Rockford, Rolling Hills, Round Lake Beach, Schaumberg, Skokie DUI Lawyers
- Rockford
- Crosby Law Firm:
More DUI arrests occurred in Rockford last year than in any other town in Illinois, reports the Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists (AAIM). The AAIM report, which included every Illinois city except Chicago, indicated that 743 DUI arrests occurred in Rockford last year alone. Compared to other Illinois cities, Rockford statistics are telling. For example, Rockford is among only three cities that reported more than 500 DUI arrests in 2009.
- Daniel Wilkins:
A stipulation is an agreement between adverse parties as to the definition or identification of a statement or pieces of evidence that are material to the case. Trial judges typically accept stipulations of fact presented by parties. However, it is within the trial judge's discretion to reject the stipulated fact if fact sought to be admitted is not relevant or constitutes a legal conclusion. When the trial court accepts a stipulated fact, the party that had the burden of proof with respect to the stipulated fact is relieved from presenting a foundation to establish that fact during the defendant's trial.
- Logan & Morgan:
People who get DUI / DWI are just like everyone else. In my former job as an
Assistant StateŐs Attorney, I prosecuted people of all ages and backgrounds.
There is no stereotypical DUI candidate. Doctors, teachers, firemen all have
gotten a DUI. It is not the crime of the century, but the repercussions can be
very severe.
Just because someone is charged with DUI, does not mean they are guilty of
DUI. Police make mistakes. There are several considerations in a DUI case.
The Prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the person
charged with DUI drank any amount of alcohol. A common mistake is to think
you have to have a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of .08 or above to get a DUI
charge. This is not the case. The Prosecution must show that the amount of
alcohol in your system impaired your ability to drive your vehicle. As a former
Prosecutor, I have prosecuted cases in which the person blew into a
Breathalyzer and the results were under a .08. I know of people being
convicted after having a BAC under .08.
From the time of a DUI stop until a personŐs release from jail, a party charged
with DUI is confronted by a series of decisions. Remember everything you do
and say can and will be used against you in court. The police officer may also
have a camera and microphone so everything that is done will be caught on
tape.
The initial reason for the stop is often a crucial part of each case. What
caused the police officer to pull you over initially? Was the car swerving? Was
your rear brake light out? Was there a roadblock or police check point? The
Police need a reasonable and articulable reason for stopping any car. If they
do not, there is always a chance that the arrest can be quashed.
The police officer will be sure to note how you react once he or she activates
their lights to pull you over. Any difficulty you have pulling over to the side of
the road can and will be used against you in court. The police are trying to
build a case against you. Every piece that they can use to build a DUI case
against you they will. They will note any difficulty that you have in removing
your insurance card or driverŐs license as well as any odor or alcoholic
beverage that they sense on your breath. Of course, any mistake will help
them to the conclusion that you are driving under the influence.
Next, they will want to perform field sobriety tests in order to boost the case
they have against you. There are 3 standardized field sobriety test that most
police officers are trained on. They will normally want you to do all three.
After the DUI tests are complete, if the officer thinks they have enough
evidence, they will place you under arrest. Note that the officer will continue to
monitor your behavior even after the arrest for anything that might boost his
belief that you are under the influence. Remember-anything you say may be
used against you in court.
The Breathalyzer is another device the police use to build a case against you.
A document called Warning to Motorists should be read before the
Breathalyzer is used.
Now you have your DUI ticket(s) and perhaps other traffic tickets. You do not
know what to do. There are certain motions in most DUI cases that must be
filed by a deadline or they can never be filed. It is important to get a lawyer on
your side that is experienced in DUI law. DUI law is constantly changing and
updating and if you do not have a lawyer that is on top of the latest
developments, your chances of a positive outcome may be diminished.
Attorney Logan and Attorney Morgan are both former Assistant State's
Attorneys who have prosecuted AND defended DUI. They know the mindset of
the DUI Prosecutor. They can spot small details that a lawyer who is not familiar
with DUI law may miss
- Brian Morgan:
Are you charged with a crime? Do you know the possible repercussions to
a guilty plea to a simple speeding ticket? The possible repercussions
to a guilty plea multiply as the seriousness of the crime increases.
There is no stereotypical DUI candidate. Doctors,
teachers, firemen all have gotten a DUI. It is not the crime of the
century, but the repercussions can be very severe.
Just because someone is charged with DUI, does not mean they are guilty
of DUI. Police make mistakes. There are several considerations in a DUI
case. The Prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the
person charged with DUI drank any amount of alcohol. A common
mistake is to think you have to have a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of .
08 or above to get a DUI charge. This is not the case. The Prosecution
must show that the amount of alcohol in your system impaired your
ability to drive your vehicle.
From the time of a DUI stop until a personŐs release from jail, a party
charged with DUI is confronted by a series of decisions. Remember
everything you do and say can and will be used against you in court. The
police officer may also have a camera and microphone so everything that
is done will be caught on tape.
The initial reason for the stop is often a crucial part of each case. What
caused the police officer to pull you over initially? Was the car
swerving? Was your rear brake light out? Was there a roadblock or
police check point? The Police need a reasonable and articulable reason
for stopping any car. If they do not, there is always a chance that the
arrest can be quashed.
The police officer will be sure to note how you react once he or she
activates their lights to pull you over. Any difficulty you have pulling
over to the side of the road can and will be used against you in court.
The police are trying to build a case against you. Every piece that they
can use to build a DUI case against you they will. They will note any
difficulty that you have in removing your insurance card or driverŐs
license as well as any odor or alcoholic beverage that they sense on your
breath. Of course, any mistake will help them to the conclusion that you
are driving under the influence.
Next, they will want to perform field sobriety tests in order to boost the
case they have against you. There are 3 standardized field sobriety test
that most police officers are trained on. They will normally want you to
do all three.
After the DUI tests are complete, if the officer thinks they have enough
evidence, they will place you under arrest. Note that the officer will
continue to monitor your behavior even after the arrest for anything that
might boost his belief that you are under the influence. Remember-
anything you say may be used against you in court.
The Breathalyzer is another device the police use to build a case against
you. A document called Warning to Motorists should be read before the
Breathalyzer is used.
Now you have your DUI ticket(s) and perhaps other traffic tickets. You
do not know what to do. There are certain motions in most DUI cases
that must be filed by a deadline or they can never be filed.
You may also be eligible to get permission to drive if and when your
license gets suspended. In order to qualify, you need someone who can
tell you which steps you need to take to get back on the road as soon as
possible.
It is important to get a lawyer on your side that is experienced in DUI
law. DUI law is constantly changing and updating and if you do not have
a lawyer that is on top of the latest developments, your chances of a
positive outcome may be diminished.
- Sreenan & Cain:
A driving under the influence charge is one of the most common
forms of criminal liability. Further, these types of charges
involve one of the most technically complex areas in criminal law.
When a person finds themselves facing a DUI charge, the worst
thing they can do is hire the attorney who will represent them for
the lowest fee. Hiring an experienced attorney with extensive
experience in all the details of DUI law can be the difference
between a successful defense and a conviction, or worse. A DUI can
be successfully challenged and defeated with experienced legal
counsel. Mere allegations alone are insufficient to support
successful prosecution. Rather, the prosecution must prove an
individual was impaired at the time of driving. A person may be
asked to submit to a blood alcohol test or field sobriety test, and
answer a variety of questions about their drinking. Although many
people are unaware of their rights at a traffic stop, they have the
right to refuse to submit to a chemical test, field sobriety test
or to answer most questions. However, the refusal to submit to
chemical tests may lead to the loss of driving privileges for six
months or longer depending on prior convictions.
- Rock Island
- Reyes, Eric:
DUI / D.U.I. / Driving Under The Influence
Being convicted of a DUI can have serious consequences. From losing one's license, to years of imprisonment. The likelihood of the State successfully prosecuting such a charge is greatly dependent on the admissibility of potential evidence.
- VanDerGinst Law:
DUI / Drunk Driving Charges
If you or a loved one has been charged with a DUI (driving under the influence) or related offense, it is essential that you obtain the services of an experienced drunk driving defense attorney. Drunk driving is a serious crime which can result in suspension or revocation of your driver's license, thousands of dollars in fines, and possible jail time. The long-term repercussions can include loss of employment, an increase in your insurance premiums or cancellation of auto insurance altogether, plus a loss of reputation.
Many people believe there is no hope of avoiding conviction once charged with a DUI, but this is a misconception. There ARE alternatives to pleading guilty. DUI cases can be successfully defended or negotiated by an experienced attorney who knows that, like any other legal case, there are a variety of factors at play in your DUI arrest.
- William Schick:
An individual charged with a criminal offense needs to carefully
consider what to do next. If someone is charged with a crime and
does not know what his rights are, he may not be able to fully
protect themselves. Taking the right step can make a difference in
the rest of someone's life. The right information is necessary,
and the right representation is crucial.
It is important to have an experienced and knowledgeable attorney who
will fight to protect an individual's rights in any criminal
proceeding. William Gerald Schick is an experienced criminal defense
attorney who knows what those rights are. If chosen as your attorney,
he will fight to protect your rights under the law.
- Rolling Hills
- Donald
Cosley:
Moving violations can affect your ability to drive, interfering
with your ability to earn a living. Your insurance premiums can
also be impacted when you receive a citation.
- Rolling Meadows
- Waltz, Palmer & Dawson:
Receiving a ticket for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) can result in a variety of emotions and concerns. Many times individuals feel embarrassed, shame or regret and fear the extended loss of their driving privileges. But receiving a DUI does not automatically mean that you donŐt have options. The loss of driving privileges and the DUI may be challenged, as can field sobriety testing or chemical test results.
Every case is different and with each set of facts and circumstances comes a new set of challenges. This is why it is crucial that every element of the DUI case is carefully reviewed to determine how to achieve the best possible outcome. It is important to have an attorney who will take the time to meet with you to discuss your case and its distinctive challenges. It is also important to have an attorney who is experienced in the courtroom and who will fight for her client.
- Cosley, Christopher:
If you are arrested for drunk driving or DUI in Cook County, Illinois,
and register a blood alcohol content (BAC) level of .08 or higher, your
driversŐ license is immediately suspended for three months. You have 30
days from the date of your arrest to submit a petition to rescind the
statutory suspension of your driversŐ license, to get a hearing before
a judge or licensing board. If you waive your right to a hearing, you
will subsequently lose your driving privileges without ever having a
chance to defend yourself.
Both criminal and civil penalties for drunk driving can be harsh and often include:
* Loss or suspension of license
* Large fines
* Substance-abuse treatment
* Jail or prison time
* Community service
* Restitution
* Criminal record
* Restrictive probationary license programs, including ignition interlock devices and Cinderella licenses
In addition, the social stigma and effect on your career may have lifelong negative consequences.
If you have been stopped for, arrested for or charged with drunk driving, it is in your best interest to discuss your options and rights as soon as possible with an attorney who has experience handling drunk-driving cases...
- Donald Cosley:
Many people do not know that they may fight these charges or that the consequences can be so serious. Licenses may be revoked and insurance premiums will increase.
- Round Lake Beach
- Harter & Shottland:
It can happen to anyone. You have one drink too many at dinner, and you are arrested and charged with driving under the influence (DUI) on the way home. You could lose your license, pay heavy fines, and go to jail. If you have a previous DUI conviction on your record, the penalties are even more severe.
- Michael Caithamer:
With the State Legislation lowering the BAC limit to .08, Lake
County has become one of the largest counties in DUI arrest
each year. Many villages specifically target their police
department to crack down on DUI violators. The only way to beat
a DUI is with proper legal representation.
- Schaumberg
- William Wise:
Being charged with a DUI can have a significant impact on a person's
life. Even for a first time offender, the consequences can be severe.
Penalties can include up to a 6 month suspension of one's driving
privileges, a $2500 fine, and up to one year in jail. Further, if you
are convicted for a DUI, even as a first offender, your driving
privileges can be revoked. A first offender can also be charged with a
felony if that person causes serious bodily harm or death during the
commission of the DUI. In 2006, the Secretary of State also made it a
felony, even for first offenders, if the driver did not have a valid
driver's license or was driving without insurance. Felony DUI's are
punishable be one year or more in jail.
- Gregory Ellis:
The police make mistakes. They presume everyone is guilty until proven
otherwise. The police regularly write questionable DUI tickets just to
let the judge sort it out. Field sobriety tests are notoriously
unreliable. The National Highway Traffic Safety administration has
found only a 65% to 77% accuracy rate for field tests. Clearly a large
number of arrests based on these flawed tests are illegitimate. These
test results can be thrown out in court.
- Roberta Kanabay:
It is important that you preserve your rights while protecting your
reputation, regardless of the seriousness of the offense.
- Norris &
Callahan:
The crime of drunk driving is generally defined in two ways: (1)
having a blood alcohol content above the limit set by law, or (2)
driving under the influence of alcohol.
- Warren Breslin:
DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL OR DRUGS" CASES have become
increasingly more sophisticated for both prosecution and defense.
Most police cars and interrogation rooms are equipped with video
cameras that capture both visual and audio events of the arrest.
Proper defense of your case requires your attorney to subpoena
video and audio recordings from the arresting agency before the
tapes are recycled for later usage. Gathering reports, breathalyzer
or lab records, and all other evidentiary material in a timely
manner is essential to a successful defense. And if you have been
charged with a DUI out of state, you should retain Illinois counsel
to confer with your out of state lawyer to help protect your
Illinois license from any reciprocal suspension or revocation.
- Tracy, Sturm & Associates:
Traffic violations can have serious criminal consequences,
particularly when a driver is accused of driving under the
influence. A conviction on DUI/DWI charges may result in fines, the
revocation or suspension of your driver's license, and possible
jail time. In addition, your insurance company may increase your
rates to an unmanageable level. In defending against an impaired
driving charge, you have many rights as a criminal defendant,
including the right to cross-examine the witnesses against you,
even if they are police officers. An experienced attorney can make
all the difference in such a difficult case.
- Skokie
- Dennis M. Kleper & Associates:
Since 1974... ...representing people charged with DUI, Reckless
Homicide, Driving while License suspended or revoked and other serious
crimes.
- Robert Romanoff:
Do you face criminal, traffic, or juvenile charges and require the proper representation?
- Cannon & Weinstein:
Traffic violations can have serious criminal consequences,
particularly when a driver is accused of driving under the
influence. A conviction on DUI/DWI charges may result in fines,
the revocation or suspension of your driver's license, and possible
jail time. In addition, your insurance company may increase your
rates to an unmanageable level. In defending against an impaired
driving charge, you have many rights as a criminal defendant,
including the right to cross-examine the witnesses against you,
even if they are police officers. An experienced criminal defense
attorney can make all the difference in such a difficult case.
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