Frequently Asked Questions About Drunk Driving
Straightforward answers from Marion DUI Lawyers
We know that you have many questions and concerns after you have been arrested for drunk driving. Here are a few of the most common questions that we are asked about DUI charges:
- Should I have taken the roadside sobriety tests?
- Was I required to submit to chemical testing?
- How will I get to work if I lose at the DMV hearing?
- What will happen if I am convicted of drunk driving?
Get the answers you need from a Marion DUI lawyer
For more information about the meaning of your DUI charges, contact Patchett Law Office.
Should I have taken the roadside sobriety tests?
No, but do not worry if you did. Roadside tests—such as walking in a straight line, touching your nose, etc.—are commonly used by police officers to establish cause for giving you a breathalyzer test, or to strengthen their case if your breath test is over .05 percent but less than the legal limit of .08. However, our DUI lawyers are skilled at discrediting the validity of roadside tests.
Was I required to submit to chemical testing?
Illinois has an implied consent law. This means that when you are given a driver's license, it is understood that you will consent to chemical testing of your blood for the presence of alcohol of drugs. However, refusing to consent to testing is not a crime. It is an administrative violation equivalent to a severe traffic ticket, and does not impact your criminal case. But if you have taken a test and failed it, do not despair. Our experienced DUI lawyers will fight all that much harder on your behalf. (Please note: if there was an accident and another person was injured, you should not refuse a blood test.)
How will I get to work if I lose at the DMV hearing?
If your driver's license is suspended despite our efforts, we petition the court for a Judicial Driving Permit. This permit does not reinstate full driving privileges, but allows you to drive to work. You may also be granted driving privileges to attend medical appointments and alcohol or other drug treatment programs. After you fill out a questionnaire to describe your driving needs, our lawyers draft the petition for your signature. However, this cannot be filed until you obtain an alcohol evaluation as well as a letter from your employer stating your work hours.
What will happen if I am convicted of drunk driving?
If you are convicted of DUI in Illinois for the first time and there were no children in the car, the maximum potential sentence is a $2500 fine and a year in prison. You can see why you need experienced legal reputation to help you avoid this outcome. Most likely, you were assigned a public defender who represented you at your arraignment. This lawyer may have helped you make bail, but now you should contact Patchett Law Firm to take over your DUI defense. We cannot guarantee you specific results—no lawyer can—but we can guarantee that we will fight your charges aggressively and work hard to achieve the best possible result for you.
