Multilingual Staff | Available 24/7
Being arrested for a DUI can be a daunting experience. As such, it is crucial for residents of Cook County who drive to be aware of the DUI arrest process and how an arrest could significantly impact their lives. Illinois laws regarding DUI offenses are strict. When someone is suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, Cook County law enforcement officers follow a specific protocol that includes field sobriety tests, breathalyzers, and possibly an arrest. Knowing your rights during this process is vital.
At Hirsch Law Group, we are committed to providing our clients with the reassurance and guidance they need during these challenging times. Our track record in DUI defense showcases our dedication to fighting for the equality and justice our clients deserve. Upon arrest, Cook County residents have to contend with the legal consequences and are subject to a complex legal system. But with our experienced team by your side, you can trust us to help you overcome the intricacies of a DUI arrest and defend your rights with utmost empathy and assertiveness.
When faced with a DUI arrest in Cook County, knowing how the process will play out can alleviate some of the stress involved. Also, it will help you identify when your rights are being violated and advocate for yourself.
Reasonable suspicion: A traffic stop occurs if an officer reasonably suspects you to be driving while impaired. This could be due to erratic or reckless driving. In some cases, the stop may be on suspicion of a completely unrelated crime. This stop is an investigative step to determining whether there is probable cause to arrest you.
Probable cause: After the stop, the law enforcement officer may ask specific questions to determine whether you are under the influence. If they smell alcohol on your breath or you give an unintelligible response, this may provide them with probable cause to arrest you. They may also request that you do a roadside sobriety test. Failing or refusing the test, coupled with other signs of intoxication, could give law enforcement the probable cause they need to arrest you.
Arrest: Once the police officer has determined that they have probable cause to arrest you, you will be read your rights, arrested, and taken to the police station.
After a DUI arrest, you are taken to a local police station for booking and processing. Here, personal information is collected, and charges are formally noted.
Breathalyzer test: After the arrest, you would typically be asked to take a breathalyzer test. The test determines if your blood alcohol concentration is higher than the legal limit of 0.08%. The test is admissible in court and is usually vital evidence in prosecuting a DUI.
License suspension: Illinois enforces the implied consent law. This means anyone who drives or is in physical control of a vehicle in the state is deemed to have given their consent to a breath or blood test, or other chemical test to determine their blood alcohol content. As such, failure to submit to the breathalyzer test after arrest leads to an automatic license suspension, also known as statutory summary suspension.
If the BAC result on your breathalyzer test is higher than 0.08% and you are a first-time DUI offender, your license will be suspended for six months. If you refuse to take the test as a first-time offender, your license will be suspended for a year. If you are a repeat offender and your BAC exceeds 0.08%, your license will be suspended for a year. Lastly, your license will be suspended for three years if you refuse the breathalyzer test as a repeat offender. Within 90 days of your arrest, you can appeal the automatic license suspension that comes with a DUI arrest.
In most cases, people arrested for DUIs are released soon after arrest with a notice of their first court date. The legal process after the arrest includes the formal pressing of charges against you and court processes like arraignment and hearings. At the decision stage, a jury or judge determines your guilt, and then the court pronounces your sentence.
It is vital that you contact a Cook County DUI defense lawyer as soon as you can once arrested for a DUI. Not doing so may lead to you inadvertently forfeiting some of your rights. Let us help you navigate this procedure with the skill, experience, and dedication you deserve.
The consequences of a drunk driving charge in Illinois are multifaceted and extend beyond the courtroom. Illinois law provides an array of possible punishments for a DUI conviction. They include:
Jail time: Ranging from immediate incarceration to long-term prison sentences, depending on the offense’s severity.
Fines: Monetary penalties are significant, often complementing other forms of punishment. In other words, you will likely pay fines in addition to other penalties.
Substance Abuse Treatment: Mandatory participation in drug or alcohol programs to address underlying issues.
Community service: Instead of a prison sentence or in exchange for a shortened sentence, you might have to participate in community service.
Probation: You may also be sentenced to probation for an extended period, where a probation officer will supervise you. Committing any crime during this period may lead to imprisonment, harsher probation terms, or an extension of the probation period.
Post-Trial Consequences may encompass:
Ignition Interlock Device: Installation of a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID) may be ordered, requiring the driver to prove sobriety before the vehicle starts.
Driver’s License: You will face license revocation or suspension, with the potential for a Judicial Driving Permit (JDP) or a Monitoring Device Driving Permit (MDDP) under strict conditions.
As your defenders, we always strive for case outcomes that protect our client’s futures. Our unwavering commitment to you means we tirelessly pursue every avenue to mitigate these potential outcomes, including negotiation for reduced sentences or alternative sentencing structures.
When it comes to defense, our team leverages extensive knowledge of the nuances of Illinois law for our client’s benefit. A few common defenses we explore include:
Inaccuracy of Breathalyzer tests: Challenging the calibration and administration of breathalyzer results.
Questioning the legality of the traffic stop: The stop must be lawful for evidence gathered to be admissible in court.
Procedural errors: If your rights were violated in any way during the stop and arrest process, we may be able to use this in your favor in court.
In any DUI case, having skilled legal counsel is essential. A lawyer can scrutinize court documents and records, ensuring your rights are upheld. A lawyer will also fiercely advocate on your behalf, giving you a good chance of beating the charges. If you find yourself facing a DUI charge, trust in our skills to navigate your criminal charge and the judicial system effectively. We stay continuously updated on changes to the law to anticipate and counter challenges that may arise.
Building a Defense Strategy: Our approach involves crafting a robust and personalized defense. We meticulously analyze each case, considering every detail to build the most effective strategy. We aim to mitigate the consequences of a DUI charge and protect your rights at every turn.
Advocating for You: As experienced Criminal Defense Attorneys, we fiercely advocate for our clients. We question the evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and use our legal know-how to challenge the charges against you.
Negotiating Plea Deals: Plea deals allow both the prosecution and defense to save the time involved in going to trial. If possible, we can negotiate a plea deal on your behalf to reduce your charge or sentence so that your future is not at risk by a DUI conviction on your criminal record.
Navigating Court Proceedings: Our support extends beyond the law office, providing skilled guidance through each stage of the court process. From arraignments to trials, we ensure you are prepared and informed, easing the stress of facing the criminal justice system.
At Hirsch Law Group, we take pride in our ability to help our clients overcome the legal difficulties of drunk driving charges, with the assurance that you can trust us to help you through every step of your defense.
Throughout our years of experience, we have witnessed firsthand the impact that facing DUI charges has had on various defendants. As such, we stand ready to offer our knowledge, skill, and guidance, ensuring every client receives the solid representation they deserve. Our know-how of Cook County’s legal system aims to mitigate these distressing outcomes.
We encourage anyone facing DUI difficulties to contact us for assistance. Protecting your rights and providing a robust defense remain our utmost priorities. Remember, you are not alone in this. Trust us at Hirsch Law Group to help you overcome these legal challenges with empathy, experience, and a commitment to equality.
