You are at a bar, enjoying a few drinks while watching a March Madness game. Right after the game concludes and your friends leave, you begin driving home.
The drive is pleasant enough. But mere minutes before you reach Schaumburg, you pass a police car. This doesn’t concern you, and so you keep driving at your current rate.
Soon after passing the police car, you hear its slow siren and are asked to pull over.
Just minutes after you pull over, you are arrested and charged with a DUI due to a failed field sobriety test.
Going over what a DUI means and how you can avoid it will allow you to enjoy March Madness,
What Is A DUI?
The term “DUI” stands for “driving under the influence.”
If someone drives under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or some other controlled substance, then they can be charged with a DUI.
Just as a general rule, if you have been drinking and your blood alcohol level is .08 or higher, you will be charged with a DUI.
Being charged with a DUI is quite serious as a result of the consequences it can lead to.
Why Should You Want To Avoid A DUI Charge?
You should want to avoid a DUI charge in Illinois for the following reasons:
- If you receive your first DUI, you can be sentenced to jail for up to one year.
- If you receive your first DUI, you can be forced to pay a fine of no more than $2,500.
- If you receive your first DUI, you can have your driving privileges suspended for one year.
None of the consequences outlined above are pleasant. But, if this is not your first DUI, then the consequences become even more severe, leading to more significant fines, community service,, a longer driving privilege revocation and even prison.
On the other hand, the above holds true if there were certain factors present when you obtained your DUI. Some of the most notable of these factors are as follows:
- If you were transporting a child under the age of sixteen.
- If you had a blood alcohol level that was .16 or higher.
- The DUI caused death or great bodily harm.
If any of those factors is present, the consequences of a DUI become even more serious.
How Can You Avoid A DUI Charge?
Some of the best ways you can avoid a DUI charge are as follows:
- Use an app, like Uber, to get home.
- Walk home.
- Stay at a hotel.
- Select a designated driver.
Every single one of the above will allow you to avoid a DUI charge.
If you have already been charged with a DUI, though, then you need to speak with a Schaumburg DUI defense lawyer as soon as possible.
Speaking with an attorney will allow you to contest the DUI you are facing, making it easier to protect your rights and reputation.
Get Qualified Legal Help Today
Glasgow & Olsson is uniquely qualified to help you if you need representation for a DUI charge.
Thomas Glasgow has lectured statewide on DUI practice and law for the Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education. He is recognized as an authority in this area of law and in addition to lecturing, he also writes for the statewide DUI manual. When you need an attorney, experience matters.
Speak with a DUI defense attorney in Schaumburg today to learn how our experience can get you the results you deserve.