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posted on 9/1/18

You get an email from an old college buddy whom you have not seen in ages. He is in town on business and invites you to a backyard barbecue hosted by a mutual friend. You eagerly reply that you will see him there! With the long Labor Day holiday weekend ahead, you are looking forward to kicking back and relaxing with close friends. That Sunday, you hop in your car and drive to your friend’s place, excited for what should be an enjoyable afternoon. The conversation is excellent, as is the food. The cold, crisp beers are even better on a hot and sunny Chicago afternoon. Before you know it, the sun is setting and you have to drive back home.

You ony had a few beers, and you ate a ton of delicious barbecue. You feel okay to drive. No big deal, right? With rideshare services like Uber and Lift avoiding a DUI is simple. Ignore this advice and get behind the wheel of your car after you have been drinking and you might regret it. Being arrested for DUI can happen to anyone. One small mistake can completely upend your life. If you are pulled over after having even one drink, you might be charged with DUI. This can be a scary thing to face, and in the moment, you might not know what to do. If you have been charged with DUI in Illinois, contact the experienced DUI attorneys at Glasgow & Olsson right away.

What if I am Arrested for DUI in Illinois?

Illinois has very strict laws regarding driving under the influence of alcohol. While you might feel completely fine to drive after a cocktail or two, the state of Illinois says that you are under the influence of alcohol if you have a blood alcohol content of 0.8 or higher. If you decide to refuse a breathalyzer or blood test, then you may receive an automatic one-year suspension of your license. An experienced DUI attorney will know how to fight this on your behalf.

The consequences for a DUI conviction are much worse. Having a blood alcohol content over .08 can get you a one-year suspension of your license, one year in jail, a $2,500 fine, and alcohol-counseling courses. A finding of guilty on a DUI can have an impact on your life other than the criminal penalties you may be familiar with.

A finding of guilty can:

  • impact your ability to drive;
  • can negatively impact job opportunities;
  • have an effect on your ability to possess a weapon;
  • subject you to heightened insurance premiums;
  • and subject you to state discipline proceedings on any professional license you might have with the State.

Not only are doctors and lawyers subject to losing their licensure upon a finding of guilt , but dentists, nurses, or other individuals licensed with the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation as well as people such as pilots, bus drivers and railroad employees can be subject to reprimand or revocation of their licensed ability to work in their given profession upon a finding of guilt for a DUI charge.

If you are arrested for subsequent DUI offenses, the consequences will be even harsher, including a felony conviction and up to five years of jail time and an indefinite revocation of your driving priviledges.

Labor Day Weekend DUI

The Illinois State, Chicago and suburban police departments are extra watchful for drunk drivers on the roads during holidays, and Labor Day is no exception. With everyone off work an extra day, and looking to take advantage of the last few days of summer, there are more drinkers and more drivers on the road than during other times of the year. It is not uncommon to encounter DUI checkpoints around the city and suburbs, as well.

No one should drink and drive, but if you are facing DUI charges in Illinois, an experienced DUI lawyer can help. A DUI conviction can have serious backlash, and you want to prevent one small mistake from ruining the rest of your life. To avoid or reduce the penalties for a DUI, find a lawyer who is knowledgeable about Illinois DUI law.

How can I Find a DUI Lawyer in Illinois?

Finding the right DUI lawyer to handle your case might be a new experience for you. When choosing a lawyer, you should look for a firm that has experience handling cases similar to yours. At Glasgow & Olsson, our goal is to help those who have been charged with DUI navigate what can often be an intimidating process. The members of our firm are published authors and statewide lecturers in the field of DUI law. Our team is compassionate, professional, and knowledgeable. If you are a resident of Cook, Lake, Kane, McHenry, or DuPage county who was charged with a DUI, call 847.577.8700 for an initial consultation or visit us online and complete the consultation form.

(image courtesy of David Everett Strickler)