Dealing with DUI charges is not an easy process. It can impact your life in many ways including the loss of driving privileges, huge fines, jail time, and a criminal record.
A skilled attorney can help you fight against these charges and possibly get them dropped. Here are the things you should look for when choosing a Chicago DUI lawyer: 1. Experience.
1. Experience
The state of Illinois has strict laws when it comes to DUI cases. A conviction will result in fines, license suspension, and jail time. In addition, a driver’s record may cause issues when applying for jobs or trying to obtain a mortgage. This is why hiring an experienced Chicago DUI lawyer is crucial.
A DUI defense attorney will review the case to find any errors made by the police in conducting the arrest and investigation. For example, the field sobriety tests used by the police can be flawed. The lawyer will also determine if the police officer had sufficient probable cause to pull over the vehicle and conduct a breath or blood test.
Public defenders can be helpful, but they often have a heavy workload. Private lawyers have the time, resources, and care needed to build a strong DUI defense strategy. James Dimeas has over 29 years of experience in fighting DUI cases and he knows how to analyze the case.
2. Reputation
Whether it’s your first time being pulled over, or you have multiple DUI charges on your record, the consequences are significant. You may lose your license, see an increase in your insurance rates, and face hefty fines. You also have to deal with the stigma of having a criminal record, which can make it difficult to find a job or rent an apartment. If you hire a lawyer with a good reputation for winning DUI cases, you can help protect your future and get your case dismissed. Public defenders aren’t always the best choice for DUI cases, since they often have many other clients and don’t give each case the attention it needs. Reputable lawyers handling DUI cases in Chicago will have the resources and time to dedicate to your case.
3. Fees
A DUI conviction can cost you thousands, especially if it’s your first time. This is due to the financial burden of fines, legal fees, drug and alcohol education course fees, DMV costs, higher insurance premiums and more.
A Chicago DUI lawyer can help you avoid these penalties by putting together the best possible defense for your case. They will use their knowledge of the law to present evidence and find holes in the prosecutor’s case. They can also take care of all the necessary paperwork and actions for you.
A DUI case begins when a police officer suspects that a driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This can occur through observing suspicious driving behaviour or responding to a car accident. The suspect will be asked to submit to a breathalyzer test. Most people do not realise that they can refuse to give the test. However, the police may tell them that they are guilty based on their failure to perform.
4. Communication
When you are charged with a DUI in Illinois, your life will change significantly. Getting caught with this charge can cause you to lose your driving privileges (temporarily or permanently), and will leave a mark on your record that will be difficult to get rid of, especially when it comes time to apply for a job or a mortgage.
A qualified Chicago DUI attorney will be able to help you fight these charges and avoid serious consequences. They can also assist you in clearing a DUI arrest from your record, which can be done through a process called expungement.
A reputable lawyer will be able to determine if the police officers who stopped you were biased or otherwise untrustworthy. For example, they may say that you failed a breathalyzer test even when you didn’t. This is an attempt to trick you into confessing to drinking more than the legal limit. They can also challenge the accuracy of non-standardized field sobriety tests.
