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Are you or your loved ones facing driving under the influence (DUI) charges in Chicago? Whether it is a first-time experience or not, feeling overwhelmed is normal. A DUI conviction can affect your career, reputation, and freedom.
DUI refers to driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. It is a serious criminal offense having significant consequences. Depending on your particular case, you may face jail time or fines. You are also likely to have your license suspended.
Are you looking for a DUI defense law firm that can offer knowledgeable and aggressive representation? Reach out to the Hirsch Law Group. We have a team of dedicated DUI attorneys who can help you navigate this stressful situation.
As noted above, driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs is illegal as per Illinois law. The legal limit of blood alcohol concentration levels is 0.08% for drivers over 21. This limit is 0.04% for commercial drivers.
A zero-tolerance approach is taken by the state when it concerns those under the age of 21. A DUI charge is brought against a minor found to be operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs, regardless of the quantity of drug(s) found in their system.
Police officers may ask you to submit to a blood or breathalyzer test if they suspect you of operating a vehicle while intoxicated or impaired.
Some common types of DUI offenses include the following:
DUI with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or 0.16% and above
DUI with illegal drugs in your system
DUI with a mix of drugs and alcohol
DUI with a passenger who is below 16 years old
DUI causing disability, bodily harm, or disfigurement to a third party
DUI causing the death of a third party
The police should have reasonable suspicion for stopping and investigating a driver for signs of DUI. The driver may be asked to take a chemical test at the officer’s request. These tests may require the driver’s blood or urine sample. Drivers may also be required to blow into a breathalyzer.
Refusing to comply may result in an automatic driver’s license suspension for a year. The driver receives a notice of statutory summary suspension in such cases.
The penalties for a DUI conviction in Chicago may vary based on the following characteristics:
Level and source of impairment
Past criminal and driving record i.e., how many times you’ve been arrested and convicted in the past
The presence or absence of aggravating factors
Generally, a DUI conviction may result in the following:
Fines ranging between $500 and $25,000
Incarceration: It ranges from a few months in jail to 30 years in prison
Suspension or revocation of driver’s license. The suspension/revocation period can range from a few months to the remainder of your life
Installing an ignition interlock device in the vehicle
Mandatory completion of alcohol or drug education or treatment programs
Restitution or community service
Increased insurance rates
Difficulty finding employment
Are you still wondering, “Do I need a lawyer if I was arrested while driving under the influence?” Consider contacting a criminal defense law firm like the Hirsch Law Group in such cases. We can help you navigate complex legal processes and potential penalties.
If you’ve been arrested for drunk driving in Illinois, consider hiring a DUI lawyer to increase your chances of getting a better outcome. Chicago DUI lawyers from the Hirsch Law Group have your best interests at heart. So you can depend on us to aggressively defend you. Here are some ways you can expect us to help you:
We use our extensive knowledge of the criminal justice system to review our clients’ cases. This allows us to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the case. We can also spot weaknesses in the evidence, including in the procedures used by the police. We can even challenge the validity of the:
Traffic stop
Arrest
Chemical test
We can mediate and negotiate with the prosecutor for a plea bargain or complete dismissal of charges. Depending on the circumstances of the case, we may be able to convince the prosecutor to drop the charges or reduce your penalties in exchange for a guilty plea.
As your criminal defense lawyers, we can help protect your constitutional rights by:
Explaining your constitutional rights
Ensuring you are not pressured or coerced into making decisions or statements
Safeguarding your interests and making sure that you are not subjected to excessive force or unlawful punishment
We can represent you at hearings, appeals, motions, and trials. We can assist you with the following:
Requesting a hearing to challenge the statutory summary suspension
Filing motions to exclude evidence that was obtained through illegal means
Representing you at a trial before a jury or judge
Appealing your case before a higher court
We can advise you on how to comply with any requirements or court orders. For instance, we can help you enroll in a court supervision program. We can also help you obtain an ignition interlock device for your vehicle.
We can help you reinstate your driving privileges by applying for a hardship license while your suspension is in effect. We can also assist in obtaining a new driver’s license when your suspension/revocation period concludes.
Navigating a serious crime such as a DUI charge is difficult for any driver. You may benefit from hiring a DUI/DWI lawyer to lift the weight off your shoulders.
Hirsch Law Group has a team of skilled and dedicated attorneys at your service. We can fight for your best interests and help you through every aspect of your DUI case. Don’t let a DUI charge ruin your life. Book a free consultation with us today to kickstart your DUI defense!
