Getting arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) can be a stressful experience, especially for those who have never been arrested before. Lawyers are available to help people relieve some of that pressure, but while retaining the services of a DUI attorney can seem natural to some, others may have questions such as “What do I get from this?” and “Is there anything I can do to defend myself?” We hope to answer some of those questions here. Read on to learn what to keep in mind when you contact a DUI attorney in Illinois.
What is at Stake?
The penalties for a DUI charge vary based on a number of factors, including (but not limited to) the number of previous arrests and whether the intoxicated driver injured or killed anyone. Depending on the circumstances, a DUI charge may be as relatively low as a Class A misdemeanor - the most serious type of misdemeanor - and as high as a Class X felony - the harshest type of felony.
This means that a DUI trial may focus on the circumstances surrounding the arrest and the driver’s own record of arrests. In anticipation of this, people facing drunk driving charges should honestly answer any questions their lawyer may have and inform them about anything that may be pertinent. It could mean the difference between a dropping of charges and potentially years of prison time and thousands in fines.
What Should I Remember?
Ideally, people charged with a DUI should strive to remember everything - or at least, as much as they can about the night they were arrested. Their attorney just might be able to find evidence of wrongdoing on the part of the officer as the client relates the details. The more they can remember about the arrest and the events leading up to it, the better chance they have that their lawyer may find ammunition for use during the trial.
Some factors that people arrested for drunk driving should strive to remember to include the following:
- The lead-up to the traffic stop: what was the reason the police officer gave for stopping them on the road? How quickly did the accused react to the request to pull over?
- The lead-up to the alcohol testing: what may have caused the officer to believe the accused was intoxicated? How did they respond to the officer’s questions? Was their voice slurred?
- The testing: did the accused consent to testing of any kind? Was the field sobriety test conducted on level ground? Was the accused nervous or flustered or in any other emotional state that could have affected the results of a field sobriety test? Could the equipment for breath tests or blood tests have been faulty?
These are just a few ideas that may help your lawyer at least get a grasp on the exact situation at hand so that they know what they are working with.
Contact a Skilled DUI Attorney in Illinois Today
If you or a loved one face drunk driving charges, you will want only the best DUI attorney in Illinois to defend you in court. The experienced Illinois DUI lawyers at Mitchell S. Sexner & Associates LLC have many years of experience with DUI cases between them, and they are ready and willing to use their experience to help you. Call our firm today at (312) 644-0444 and start talking with a DUI specialist immediately.
