Carroll & Truesdale:
Did you know that one incident of DUI or DWI can result in three separate violations? That is why
drunk driving charges can be more complicated than a felony:
-
Petty
Offense: The initial violation for which you were pulled over can be considered a petty
offense.
-
Civil Component: Refusing to blow in
the breathalyzer, or blowing over the legal limit of .08 can result in civil consequences
(suspension/revocation) to your drivers license.
-
Criminal Charges: Driving under the influence is a criminal offense, and can be
considered a misdemeanor or a felony.
A public defender cannot represent you for the civil component of your case, leaving
you without remedies (Ex. A Driving Permit) for the civil portion of your case. If you face multiple
charges, you have to hire an attorney if you want to be represented in civil court. We can give you
the legal counsel you need for every aspect of your DUI or DWI case.
Long Term Effects
of DUI
Not only are DUI and DWI cases some of the most complex in Illinois, but a
conviction can carry severe long-term consequences. Even for a first offense, you may face license
suspension and court supervision. For a second offense, you are not eligible to receive
supervision, and a conviction automatically results in an indefinite revocation of your drivers
license. You may even have to wait one to three years to get a Driving Permit, and
realistically should not expect to receive reinstatement of your drivers license for three to five
years.