Danville, Illinois DUI Lawyer
Violations of Illinois’ law on driving under the influence (DUI) are among the most common arrests police make, but the situation is still overwhelming when it happens to you. Many people know that they can be charged for operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) in excess of .08 percent; however, officers may also arrest you for drunk driving if they observe signs of impairment. In both scenarios, you face criminal punishment and implications for your driving privileges.
You might expect that fighting a drunk driving case is an uphill battle, but it is possible to obtain a favorable outcome with help from Patel Law, PC. We have experience with defense strategies, as well as other options for resolving the charges. Please contact our firm to schedule a consultation today. A Danville, Illinois DUI lawyer can offer personalized advice, and a summary of the laws below is helpful.
Two Proceedings in a DUI Case
An arrest for drunk driving triggers two separate proceedings, including:
1. Administrative Case: Driving is a privilege, not a right, so authorities can take away your license. For a first-time offense, you face a suspension of up to a year. Subsequent offenses could result in your driver’s license being suspended for five to ten years.
2. Criminal Charges: Besides affecting your driving privileges, drunk driving is against the law. For a conviction, you face up to a year in jail and a $2,500 fine. Multiple DUIs could impose mandatory minimum punishment, so a judge must order 10 days’ incarceration. However, the maximum is seven years in prison.
These penalties could be increased under certain circumstances, such as excessive BAC, drunk driving with a child passenger, and DUI crashes causing injuries or death.
What to Do About Drunk Driving Charges
Patel Law, PC will handle all essential tasks to fight both the criminal and administrative cases. However, your own acts can go a long way to supporting your Danville, Illinois DUI attorney with defenses. Keep in mind the following points:
- As soon as you see flashing lights or other indications that police are pulling you over, slow down and move to the shoulder safely.
- Gather your driver’s license, registration, and insurance documents to hand to the officer.
- Politely decline to answer questions, especially if police ask where you were going or coming from.
- Do not agree to a portable breathalyzer test. Implied consent laws that require you to submit to a chemical test do not apply to tests in the field.
- Never resist arrest or become belligerent. You could face far more serious charges.
- Immediately request to speak to your attorney.
Call Now to Speak to a Danville, Illinois DUI Lawyer
You support our efforts at Patel Law, PC by taking on these tasks, but you can trust our team to handle the complicated details involved in drunk driving cases. We are ready to advocate on your behalf for the criminal and administrative proceedings, so please contact us to set up a consultation with an Illinois DUI attorney. Once we learn more about your circumstances, we can discuss potential strategies.
