DUI Blood Alcohol Test in Illinois – How Accurate Are They?

Reader’s Question:

I know that there are certain ways to measure alcohol in the system during a DUI investigation in Wheaton, Illinois. What is the most accurate scientific method for alcohol testing?

Jaden

Wheaton, IL

Even if consumed in small amounts, alcohol could have a noticeable effect on the body. When taken in large amounts, alcohol could act as a sedative and depresses the central nervous system. Blood alcohol test is commonly used to find out whether a person is legally drunk or intoxicated. Blood alcohol test checks the amount of alcohol in the blood if a person is suspected to be driving under the influence. In a DUI investigation in  Illinois, consent may be required, but refusing to take the test could have legal consequences.

Blood alcohol content (BAC) is the standard for measuring the degree to which an individual is impaired by alcohol. Studies show that there is a direct correlation between the BAC and the degree to which reactions and judgments are impaired. Gas Chromatography is the method used for blood alcohol testing and is considered the most accurate forensic quality test in the industry today. But drawing of blood is an invasive and expensive procedure.

DUI in Illinois – What Happens If I am Caught?

Reader’s Question:

I am an occasional drinker and when I drink, I usually just drive myself home. I have never been charged with DUI here in Joliet, Illinois, but if I will be caught drunk driving, what do I stand to lose?

Clay

Joliet, IL

If you are a drinker, it’s a good thing that you want to know what you stand to lose by driving drunk. To know why this is such a bad idea is essential to help you plan before you head out to party and drink and drive yourself home.

In the state of Illinois, the legal limit for blood alcohol content (BAC) is .08 percent. If you are caught in Joliet, Illinois with a BAC that is higher than the limit, you could lose your license, head to jail, or be asked to perform community service. Of course, you will have to pay fines for a DUI offense. Education and alcohol treatment may also be a requirement and you will have to pay for these classes and assessments.

If you lose your driving privileges, you would have to do several things before you can get it back. First, you would have to pay a steep fine on top of the fines that you have already paid and you would have to complete an alcohol education course in order to get it back.

If you get your license back, you would have to prove that you are insured but your insurance company may also drop your coverage. You can find another insurance provider to cover you, but it would be expensive. You will be tagged as a ‘high risk’ driver if you have a DUI offense, thus insurance companies may charge high premiums. So with that said, it would be far better to avoid the DUI at all costs than to deal with these expenses.

Illinois DUI Lawyer For Teen Driver

Reader’s Question:

My 17-year old son was arrested a little over a week ago and was charged with DUI here in Illinois. What is the underage drunk driving law here in Illinois? Will my son go to jail? Should I hire a DUI lawyer to fight the charge?

Jerome

Rockford, IL

Drinking and driving is a high risk proposition for someone under the age of 21. Even if the blood alcohol content (BAC) is under the legal limit of .08 percent that only applies to drivers over the age of 21.

In the state of Illinois, your son might be facing a harsh sentence. If he will be convicted with DUI, he will face consequences for his actions.

His driver’s license will be revoked for a minimum of two years but he may be issued a restricted license after one year. He may be fined up to $2500 and will serve a jail sentence of up to one year. He may also be directed to join a Youthful Intoxicated Driver’s Visitation Program.

The sentence may seem unpleasant for someone who is under 21 but the law aims the threat of losing the freedom to drive for two years would convince people under 21 to not drink and drive.

Do I Need The Best DUI Lawyer in Illinois?

Reader’s Question:

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

Springfield Illinois DUI Attorney – Do You Need One?

At other times, when you are faced with the possibility of needing to hire a Springfield DUI attorney, the options may not be entirely clear. Still, in many cases it is best if you take the safest route and go ahead and hire a lawyer. When you have a doubt, better go out and get representation.

Reasons why you’re probably going to need a DUI attorney.

• while the consequences for a second DUI arrest are not quite as heavy as those for a third or a fourth or a fifth, they’re still a long stretch away from whatever consequences you suffered with your first one. If you’re on number two, you most likely need to call up a lawyer.
• if you had a baby in the backseat. When you have someone under 18 driving with you when you’re drunk, then you’re in trouble for endangerment of a minor on top of DUI, and so you’re likely going to need some more help.
• drunk is drunk, but sometimes the drunker you are, the heavier your sentence. If, when you were arrested, your BAC was two times the legal limit, you’re in even deeper waters.