DUIs and
their consequences?
People
who are drunk and drive their cars are committing extremely serious
crimes that causes serious injury and deaths to thousands individuals
on our roads and highways every year. As a criminal
defense
attorney, people ask me what is a DUI?
What is a DUI?
DUI
means Driving Under the Influence (usually of alcohol and/or other
drugs. In order o be arrested for a DUI state law requires
that
you have a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher or that you
failed to pass a Field Sobriety Test (FST). FST are tests administered
by the police officer to determine if you're under the
influence
of alcohol by having you “walk the line”, one legged balance, and
potentially various other exercises.
What are the
consequences of a DUI conviction?
The
consequences of being found guilty for driving under the influence of
alcohol can be life changing. The most lenient punishment in
most
jurisdictions is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison.
If the drunk driver is involved in an accident that has caused serious
injury or death to the victim, the potential for a prison sentence has
drastically increased. In Illinois, an accident that has
caused
serious injuries is commonly referred to as felony DUI or Aggravated
DUI. If death was caused by the drunk driver, he or she may
be
charged with vehicular manslaughter or vehicular homicide and this is
punishable by a longer term in state prison. In
Illinois,
if you are convicted of reckless homicide by alcohol, the law requires
that the drunk driver be sentenced to prison.
How to Prevent DUI Conviction
Find a good DUI attorney / lawyer
If
you have the tendency to drink and are tempted to drink and drive
you're headed down a road to disaster. You need to get in touch with a
good DUI lawyer or DWI lawyer who practices in the county where you
were charged. It is highly recommended that you retain an
attorney who is highly experienced in DUI law.
Refuse the
Field Sobriety Test and BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) test
To
become convicted for DUI the state must proof that you were driving
under the influence of alcohol beyond a reasonable doubt. If
you
have had a few drinks you might be at that critical 0.08% BAC level
when the police stop you. When a driver agrees to blow into
the
breathalyzer machine for the BAC or fail the Field Sobriety Test (FST)
the driver is giving the exact proof to the state in order to convict
you of DUI. In some states, including Illinois, refusing the BAC and
Field Sobriety Tests can be viewed of admissions of guilt. In addition,
your driver’s license may be suspended because of implied consent laws.
The best way to avoid a DUI is not drink and drive. Have
a designated driver, take a taxi, or be the designated
driver. However, if you have the misfortune of
being
charged with a DUI, contact an experienced DUI attorney to represent
your needs. Always retain an attorney who is experienced in
DUI
and practices in county you have been charged.
Call me for a free consultation:
1-630-925-7188
Law Offices of Peter Buh
115 Cambell Street, Suite 208
Geneva, IL 60134
630-925-7188
Office
630-319-4945 Cell
630-829-7138 Fax
pbuhlawoffice@yahoo.com
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