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DUI Lawyer Peoria ILWhat Are the Penalties for a First Offense DUI in Illinois?

Being accused of driving under the influence (DUI) in Illinois should always prompt you to consult with a DUI lawyer Peoria IL trusts to handle these complicated cases. There is a lot on the line for your future if you are convicted of a DUI, including both administrative penalties and criminal penalties.

A knowledgeable DUI lawyer Peoria IL residents turn to in their time of need may assist you with understanding the process as well as all of the potential consequences on the line. Do not hesitate to get help from an attorney as this could be crucial to the outcome of your case.

Far too many people make the mistake of minimizing the consequences of a first offense DUI in Illinois. Just one conviction can be listed on your record and may lead to administrative or criminal penalties. Having someone explain what to expect is strongly recommended if you have been charged with DUI.

Administrative Penalties

There are administrative as well as criminal penalties should you be convicted of a DUI. A first offense DUI in the state of Illinois leads to an immediate suspension of your license for six months, although you may be eligible for a monitored device driving permit on your 31st day of suspension. If you refused to submit to a BAC test when you were pulled over for a suspected DUI, the license suspension may be automatically 12 months.

The suspension might not start at the date of the arrest. You may be eligible to challenge the suspension via a hearing, but a DUI lawyer Peoria IL residents trust may assist you immediately. It is important to take action quickly, as you could otherwise jeopardize your ability to have a license in the future.

Criminal Penalties

The criminal penalties for a DUI conviction in Illinois are classified with those of a class A misdemeanor offense. This means that while most offenders face no minimum jail time, the maximum jail time is one year of incarceration. Fines may be assessed between $500 to $2500, in addition to any court fees and the costs of alcohol awareness courses. In many cases, alcohol awareness education is required. A DUI lawyer Peoria IL is proud to have fighting for the rights of victims may be essential for your case.

Trying to handle your case on your own could compromise your ability to put this matter behind you. An experienced DUI lawyer in Peoria IL may be the only way for you to successfully defend your case. With such strict penalties and consequences on the line, having an attorney to discuss the circumstances of your arrest could make a big difference in the outcome of your case. Waiting too long could jeopardize your ability to defend these charges.

What May Happen If You Are Pulled over for a DUI

As soon as you are charged with a DUI, it may be in your best interest to call a DUI lawyer in Peoria IL as soon as possible. But what do you do before you’re taken to jail? Here is what you can expect might happen and how you should protect yourself along the way.

  • You are pulled over. A law enforcement officer can pull you over if they have a reasonable suspicion that you are driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics. Be sure to immediately pull over as soon as it’s safe to do that. Turn off your engine and roll your window down. When the officer approaches you he or she will request your driver’s license and proof of insurance as well as your vehicle registration. A DUI lawyer Peoria IL motorists hire to protect your rights will likely want to know exactly what happened leading up to your arrest. This may include how you reacted to the officer and if you offered any physical or verbal resistance.
  • If the officer believes you may be under the influence, he or she will request you to exit the vehicle. However, this isn’t really a request. Stay calm and be respectful toward the officer. You will probably have to undergo a field sobriety test. This can be stressful for even a sober person so try to stay as relaxed as possible. Later, if you fail the test for any reason, a DUI lawyer Peoria IL drivers recommend from our firm may be able to find legal fault with how the sobriety test was conducted. In the meantime, follow the officer’s instructions. If you do fail the test, you will more than likely be arrested for a DUI.
  • The officer will take you to the police station to undergo a chemical test to confirm or contradict the field sobriety test. You will have your choice of a breath, urine, or a blood test. As a Peoria DUI lawyer can tell you, you have the legal right to refuse the chemical test but as a result, you will automatically lose your driver’s license and the suspension period may be longer than if you test positive.
  • If your blood alcohol content is at least .05 and less than .08, you will face a DUI charge but your license will not be suspended. If your blood alcohol content is .08 or higher, you will be notified that your license is suspended. A DUI lawyer Peoria IL community members turn to may advise you of the following:
  • For the first DUI, the suspension period is three months.
  • For the second DUI within five years, the suspension period is twelve months.
  • The suspension period for refusing a chemical test is six months for the first DUI, and three years for the second and subsequent DUIs.
  • You go to court. A DUI conviction carries very serious penalties. Owing to the complexity of motor vehicle laws and the court’s opinion of those who represent themselves, it’s nearly always in your best interest to hire a DUI lawyer Peoria IL locals recommend. One of our attorneys can represent you at the various hearings and mount the best possible defense strategy. When you hire a DUI lawyer Peoria IL offers, he or she should already be familiar with known issues associated with the DUI process. For instance, they may know of issues in the past with the lab that performs the chemical test analysis. Or, they may know what the law enforcement officer by law should have done as opposed to what they actually did in pulling you over, testing you, or arresting you.

Speak With a Peoria DUI Lawyer from Smith & Weer, P.C.

An experienced lawyer may assist you with managing your case and understanding the options available to you. To schedule a consultation with a DUI lawyer Peoria IL residents are proud to have representing them in these cases, contact our firm today at 309-694-6700.

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