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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 with 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 Chicago 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.
A police officer may ask you to submit to a blood or breathalyzer test if they suspect you of operating a vehicle while intoxicated or impaired. The results of your test could be used as evidence against you in court. Therefore, it is essential to seek legal representation from an experienced DUI defense attorney right away.
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
DUI while your driver’s license is suspended or revoked
Regardless of the specific charge you are facing, our experienced criminal defense attorneys at Hirsch Law Group have the knowledge and skills to handle any type of DUI case.
The police should have reasonable suspicion of stopping and investigating a driver for signs of DUI. At the officer’s request, the driver may be asked to take a chemical test, which may require a 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 suspension may take effect after 45 days of arrest.
Even with a statutory summary suspension, you may still be able to get temporary driving relief. You can file a petition for the issuance of an MDDP (Monitoring Device Driving Permit). With this permit, you can drive anywhere within Illinois upon fulfilling some requirements. Talk to our DUI criminal defense attorney for assistance in filing your petition.
The penalties for a DUI conviction in Chicago IL 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 an experienced Chicago DUI lawyer at Hirsch Law Group in such cases. We can help you navigate complex legal processes and potential penalties. With our experienced attorneys by your side, you stand a better chance of protecting your rights and building a strong defense.
Every case is unique, and the defenses available will depend on the specifics of your case. Some common defenses against DUI charges include:
The Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution protects you from unreasonable seizures. You can challenge a police officer’s reason for stopping your vehicle or arresting you if there is no probable cause.
Breathalyzer and blood tests are not always accurate, and the results can be challenged in court. For instance, body temperature, rising blood alcohol levels, or certain medical conditions can affect the accuracy of these tests.
Field sobriety tests may not accurately indicate impairment. Other factors, such as fatigue, weather conditions, or medical issues, can lead to false results.
If the police officer did not have a valid reason to stop you, then any evidence collected during the stop may be thrown out in court.
The chain of custody refers to the process of collecting, handling, and analyzing blood or urine samples. Any break in this chain can make the results unreliable and inadmissible in court. Your attorney can challenge the chain of custody to cast doubt on the accuracy of the test results.
A DUI charge is a serious offense that can have long-lasting consequences. From hefty fines and jail time to a permanent mark on your criminal record, the penalties for a DUI conviction can be severe. That’s why it is crucial to seek legal representation as soon as possible.
An experienced DUI defense attorney will thoroughly evaluate your case, identify any weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence, and build a strong defense strategy tailored to your specific case. They will also guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.
If you are facing a DUI charge in Chicago, IL, or anywhere else in Illinois, contact Hirsch Law Group today for a free consultation with our experienced DUI defense attorneys. We are here to help you navigate this challenging time and fight for your rights.
After a DUI arrest, the legal process begins with the initial booking and potential release on bail. This is followed by an arraignment, where the charges are formally read, and the defendant enters a plea. If the case proceeds, pre-trial motions, and hearings focus on evidence review and determining if legal procedures were properly followed.
Penalties for a DUI conviction in Illinois can include fines, license suspension, mandatory alcohol education programs, and jail time, depending on the severity of the offense and prior convictions. For example, a first offense may result in a $2,500 fine and a one-year license suspension, while repeat offenses carry harsher penalties.
Defenses such as disputing the accuracy of breathalyzer results, questioning the legality of the traffic stop, or exposing procedural errors in handling evidence can be crucial. These strategies highlight the importance of a skilled DUI lawyer.
If you’ve been arrested for drunk driving in Illinois, consider hiring a drunk driving 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
Legal Representation
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.
The Hirsch Law Group is a well-respected law firm that specializes in criminal defense cases, including DUI offenses. We have extensive experience handling these types of cases and have a proven track record of success. Our team of highly skilled criminal defense attorneys will work tirelessly to defend your rights and fight for the most suitable outcome for your case.
Our firm offers personalized attention to each client, ensuring that we understand their unique situation and tailor our approach accordingly. We are dedicated to providing top-notch legal representation and have a deep understanding of the Illinois criminal justice system. With our knowledge and expertise, we can effectively navigate through complex laws and procedures to build a strong defense on your behalf.
We also offer transparent communication with our clients and keep them updated on the progress of their cases. We believe in building strong relationships with our clients based on trust and respect. As a client of Hirsch Law Group, you can expect compassionate and attentive service from start to finish.
Hire a DUI/DWI lawyer from Hirsch Law Group today to increase your chances of a favorable outcome in your DUI case. Contact us for a consultation, and let us help you fight the charges against you.
