Imagine this: you are driving home to Chicago.
No more than ten minutes ago, you left a party that was being hosted at your friend’s home. You had a few drinks while at this party like everybody else.
A few minutes before you arrive home, a police officer stops you. The officer asks you to take a sobriety test, which you fail.
You are charged with a DUI. Then reality kicks in and you cannot figure out what to do or how to defend yourself.
Clarifying your options to contest a DUI charge while speaking with a Chicago DUI defense attorney who can help you develop this defense will allow you to protect yourself.
Why Should You Contest Your DUI Charge?
The main reason you should contest your DUI charge is as follows: a DUI charge will change your life for the worse.
If you receive a DUI, you will likely lose your ability to drive for a period of time – at least one year – which will greatly affect your ability to live your life.
Outside of the above, you can also face fines, community service, and even jail time.
On the off-chance that you have already received a DUI, you risk losing your driving privileges for more than a year. In addition, you will be looking at heavier fines, more community service, and a longer jail sentence.
What Should You Do If You Have Been Charged With A DUI?
The first thing you must do is speak with an experienced attorney.
A good attorney will walk you through the choices available to you and, in doing so, help you go to court and obtain the best possible legal outcome.
Outside of the above, you must also record/document the incident that led to your arrest.
If you didn’t record the incident, try to recall it in as much detail as you can. Gather up the information available to you – the name of the arresting officer, the results of the test; among others – so that you can use it.
No matter the information available to you or the defense you wish to employ, you must work with an attorney.
How Can You Contest A DUI Charge?
You can contest a DUI charge by employing a wide variety of different defenses. To do this, you must work with an attorney who can help you determine which defense is most appropriate.
Just as an example, let’s say you were given a blood alcohol level test. However, if this test was administered improperly, then you can contest the results of the test. Your argument would be simple, the test wasn’t properly administered.
Yet another defense you can employ is arguing that the officer who pulled you over did not have probable cause to do so. And, since they did not have probable cause, your arrest was unlawful.
Many other defenses can be employed. No matter the defense, it must be relevant to the facts of your DUI charge.
Get Qualified Legal Help Today
If you need representation for a DUI charge, Glasgow & Olsson is uniquely qualified to help you.
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 today to learn how our experience can get you the results you deserve.