| 1. If I was arrested for driving under the influence in | | | | judge. |
| Illinois, will I go to jail? If so, for how long? | | | | 6. If I have been charged with a DUI, can I represent |
| Possibly. For first time offenders, the jail sentence can | | | | myself? |
| be as long as one year. For people convicted of two | | | | Yes, but we don't suggest it. Given the risk of potential |
| DUI's within five years, there is a mandatory five day | | | | for jail time, large fines, loss of driving privileges, to |
| jail sentence at minimum. Longer jail sentences are | | | | name few, it is not recommended that someone who |
| possible if the DUI resulted in an injury to another | | | | has been charged with a DUI represent him/herself. |
| person. | | | | 7. Is it legal in Illinois for the police to force me to give a |
| 2. If I am convicted of a DUI, will I lose my license? | | | | blood sample to be examined for alcohol content after |
| Maybe. You will lose your license for at least one year, | | | | being pulled over? |
| although it is possible to get a device put into your car | | | | It would be illegal if there were no accident resulting in |
| that will measure your blood alcohol content and allow | | | | the injury of another person. If you were simply pulled |
| you to drive if this device is installed. | | | | over, then the judge must throw it out. |
| 3. My attorney is not licensed in the county where the | | | | 8. Is there any way to avoid a DUI conviction if I took a |
| court hearing will take place. Can he still represent me? | | | | breathalyzer test and failed? |
| Yes. Your attorney just needs to be licensed to | | | | It presents a challenge but an experienced Illinois DUI |
| practice law in the state of Illinois. There is no such | | | | defense lawyer knows how to assess the entire |
| thing as being licensed by a County in Illinois. Still, it will | | | | situation to determine if there are defenses to the |
| only benefit you to hire an attorney who regularly | | | | charge. Numerous studies have shown that not all |
| appears in the courtroom where your case will be | | | | breath tests are reliable and there are many other |
| heard. | | | | factors that can contribute to blood alcohol content, |
| 4. If a child was in the car when I was pulled over for | | | | which an experienced Illinois DUI defense attorney will |
| DUI, are the penalties higher? | | | | consider when reviewing your case. |
| Yes, if convicted, you could face a minimum fine of | | | | 9. Can Illinois revoke my license if I received a DUI in |
| $1,000.00, as well as mandatory jail time and | | | | another state? |
| mandatory community service. | | | | Yes, if you live in Illinois but lost your driving privileges in |
| 5. Is a portable breath test given by a police officer | | | | another state, you will also lose them in Illinois since it |
| allowed in Illinois? | | | | recognizes suspensions of licenses in other states. |
| No. Portable breath tests given by a police officer are | | | | 10. Will my license be automatically reinstated after one |
| not allowed in Illinois and will be thrown out by the | | | | year? |