Four Reasons to Hire a DUI Defense Lawyer for an Illinois Drunk Driving Case

 Posted on February 26, 2021 in DUI

The Illinois Secretary of State’s office recently released its 2021 DUI Fact Book and, though the figures from last year have yet to be tallied, there are some surprising statistics on drunk driving offenses in 2019. More than 26,200 people were arrested for DUI, 90 percent of whom lost their driving privileges as a result of an administrative suspension or revocation. Plus, many others were convicted for drunk driving through the criminal process. Though the details vary, penalties include a jail term of up to one year, fines, and others.

Another interesting statistic revealed by the Fact Book is that 86 percent of all individuals arrested for drunk driving are first-time offenders. Therefore, there is a good chance that you never had reason to retain legal counsel – and may not believe that it is even necessary. If you are on the fence about hiring an experienced DUI defense attorney, these four reasons should convince you.

In-Depth Knowledge of Illinois DUI Laws

You know drunk driving is illegal, but you probably do not have a meticulous, comprehensive knowledge of the statutes, case precedent, and court procedural rules. Plus, it is essential to grasp the relevant legal concepts for both the criminal case and the administrative process regarding your driver’s license.

Specific Trial Experience in Drunk Driving Cases

Not every drunk driving case will go to trial, but you gain peace of mind knowing that your attorney is ready to protect your rights if it does. Always remember that the prosecutor must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, so a DUI defense lawyer applies trial advocacy skills to attack weaknesses in the evidence. At an administrative hearing regarding a driver’s license revocation or suspension, your attorney will fight to obtain the best possible outcome.

Assistance with Court Supervision

First-time DUI offenders may qualify for court supervision as a way to resolve drunk driving charges. This option is similar to probation, so there are conditions you must meet during the supervision period. If you comply with the court order, you will not have a DUI conviction on your record. Your drunk driving defense lawyer is a valuable asset for court supervision to ensure you achieve the benefits.

Seeking a Lesser Charge

In some cases, you may be able to reach a plea agreement to have drunk driving charges reduced to a “wet reckless” offense. A savvy DUI defense attorney can often convince the prosecutor to go this route where the evidence is weak and the case does NOT involve an accident or injuries.

Trust Your Case to an Aurora Drunk Driving Defense Lawyer

If these reasons are not enough to convince you to retain an attorney, consider this: You are up against a team of skilled, knowledgeable prosecutors that pursue DUI cases every day, all day. By retaining legal representation, you level the playing field. To schedule a free consultation with an experienced Naperville DUI Defense attorney, please contact the Law Office of Patricia Magana, LLC at 630-448-2001.

Source:

https://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/publications/pdf_publications/dsd_a118.pdf