
You are enjoying a nice, fun Memorial Night at your favorite bar. And right after you leave this bar, you begin driving home to your house in Schaumburg.
Within minutes of leaving, you are pulled over and given a field sobriety test. Unfortunately, you fail this test and leads to your receiving a DUI charge.
Many people receive DUI charges. Despite that this is true, a DUI charge is never something to take lightly. It is also nothing to accept.
Clarifying why you should avoid getting a DUI on Memorial Day and speaking with a Schaumburg DUI defense attorney who will defend you from a DUI charge will allow you to protect yourself.
What Is A DUI?
The term “DUI” stands for “Driving Under the Influence.”
Given the definition outlined above, a DUI is a criminal offense that involves driving while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance.
For example, if someone is driving while having ingested alcohol, then they can be charged with a DUI.
In most cases, the blood alcohol level of that driver must be .08% or higher. For this reason, if their blood alcohol level is lower than .08%, then it is unlikely that they will be charged with a DUI.
If an individual is found to have a controlled substance in their blood – cocaine, for example – then they can be charged with a DUI, regardless of the quantity that they ingested.
What Happens If You Get A DUI?
If you get a DUI, then you will face the following DUI penalties in Illinois:
- A one-year loss of your driving privileges.
- A possible jail sentence of no more than one year.
- A fine that is no more than $2,500.
Other penalties can apply, depending on the facts of your DUI. The above are the most common and, in turn, the most likely.
If this is not your first DUI then the penalties become even more severe.
A second DUI conviction can lead to your driving privileges being revoked for five years. A third DUI conviction can lead to a ten-year loss of your driving privileges, as well as up to seven years in prison, among a variety of other consequences.
Consider this, you may be used to driving where you want to go. Having a DUI will mean that isn’t always possible. You will likely need to rely on Uber rides and public transportation, among other opportunities.
The same basic notion applies to the potential jail sentence, fines, and community service that you can be forced to deal with if you receive a DUI.
Get Qualified Legal Help
If you need representation for a DUI charge, Glasgow & Olsson is uniquely qualified to help you.
When you need an attorney, experience matters. 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.