Addison DUI Defense Attorneys

Arrests for driving under the influence (DUI) can happen in a variety of situations. A person may be driving home from a party at a friend's house, and an officer may suspect that they have been drinking. When a person is driving late at night, an officer may observe signs that they think are related to alcohol use, and they may pull the driver over. A traffic stop for another type of violation could lead to DUI charges if officers believe that a person is intoxicated. Regardless of the situation, a person who has been arrested for DUI will need to understand their options for defense.

There are several ways a DUI charge can be challenged, and the specific facts surrounding an arrest will often determine what options are available. At Goostree Law Group, our attorneys can provide the legal representation people in Addison need when they have been charged with DUI. We can take steps to help clients protect their driving privileges, avoid criminal convictions, and reduce the impact that DUI charges will have on their lives.

Legal Help After a DUI Arrest

When a person has been arrested on suspicion of DUI, they may be unsure about what will happen next and what steps they can take to protect their rights. When clients contact our lawyers as soon as possible after being arrested, we can determine whether police officers followed the proper procedures during an arrest and look at the reliability of any tests that were conducted.

We will help clients understand exactly what they have been accused of and what penalties they may face. We will identify weaknesses in the case against a person and determine the best steps to take to resolve DUI charges successfully. We will stand beside a client during every court date or hearing, advocating for their interests and fighting to protect their rights. By providing compassionate representation, we can help clients get through these situations while minimizing the disruptions that may affect their lives.

Penalties Following a DUI Arrest

The consequences of a DUI charge can begin to affect a person before they ever appear in court. A conviction may lead to a variety of penalties, but some penalties may apply even if a person is able to avoid a conviction. Our lawyers can help clients understand the best ways to address any penalties they may face, including:

• Statutory Summary Suspension: The Illinois Secretary of State will take steps to automatically suspend a person's driver's license if a chemical test conducted after an arrest showed that they were under the influence of alcohol or drugs or if they refused chemical testing. When necessary, our attorneys can request hearings before the Secretary of State to challenge driver's license suspensions.
• Fines: A DUI conviction can result in several thousand dollars in fines, court costs, and other related fees. The amount a person will be required to pay can increase substantially for a second or subsequent conviction.
• Jail Time: While people who are charged with first-time DUI may be able to avoid spending time in jail, they could still be sentenced to up to one year. Repeat DUI offenders are more likely to be sentenced to jail time. The amount of time a person may need to spend in jail will increase with each DUI offense.
• License Reinstatement Requirements: Before a person can regain their driving privileges after a license suspension or revocation, they will often need to attend a hearing before the Illinois Secretary of State. They may need to meet education and treatment requirements and pay reinstatement fees.
• Ignition Interlock Device: Most people who are convicted of DUI or who have their licenses suspended will be required to install and use one of these devices in any vehicles they drive. A device will require a person to provide a breath sample before their vehicle will start.
• Collateral Consequences: A DUI conviction can affect a person's employment opportunities, lead to the loss of a professional license, and result in increased insurance rates. DUI charges may also have an impact on a person's daily life, educational opportunities, and more.

Underage DUI Penalties

Illinois maintains a strict approach toward drivers who are under the age of 21. An underage driver can be arrested for DUI if they have any detectable trace of alcohol in their body while driving. Even if a young person is well below the 0.08 percent legal limit that applies to adult drivers, they may still face DUI charges.

Minors who are charged with underage DUI will typically face fines and license suspension. However, if a minor is found to have a blood alcohol concentration at or above the legal limit of 0.08 percent, they may face the same DUI charges and penalties that would apply to drivers over the age of 21.