Suppose you have been charged with driving under the influence of alcohol. In that case, you may feel overwhelmed and confused about what course of action to take. You might be anxious and scared, unsure of how this charge will impact your future. It’s natural to first think about the consequences instead of the process that comes with it.
However, it’s important to remember that everybody makes mistakes, and there are steps you can take if you’re facing a DUI charge. This blog post aims to provide information about what happens next when someone is accused of a DUI offense in Illinois and offer practical guidance on how best to approach the situation. Let’s look into it!
Learn What DUI Entails
The first step is understanding what it means to be charged with a DUI offense. The legal definition of a DUI varies from state to state. Still, it generally involves driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, such as prescription medication, over the legal limit. Criminal charges for a DUI can range from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on the situation.
How Does The Process Work in Illinois?
As mentioned earlier, every state has its peculiar proceedings regarding driving under the influence cases. Sometimes factors like criminal history and levels of influence are taken into account in these cases. When it comes to Illinois, the criminal process comprises four steps:
Step 1: Arrest
The first step of the process is an arrest. An officer or an arresting agency, such as a law enforcement official, will detain you if they believe that your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) exceeds 0.08%, which is the legal limit. At this stage, you may be asked to take a breathalyzer and/or blood test to determine your BAC before taking you in.
Step 2: Petition For License
Within a few days after being arrested, you must petition the Secretary of State for license reinstatement. This means that if your license has been suspended, you must formally request to have it reinstated. Otherwise, your license may remain suspended for a period of time.
Step 3: Trial
The third step is to go to trial. During this process, you will have the opportunity to present your case before a jury and argue why you believe you are innocent of any DUI-related charges. You may want to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney with extensive experience with DUI cases.
Step 4: Sentencing
If you are found not-guilty, you will be discharged without issue. But if a jury has found you guilty, the court will issue a sentence. Depending on your state’s laws and the severity of your DUI offense, this can include monetary fines, community service, mandatory alcohol evaluation, or probation. You may also be subject to license restrictions or revocation.
Get Your Case Prepared With Courtney Anderson
If you’re facing a DUI case in Illinois, it’s important to have a dependable criminal attorney by your side. Courtney Anderson can fulfill that role. I have broad experience defending clients accused of crimes like DUI, traffic offenses, felonies, and more. We can work together to get a strong defense for your case.
I can confidently assure you that I will help you know and protect your rights through every step. I will proudly stand up for you and navigate through the peculiarities of your case to ensure the best possible outcome. Please reach out to me today to talk about your situation. I’m sure we can work it out together!