Springfield, IL DUI Lawyer

Defending Against DUI Charges in SpringfieldIllinois 

One of the most nerve-wracking experiences you can have when driving is to see those red and blue lights flashing in your rearview mirror. Getting pulled over is an unpleasant experience on its own, but it is even worse when you are arrested for driving under the influence (DUI). Drunken driving is extremely reckless and causes hundreds of fatalities in Illinois each year. Police officers are quick to arrest anyone that they suspect is intoxicated, but this often leads to wrongful charges.

Have you been arrested for driving while intoxicated? Our Springfield DUI attorneys at Johnson Law Group can help. Contact us today at (309) 565-8825 to schedule a consultation!

Illinois DUI Laws

The state of Illinois enforces a legal blood alcohol concentration limit of 0.08% for drivers aged 21 and over. For drivers under the age of 21, a BAC of 0.00% is strictly enforced, reflecting the state's zero-tolerance policy. Illinois also operates under an implied consent law, requiring drivers to submit to chemical testing if suspected of DUI.

If you're facing charges related to a DUI in Springfield, it's crucial to have a clear understanding of the state's DUI laws and the potential consequences that lie ahead. At Johnson Law Group, our Springfield DUI attorneys are here to guide you through the complex legal process, advocating for your legal rights and working to acquire the best possible outcome for your case.

What are the Penalties For a DUI in Illinois?

The penalty you could receive if convicted on charges of driving under the influence depends on factors such as your prior criminal record and whether you are accused of causing an accident.

First-Time DUI in IL

• Driver's license suspension of at least 1 year
• Up to a full year of jail
• Fines of up to $2,500

Second DUI in IL 

• Driver's license revocation of at least 5 years
• A minimum of 5 days in jail or 240 hours of community service
• Up to a full year in jail
• Fines of up to $2,500

Third DUI in IL

• Driver's license revocation of at least 10 years
• Mandatory imprisonment of 18 to 30 months, which may be served periodically
• Up to 7 years in prison
• Fines of up to $25,000

DUI Causing an Accident in IL

• Minimum 1-year driver's license suspension
• Mandatory imprisonment of 10 days or 480 hours of community service
• Up to 12 years in prison
• Fines of up to $25,000

In addition to the criminal penalties of a DUI conviction, you must also take into account the ramifications that this situation could have on your life. For example, you can expect to be paying significantly higher rates for car insurance over the next several years. Furthermore, a driver's license suspension could throw your life into disorder as you are suddenly prohibited from commuting to work, driving your children to and from school, and even driving to the grocery store. Don't take chances with the outcome of this situation. Have our Springfield DUI attorneys help you with your driver's license reinstatement.

What are Your Rights If You are Arrested For a DUI?

If you are arrested for a DUI in Springfield, IL, some of your rights could include:

• Right to Remain Silent: You retain the right to remain silent and not answer any questions posed by law enforcement officers. Anything you say can potentially be used against you in court.
• Right to an Attorney: You have the right to an attorney. If you are unable to afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you (if you qualify for a public defender). It's generally recommended to wait for your attorney to be present before answering questions.
• Right to Refuse Field Sobriety Tests: You retain the right to refuse to conduct field sobriety tests. These tests are designed to assess your coordination and balance and are often subjective.
• Right to Refuse Preliminary Breath Test (PBT): In Illinois, you generally have the right to refuse a preliminary breath test (PBT) if you are pulled over for suspicion of DUI. However, refusing a chemical test after being arrested (like a breath, blood, or urine test) can lead to consequences, such as license suspension.
• Implied Consent: The state of Illinois has an implied consent law, which means that by driving on the state's roads, you have already given consent to a chemical test if you are arrested for DUI. Refusing such a test can lead to driver's license suspension.
• Right to Know Charges: You have the right to know the charges against you. Law enforcement should inform you of the charges when you are arrested.
• Search and Seizure Protections: You are protected by the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, that prohibits unreasonable searches and seizures. Any evidence acquired in violation of your Fourth Amendment rights may be suppressed in court.

How to Defend Against DUI Charges

There are numerous defense strategies that may be available for your DUI case. Police mistakes are common, such as an unlawful police stop or errors in the administration of a field sobriety test or breath test. Each Springfield DUI attorney with our firm knows what police officers can and cannot do when investigating a suspected drunk driver and when making a DUI arrest. We can thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your arrest and can fight the evidence against you in order to reduce your charges or get your case dismissed.

Contact Springfield, IL DUI Attorney Today

If you are convicted of DUI, your license will be suspended, and you will face high fines and possible time in jail. In aggravated cases, such as multiple DUI, DUI with injury, or vehicular manslaughter, you might even face a felony conviction. Our Springfield DUI attorneys can fight to save your license and your reputation from the consequences of a conviction. We have more than 100 years of combined legal experience and are members of numerous legal organizations, including: the National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA), the Association of Trial Lawyers of America (ATLA), and the Illinois State Bar Association.

Contact Johnson Law Group today to get started on your defense with our Springfield, IL, DUI lawyer. View the firm's profile at FindaDUIAttorney.com.