What constitutes a DUI charge in Illinois and do I need to hire the best lawyer for this, or will a cheaper no name lawyer be ok?

Myra

Thank you for asking Myra.

“Driving Under the Influence” (DUI) is defined as driving a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol, other drugs or intoxicating compounds. In Illinois, a motorist is legally considered to be under the influence if he/she has a blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 percent or more, has used any illegal substance, or is impaired by medication. A driver’s BAC is based on the ratio of alcohol to blood or breath. An individual however showing alcohol levels between .05 and .08 percent may be charge of DUI if additional evidence determines that the driver was impaired.

Illinois law allows you to represent yourself in D.U.I. proceedings but because mandatory minimum sentences for even the first offense can be severe, it is best to consult an experienced and the best lawyer who knows the law and can advise you on the facts of your case.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

I took the DUI breath test and it was over the limit. Do I still get a chance with my case? Should I hire a lawyer?

John

Thank you for asking John.

There is always hope if your DUI lawyer is experienced of those numbers and knows all the ways those numbers can be wrong. The DUI breath test being used by police officers in Illinois does not measure alcohol specifically, and can make many types of errors and mistakes. According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA), field sobriety tests are only 65% reliable, and breath, blood and urine testing can be similarly unreliable. Some of the factors that can lead to inaccurate results include improper administration, faulty equipment, faulty analysis and other factors.

An experienced and expert DUI lawyer knows how to examine the breath testing records to determine whether the machine that produced it was working improperly or if there are other reasons to believe the number it printed out was inaccurate.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

When I’m taken to the police station because of DWI arrest in Chicago Illinois, do I have a right to a lawyer or a phone call?

Joseph

Thank you for asking Joseph.

You may and should ask to see or call an attorney as soon as you arrive at the police station since you are now under arrest—where anything you say might be used against you—you should not say anything without a lawyer present or until you have talked to an attorney.

In Illinois, within a reasonable time after your arrest or booking at the jail, you have the right to make a local phone call to an attorney, bail bondsman and/or any relative or other person. The police may not listen to the call to the lawyer and any communications made to your attorney. Your call should be discrete and made in such a way that you cannot be overheard by any other person or police officer. Make sure you pay attention to your surroundings when you make the call and notice if the police or anyone else can overhear the conversation.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

Since its only a DWI conviction, can I just represent myself in Illinois?

Tom

Thank you for asking Tom.

In Illinois, even though you are legally permitted to represent yourself, you are likely to get a much more favorable result if you retain a knowledgeable DWI attorney to represent you. In many cases getting a qualifoed and experienced DUI attorney can result in the charges being reduced or dismissed. Additionally, the need for jail time can often be eliminated.

A qualified and experienced attorney will review your case and the police reports. Your DWI attorney will also analyze the results of the chemical tests, compel discovery of the pertinent maintenance records and arrange for blood samples to be tested by an independent lab. An experienced DUI lawyer will be able to file Motions on your behalf with the court and attempt to negotiate a favorable conclusion with the District Attorney in Illinois.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

Can I be charged of DUI even if I don’t have a car in Illinois?

John

Thank you for asking John.

Yes, you don’t have to be operating a car, truck or motorcycle to be arrested for DUI. Each state’s laws are different, but throughout the United States, individuals have been arrested for DUI while driving an assortment of motor vehicles, including boats, airplanes and bicycles.

In Illinois, these DUIs may seem amusing, but they’re actually very serious. Vehicle-free DUIs and non-driving DUIs pose just as much of a threat as “regular” DUIs, and can cause injury to people, other motorist, and yourself. And DUIs that don’t include vehicle certainly do include criminal penalties.

If you still have lingering questions regarding DUI, you should connect with a DUI lawyer for advice and clarification about DUI myths and laws in Illinois.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

I was convicted for DUI and I just want to know if I need to get a DUI lawyer at this point. I live in Chicago Illinois.

Harry

Thank you for asking Harry.

Having an understanding Illinois DUI law and courtroom proceedings can be a challenge. Hiring a qualified Illinois DUI attorney or lawyer in Chicago who’s practice concentrates on drunk driving defense can make a difference in the outcome of your DUI charge. For a Chicago Illinois DUI lawyer or attorney, you can check some online for websites to get the best lawyer in your specific case and an Illinois DUI attorney that really knows drunk driving defense and the Illinois DUI law.

Each Chicago Illinois DUI Lawyer at offers an initial review of your drunk driving charge. Your inquiry online is free and confidential. But I suggest that you do it as soon as possible, as time is very critical in a DUI case.

Goodluck!

MariCAR