Bloomington DUI Attorney

Defending Clients Facing DUI Charges in Central IL

The charges against you should not be taken lightly. Contact our Normal & Bloomington DUI lawyers immediately to allow yourself a strong opportunity to defend yourself. Call us at (309) 565-8825.

Understanding DUI Charges in Illinois

In Illinois, you can be charged with drunk driving if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is above .08%, or if you are found to be an impaired driver under the influence of alcohol. Commercial drivers have a BAC limit of only 0.04%. Anyone under the legal drinking age of 21 is held to a zero-tolerance BAC rule, meaning any amount detected over 0.00% is enough to constitute legal intoxication.

Matters Our Bloomington DUI Attorneys Handle

• Breathalyzer Tests
• Repeat DUI & Felony DUI
• DUI Defense Strategies
• DUI Penalties

What are the Penalties for a DUI Conviction?

A conviction for a DUI can have a significant impact on your life, such as the following penalties: losing your driver's license, jeopardizing future housing and employment, paying heavy fines, paying jail or prison sentence and facing the installation of an ignition interlock device (IID).

In Bloomington, Illinois, DUI penalties escalate with each subsequent conviction:

First DUI Conviction

Class A misdemeanor.

• Imprisonment: Up to one year in jail.
• Fines: Maximum of $2,500.
• License Revocation: Minimum of one year.

Additional Penalties: If the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.16% or higher, there's a mandatory minimum fine of $500 and 100 hours of community service.

Second DUI Conviction

Class A misdemeanor.

• Imprisonment: Mandatory minimum of five days or 240 hours of community service; up to one year in jail.
• Fines: Maximum of $2,500.
• License Revocation: Minimum of five years if the second offense occurs within a 20-year period.
• Additional Penalties: For a BAC of 0.16% or higher, there's a mandatory minimum fine of $1,250 and a mandatory imprisonment of two days.

Third DUI Conviction

Class 2 felony.

• Imprisonment: Three to seven years; probation may be available for up to 48 months.
• Fines: Up to $25,000.
• License Revocation: Minimum of ten years.
• Additional Penalties: With a BAC of 0.16% or higher, there's a mandatory imprisonment of 90 days and a mandatory minimum fine of $2,500.

Beyond these immediate penalties, the long-term effects of a DUI conviction can also include increased insurance premiums, mandatory community service, and the potential for strained personal relationships. The impact extends to unforeseen areas such as restrictions on travel, particularly to countries with strict entry policies regarding criminal records. At Johnson Law Group, we recognize that these consequences can dramatically affect your future, which is why we are dedicated to crafting a defense strategy that aims to mitigate these impacts as much as possible.

Multiple convictions for DUI or felony DUI have even greater consequences. In Illinois, there is no lookback period expiration for DUI arrests or convictions on your record. No matter when you were previously arrested or convicted for a DUI in the state, the next incident will count as a subsequent DUI. For example, if you were convicted of a first-time DUI in 2000, you could still be charged with a second-time DUI if you were arrested next in 2015, 2020, or any future time period at all.

How To Defend Against Your DUI?

There are defenses and ways to fight DUI charges. If field sobriety tests or preliminary breath tests (PBT) were administered roadside, we could challenge the validity and accuracy of the Breathalyzer tests. We will also challenge whether the traffic stop and law enforcement behavior were legal and whether your constitutional rights were protected. Our Bloomington DUI lawyers can protect your driving privileges by helping you avoid the suspension of your driver's license.

A highway patrol officer only has the legal ability to pull over a DUI suspect if the officer has reasonable suspicion they are intoxicated, or witnesses an actual violation. There is plenty of gray area within this legal statute. Prosecutors may try to use the vagueness to their advantage.

Our Bloomington DUI defense attorneys are prepared to challenge their arguments with facts that support your innocence, or that prove your traffic stop was unjustified. Any evidence collected after an unjust stop should be inadmissible in court.

Why You Need an Experienced Bloomington DUI Attorney?

Being charged with a DUI can be a scary and overwhelming experience. You may be wondering if you really need a Bloomington DUI attorney to defend you. The answer is yes. Here are some reasons why:

• A DUI conviction can have serious consequences, including fines, license suspension, and even jail time. We can help you navigate the legal system and work to minimize these consequences.
• DUI cases can be complex and require specialized knowledge and experience. An experienced DUI attorney can help you understand the charges against you and build a strong defense.
• We can help you explore all of your legal options and negotiate with prosecutors to get the best possible outcome for your case.
• Hiring a DUI attorney shows the court that you are taking your charges seriously and are committed to defending yourself. This can work in your favor when it comes to sentencing.

At Johnson Law Group, our Bloomington DUI attorneys have years of experience defending clients facing DUI charges in Central IL. We understand the challenges you are facing and are committed to fighting for your rights. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Normal, IL DUI Attorneys

You will want a Bloomington DUI attorney to represent you when the stakes are high. You risk losing your driver's license or jail time. Our DUI defense lawyers in Illinois can review your charges and help negotiate plea arrangements that can lessen the impact on you and may only restrict your driving privileges instead of suspending them outright.

When you need to drive to work, school, or other important events, a loss of driving privileges will take away your freedom of mobility. We can also seek driver's license reinstatement if you have been arrested in Bloomington, Normal, or the surrounding area.

Commonly Asked Questions on DUI Laws in Bloomington

What Should I Do if I'm Pulled Over for a DUI in Bloomington?

If you're pulled over on suspicion of DUI in Bloomington, it’s crucial to remain calm and cooperative. First, pull over safely and turn off your engine. Keep your hands visible and refrain from making sudden movements. When approached by the officer, provide requested documents like your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. It's your right to remain silent beyond providing identifying information, and you can decline to answer fault-admitting questions without a lawyer present. Remember, refusing to undergo field sobriety tests or breathalyzer tests can have consequences, including automatic license suspension under Illinois' implied consent law, but an attorney can help address these repercussions effectively.

How Can a DUI Conviction Affect My Employment Opportunities?

A DUI conviction in Bloomington can significantly impact your employment prospects. Many employers conduct background checks and might view a DUI as a reflection of judgment or reliability, especially if the job involves operating a vehicle or machinery. Fields that require professional licensing might also be impacted by a DUI conviction, possibly requiring disclosure and affecting credentialing. Additionally, time missed due to court appearances or community service can strain your current job role. Our attorneys assist in navigating these complexities, offering guidance to mitigate job-related repercussions as much as possible.

Can I Refuse a Field Sobriety Test in Bloomington?

Yes, you can refuse a field sobriety test in Bloomington. However, while this is within your rights, such refusal could lead to repercussions. Knowing the potential outcomes is crucial since refusal may result in immediate administrative penalties like license suspension. The decision to refuse a sobriety test should be weighed carefully, as these tests are subjective, and their results can sometimes be challenged in court by our capable DUI attorneys. Each case situation might present different advantages to accepting or refusing tests, which is why legal consultation is critical.

What Are the Steps for License Reinstatement After a DUI in Bloomington?

License reinstatement after a DUI in Bloomington involves several steps. Initially, you must satisfy any court-imposed conditions, including completion of DUI education programs or treatment plans. Afterward, an administrative hearing may be necessary to demonstrate compliance and readiness to resume driving legally. Further, there are reinstatement fees to be paid, and potentially the installation of an ignition interlock device on your vehicle as a prerequisite for reinstatement. It’s advisable to work with knowledgeable DUI attorneys to guide you through this process thoroughly.

How Does the Legal Process for a DUI Unfold in Bloomington?

The legal process for a DUI in Bloomington begins with the initial arrest and booking. Following this, a court date is set for your first appearance, often called an arraignment, where charges are formally presented, and you may enter a plea. Pre-trial motions and hearings follow, often concerning the admissibility of evidence or challenging the legality of your stop and arrest. If the matter proceeds to trial, it involves more formal proceedings where both defense and prosecution present their cases before a judge or jury. Throughout each step, having a legal advocate ensures your rights are maintained and that the defense crafted is robust and tailored to your circumstances.

Recommended Reading for More Information About Illinois DUI Cases

• https://www.jlawgroup.com/blog/2018/january/how-can-johnson-law-group-help-me-with-my-dui-/
• https://www.jlawgroup.com/blog/2017/june/johnson-law-group-defends-client-in-reduced-stat/