Driving under the influence regulations in Illinois have been harsher in recent years as the state has recognized the necessity for stiffer penalties. Even if you are facing a first-time DUI charge in Illinois, hiring a DUI lawyer to represent you in court is a wise decision.
DUI fines, if convicted, are at the discretion of the judge presiding over your case and are based on a legal range.
If this is your first time being arrested for DUI, you may be wondering if you should hire a lawyer. The answer is, of course, YES. From the perspective of the judge, being a first-time offender makes little to no difference.
DUI is a serious charge that can jeopardize your future and work, but with the help of an experienced attorney for offense DUI, you can win your case and resume your normal life.
Is It Possible to Reach a Plea Agreement?
If you have any reservations about your case, including the evidence against you, it may be time to seek a plea deal.
Even if it is your first offense, it is not suggested that you represent yourself in a DUI case. A plea bargain is when you agree with the court to enter a guilty plea in exchange for reduced penalties.
If you are convicted, your conviction will be permanently recorded and viewed by your current or future employer. So, employ a first DUI attorney to represent you and limit the potential penalties.
Probable Cause and BAC
Most DUI arrests are the result of two major factors: BAC and Probable Cause.
BAC
A breath or blood test is used to determine BAC, or blood alcohol content. A blood alcohol level of 0.08 or more is sufficient to be charged with DUI.
While you have the choice to refuse the test, you do not have the legal right to do so. By applying for a Florida driver’s license, you have already agreed to submit to a breath test in the event of a valid arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol.
However, the police must have a valid reason for pulling you over before they can test your BAC. This is referred to as probable cause. Probable cause is entirely determined by the officer’s discretion.
Probable Cause
To establish probable cause for the arrest, the officer will look for a driving pattern indicative of impairment (failing to maintain a single lane, swerving, weaving, etc.), the odor of marijuana, body tremors, grinding teeth, restlessness, droopy eyelids, difficulty getting out of the car, slurred speech, fumbling of the driver’s license, poor performance on field sobriety exercises, and many other indicators of impairment.
A good attorney for first DUI will look at the BAC test and the Probable Cause in your case to see whether you can file a petition to suppress. A suppression motion means that specific evidence can be thrown out of court.
For example, if your lawyer successfully argues that the arresting officer lacked probable cause to pull you over, and the traffic stop is ruled invalid, everything that occurred after that invalid stop (including the results of your breathalyzer test) will be thrown out.
Where Can I Find a DUI Attorney in Illinois?
When it comes to hiring a DUI lawyer to handle your case, it’s usually ideal to go with someone who specializes in what you need, in this case, a DUI attorney. A lawyer that specializes in DUI matters has more expertise and understanding in that field.
If you’ve never dealt with an attorney before, the first step is to do your homework. Look for lawyers in your region who specialize in what you need. If you live in Illinois Motta Law Firm has the greatest DUI lawyers who have many court victories in situations similar to yours.
You will undoubtedly overcome your DUI arrest with the help of skilled and qualified DUI lawyers, whether through negotiating, safeguarding your rights, or providing legal counsel. For your first DUI offense situation, contact us right away.
