My cousin told me that he has a big problem about his car insurance rates because of his DUI conviction in Skokie, Illinois. Is it true that it will be largely affected because of his drunk driving conviction?

Malcolm

Skokie, IL

Your cousin’s drunk driving conviction in Skokie, Illinois could bring many negative consequences into his life. Aside from the legal consequences such as possible jail time, fines and a criminal record, he would also have higher insurance premiums. If he is currently insured, his car insurance provider would, of course, respond to this circumstance. What his car insurance company can exactly legally do would vary but his car insurance company may cancel or decline to renew his policy, restrict coverage provisions or, at a minimum, increase his premiums.

Although the amount of increase could greatly vary, his premiums could go up as much as 100 percent or more. How his car insurance provider reacts to his DUI could be worse if he has other strikes against him, such as traffic tickets, previous drunk driving convictions, late or unpaid insurance premiums, at-fault accidents or other negative history with the insurance company. He can obviously get free online rate quotes from various car insurance companies such as the ones available from this website.

My sister has just been charged with DUI here in Illinois. I have heard so many things about DUI such as all people accused of DUI are guilty, DUI is a minor offense, that any lawyer can defend a person charged with DUI, DUI cases cannot win and that a DUI case is similar to any other case? Which of these things about DUI are true?

Lindsay

Arlington Heights, IL

There many myths surrounding DUI cases at present. If you want your sister to increase her chances of winning her DUI case in Arlington Heights, Illinois, don’t believe in any of these things. It is not true that all people accused of DUI are guilty. It should always be remembered that a person is “innocent until proven guilty.”

It is also definitely not true that DUI is just a minor offense. DUI is a criminal offense that can escalate into a bigger crime, especially when injury or death is the result of an act. DUI can even send the offender to jail.

Regarding what you heard that any lawyer can defend a person charged with DUI, this is actually always not the case. There are many lawyers who specialize in DUI case. They can help your sister better than other lawyers who are just general practitioners of law.

It is also not true that DUI cases cannot win. Please, don’t ever believe this. A good Illinois DUI lawyer can help your sister win her DUI case, provided there is enough evidence to defend her. The last thing that you mentioned that a DUI case is similar to any other case is also not true. A DUI case is being surrounded by different circumstance and requires different types of evidence. The outcome of the case cannot be predicted but a good DUI lawyer can increase your sister’s chances of winning.

I know someone who has been charged with DUI here in Illinois. He’s in trial right now and by the looks of it, he will be convicted but he’s lawyer is doing everything to at least shorten the jail time and reduce the fines. I wanna make sure that the same thing will not happen to me. I don’t deny that I have been drunk or maybe drove under the influence of alcohol once or twice. What advice could you give me if I will be caught drunk driving?

Jackie

Springfield, IL

It is unlawful to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs in Illinois. It is strongly advised that people should not drive alone while in an intoxicated condition. Drivers who are caught doing this are charged with a criminal offense. It is very important that you know what to do if you are stopped by a patrol officer on a DUI suspicion.

In case you can’t avoid drinking and getting behind the wheel, you should have a favorable witness along with you in your car. Eye drops should be applied to mask bloodshot eyes, which strongly imply a person’s drunken condition. If you will be caught drunk driving, you should not take a portable breath test or any field sobriety tests (FST) while in an intoxicated condition because you are not required by law to do so. You should also indicate that you are confused about your legal rights. You should be advised by the officer to ask for a lawyer before questioning and after Miranda warnings are given. You should not information as to how much you have been drinking and what you were drinking. All implied consent warnings should be fully read to you by the police officer. You should also be polite and courteous regardless of how rude a police officer may be towards you. While blowing into the Breath analyzer, you should not blow hard because blowing hard may reflect a higher than normal reading.

Lastly, if in any unavoidable circumstance that you will be charged with DUI, make sure that you consult and hire an experienced Illinois DUI lawyer to give you detailed advice, to represent you, and to make sure everything will be done for you to avoid serving in jail and hefty fines.