lawyer will argue these details to the judge or jury. To schedule a no-cost initial consultation, contact our criminal defense law firm today at 847-999-7616.
Cooperate During the DUI Traffic Stop
Provide all documents that the law enforcement officer asks for. This includes driver's license and insurance. If the police officer asks you to exit your motor vehicle, you must comply. Remember, you should politely tell the law enforcement officer that you want your DUI criminal defense lawyer present for any further questioning. Immediately call a DUI criminal defense lawyer to advise you on how to proceed.
An attorney who has extensive experience in DUI cases and criminal defense in Waukegan can explain the best legal action to take. Our legal defense has been fighting DUI and criminal cases in Lake County, Cook County, Kane County, Kendall County, Will County, and Dupage County for decades.
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The High Rate of Drunk Driving Arrests in Waukegan, Illinois
Waukegan has a very high rate of DUI arrests. In the last available data from all police departments in the state, there were over 15,000 drunk driving arrests in one year.
Having an experienced defense attorney from Waukegan will give you an advantage over others that have been charged with driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Your Lake County lawyer will build an effective defense strategy on your behalf. Your lawyer can prove that the arrest was invalid, that the level of alcohol in your system wasn't as high as indicated by the police, or that you shouldn't be charged with a criminal offense at all.
Waukegan DUI Criminal Penalties
Illinois has some of the harshest DUI penalties in the country. A DUI conviction carries serious legal consequences. Like other states, Illinois uses a tiered sentencing system to establish a DUI sentence. If you're convicted of a first DUI offense, which is a Class A misdemeanor offense, the court will impose the following penalties:
- Prison sentence for up to one year,
- A monetary fine of up to $2,500, and
- License suspension for up to a year and two years for underage drivers.
A second DUI offense is also a Class A misdemeanor offense but involves:
- Mandatory jail sentence for at least five days or 240 hours of community service,
- A hefty fine of up to $2,500, and
- License revocation for five years, especially if the previous DUI was within 20 years.
A third-time DUI offense is a Class 2 felony offense, which is punishable by:
- Mandatory incarceration for 10 days, or 480 hours of community service,
- A heavy fine of up to $2,500, and
- Driver's license revocation for at least 10 years.
The punishments continue to get worsen as the number of previous DUI convictions increases. However, keep in mind that the above information represents the criminal penalties for non-aggravated drunk driving convictions. If there was a child in your vehicle at the time of the arrest or your blood alcohol content was over 0.16, you'll face more severe penalties. And if you face aggravated DUI charges, you'll have a felony on your criminal record.
To schedule, no-cost initial consultation with our aggressive Lake County attorneys lawyers contact us today at 847-999-7616.
Should I Refuse Field Sobriety Tests?
Most DUI criminal defense attorneys who practice law in Waukegan would advise their clients to refuse field sobriety tests. These tests are supposed to be an indicator of a motorist’s sobriety. However, there are many factors that could impact the reliability of these tests. It is for that reason that most DUI attorneys believe that field sobriety tests shouldn't be taken, especially when your case will be held at the main courthouse in Lake County, Illinois. Our DUI lawyers highly recommend that your refuse all testing.
Even if you have taken the roadside field sobriety tests, your DUI criminal defense attorney will carefully review all of the evidence that was documented and see if the tests can be considered admissible evidence. Calling our Chicago law office immediately for a no-cost initial consultation could increase your odds of a favorable outcome.
Learn More: Should I Take a Breathalyzer Test in Illinois?
Contact Our Reputable Waukegan DUI Criminal Defense Attorneys Today for Legal Counsel!
One of the most essential things that your DUI lawyer will explain to you during your initial consultation is that a drunk driving arrest is much different than a drunk driving conviction. An arrest means that you have been accused of a DUI charge. A conviction occurs when you're found guilty.
Hiring a Waukegan DUI defense lawyer is your best option in building a strong case against your drunk driving charges. While an attorney can't guarantee a favorable outcome of your case, but they can provide you with aggressive defense and help you secure the best possible outcome for the situation. Our legal team has vast experience in DUI and criminal defense can help you beat your charges.
Our Lake County DUI lawyers and criminal defense attorneys are here to answer your questions. We can fight your case in Cook County, Lake County, Kane County, DuPage County, and surrounding counties. Call our law offices today at 847-999-7616.