630-584-4800

630-584-4800

Downers Grove, Illinois DUI Defense Attorneys

Goostree Law Group

"I would confidently recommend Jeff Muntz to anyone in need of skilled and ethical DUI representation. He handled the case with integrity and compassion, never making unrealistic promises. Great outcome"

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Lawyers Addressing Charges of Driving Under the Influence in Downers Grove

The risks of drunk driving are well-known, and police officers are always watching for drivers who may be intoxicated. When they suspect that a person has been drinking alcohol or using other substances, they may stop the driver, take steps to determine if they are intoxicated, and arrest them for DUI. A person who is convicted of DUI may face thousands of dollars in fines and fees, and they could be sentenced to jail time. Other penalties may also apply, including the suspension or revocation of a driver's license and a criminal conviction on a person's record. A strong defense against DUI charges can help a person avoid or minimize these penalties.

At Goostree Law Group, we work with clients in Downers Grove who have been arrested for DUI. We will review what happened during an arrest, identify options for defense, and work to help a person resolve their case successfully. We understand the difficulties that people face when they are addressing charges of intoxicated driving, and we work to limit the ways these charges will affect our clients' lives.

Reasons People May Be Arrested for DUI

Alcohol

Many DUI cases involve allegations of drunk driving. A driver with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of at least 0.08 is considered to be impaired under Illinois law. A chemical test showing that a person was above the legal limit while they were operating a vehicle may be enough evidence to support a DUI charge, regardless of a person's actual level of impairment.

Marijuana

While Illinois has legalized recreational cannabis for adults, people are prohibited from driving while they are intoxicated because of the use of marijuana. Similar to alcohol, Illinois has established a legal limit for THC, and tests of blood or saliva may be used to determine whether a person may be prosecuted for marijuana DUI.

Controlled Substances

Driving under the influence of drugs like methamphetamine or cocaine can lead to DUI charges. Unlike alcohol, there are no legal limits for most controlled substances, but if a chemical test shows that a person had these substances in their system when driving, they may be charged with DUI.

Prescription Drugs

The use of prescription medications such as sleep aids, opioid pain relievers, or muscle relaxants can lead to DUI charges in some cases. If a prescription drug has allegedly affected a person's ability to drive safely, they could be arrested for DUI.

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Goostree Law Group

Jeffrey D. Muntz

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Traffic Stops and Field Sobriety Tests

A DUI arrest may occur after a police officer pulls a driver over. They must have a valid reason to do so, such as a traffic violation or an observation of erratic driving that may be related to intoxication. During a traffic stop, an officer may ask questions, observe a person's behavior, and look for other reasons to believe that the person may be intoxicated.

In many cases, police officers will ask drivers to perform field sobriety tests. These roadside evaluations will evaluate a person's physical coordination, their mental state, their ability to follow instructions, and other factors, and they are meant to help officers determine whether a driver may be impaired. A driver may be instructed to stand with one foot raised and count aloud while maintaining their balance, walk along a straight line without making any missteps, or use their eyes to track an object without looking away.

Officers may also use portable breath tests during traffic stops to take a reading of a person's breath and estimate their BAC. Drivers can refuse portable breath tests and field sobriety tests during traffic stops. Our attorneys can help address any tests performed by police officers, and we may challenge their results or argue that there was no probable cause that gave an officer a reason to perform an arrest.

Chemical Tests After a DUI Arrest

Once a driver is placed under arrest for DUI, chemical tests may be used to measure their BAC or determine whether they have drugs in their system. A breathalyzer test may measure the alcohol on a person's breath to calculate their BAC. However, these devices may provide inaccurate readings due to improper calibration or a lack of maintenance. Other factors may also affect results, such as acid reflux disease. Our lawyers can examine testing records, calibration logs, and other factors to determine whether breath test results may be challenged.

Blood tests may be used in some cases, and it may be possible to challenge their results. Issues that may affect the reliability of blood tests include improper collection of blood samples, failure to transport or store samples correctly, chain of custody errors, and laboratory testing errors. Our attorneys can review how blood samples were taken and how tests were performed to determine whether test results may be challenged.

In some cases, urine testing may be used to determine whether a person has alcohol, marijuana, or other drugs in their system. Our lawyers can address issues that may affect the reliability of urine tests, including how samples were handled or whether the proper testing procedures were followed.

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FAQs About DUI Cases in Illinois

Q

What Will Happen to My Driver's License When I Am Arrested for DUI?

Answer: If a breath, blood, or urine test showed that you were over the legal limit for alcohol or marijuana or that drugs were in your system while driving, you will face a statutory summary driver's license suspension. This suspension is separate from any criminal penalties that may apply in your DUI case, and it will apply regardless of whether you are convicted of DUI. A first offense will result in a license suspension for six months, and a second offense will result in a one-year suspension. If you refuse to take a chemical test, a statutory summary suspension of one year will apply after a first offense, and a second offense will result in a three-year suspension.

Q

Can I Refuse to Take Field Sobriety Tests?

Answer: Yes. Field sobriety tests are voluntary, and you have the right to decline them without a legal penalty. Unlike chemical tests after a DUI arrest, refusing field sobriety tests will not lead to an automatic license suspension. However, an officer may still arrest you based on other observations of impairment or because they believe that you refused to take field sobriety tests because you knew you were impaired.

Q

Will a DUI Show up on a Background Check?

Answer: Yes. A DUI conviction will result in a criminal record that will appear on background checks that may be conducted by employers, landlords, or licensing boards. This is one of the most significant reasons to address DUI charges and avoid a conviction.

Q

What Is a Monitoring Device Driving Permit?

Answer: After a first-time DUI offense, you may qualify for a permit so that you can continue to drive after a license suspension. A Monitoring Device Driving Permit (MDDP) will require you to use an ignition interlock device. You will be required to pay the fees involved in installing this device in your vehicle, and while driving, you will be required to provide a breath sample before your vehicle will start.

Q

How Can a DUI Affect My Professional License?

Answer: Licensing boards in Illinois for doctors, nurses, attorneys, teachers, and other professionals may take disciplinary action against people who have been arrested for drunk driving or convicted of DUI. Discipline may include the suspension or revocation of a license or a refusal to renew a license. A DUI conviction on your record may also prevent you from receiving a professional license in the future. Because of the ways a DUI charge can affect your professional license, defending against a conviction can be essential.

Contact Our Downers Grove, IL DUI Defense Lawyers

We can provide the legal help you need as you address DUI charges. We will look at what happened during a traffic stop, examine chemical tests and other evidence, provide guidance on the defense strategies that may be available, and work to prevent penalties that could affect your life and your future. Contact our Downers Grove DUI attorneys by calling 630-584-4800 and scheduling a free consult.

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