Do I need a lawyer for a DUI?
Rockford DUI lawyers are not hard to come by, but be sure to retain a DUI lawyer who has experience. There are typically just two options for cases involving those charged with DUI: the case will either settle with a plea bargain, or the case will be decided at trial.
Whether you can fight your case at trial depends on the specific facts of your case. Often times, police in northern Illinois will issue citations for two offenses. Driving while intoxicated is a charge distinct from driving with a blood alcohol content over the legal limit of .08. Another traffic citation is commonly issued, because a separate justification for the stop is necessary, as a DUI case may be dismissed if it started with an unlawful stop by the police. Many people ask, “should I blow if the police pull me over for DUI?” The answer depends. The cautious approach is usually not to engage in the roadside breathalyzer test, since they are notoriously unreliable; however, the law offers stiff penalties for those who refuse to submit to a breathalyzer, including the suspension of your license.
DUI Laws in Winnebago County
Plea Bargain
A plea deal is an agreement between the defendant and the state’s attorney, which resolves the case in court subject to the approval of the judge. There are several different types of plea bargains, including an agreement on what the defendant’s sentence will be when the defendant pleads guilty and is sentenced. A plea deal requires the defendant to plead guilty. In exchange, the defendant receives a lesser sentence. Other than a dismissal or not guilty verdict, the best outcome of a DUI case is usually court supervision. Court supervision means their is no conviction when your term of supervision is successfully completed. Conditional discharge and probation are also common sentences for DUI convictions, unless you are a repeat offender. Incarceration or time in jail can apply to repeat offenders or defendants that cause an injury in the course of their DUI.
Charge Bargain
Another agreement can be reached with the district attorney, when both sides agree that the charges will be reduced. As Rockford DUI attorneys know, many defendants have their first DUI charges brought down to reckless driving. To have your DUI charges reduced to reckless driving is never guaranteed. However, some people charged with DUI have received charge bargains to reduce the charges down to improper lane usage.
Rockford IL DUI Attorney
Different DUI lawyers in Rockford, Illinois, will tell you different approaches to handling yourself at DUI traffic stops. Was the traffic stop individual to you, or was it a roadside sobriety check or roadblock by the police? The answer may change how you should behave when you are pulled over behind the wheel. Always be respectful to the police officer, and do not argue with the cops whenever possible. Remember, you have the right to refuse a search of your vehicle, when the police do not have probable cause that you have committed a crime. If a police officer ever tells you he wants to search your vehicle, ask yourself, “is he ordering me to do this, or is he just asking for my permission?” Whenever you interact with the police, be careful to determine whether the police instructions of you are commands or simple requests. The police can ask or request you to do almost anything, but what the the police can and cannot lawfully command of you is limited.
DUI is not limited to alcohol. Our law firm represents defendants charged with DUI for driving under the influence of marijuana and other drugs. Although roadside marijuana sobriety tests are less common than sobriety tests for alcohol, police officers are exceedingly checking for drivers who are impaired on marijuana. Drivers can also get charged with DUI from prescription drugs or other chemical compounds.
Free DUI Consultation
To schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your specific charges and options to protect your driving rights, please call (815) 200-8802 today to schedule a meeting with one of our attorneys. You can also book your free meeting with an attorney online.
Lawyer Payment Plan
We understand that your DUI charge may be a significant financial burden for you. We offer a number of payment options to ease your stress and the impact that your legal defense will have on your family and budget. The first step in learning more about our payment plans is to book your free consultation so that we can go over all of your options in person.
