HOW TO BEAT A DUI IN ILLINOIS

HOW TO BEAT A DUI IN ILLINOIS

As a DUI defense attorney, one of the most frequent questions that I get from clients revolves around: How to beat a DUI in Illinois.  The article below explores 5 proven methods that I have used for the past 17 years to beat DUI cases around Illinois for my clients.

Being charged with a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Illinois can have serious consequences, including hefty fines, license suspension, and even jail time. However, just because you’ve been charged doesn’t mean you’re automatically guilty. There are various strategies and techniques that can be employed to contest a DUI charge and potentially have it dismissed or reduced. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore effective ways to beat a DUI in Illinois, empowering you with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the legal system successfully.

In this article I will go over the five proven methods I have succefully used to answer the ultimate question: How to beat a DUI in Illinois:

1. Challenge the Legality of the Traffic Stop

2. Demonstrate that you were not driving and in actual physical control of your car

3. Contest Filed Sobreity Tests (FSTs)

4. Challenge Chemical Test Results

5. Explore Defenses

THE FIVE PROVEN METHODS TO WINNING YOUR DUI CASE!

Understanding Illinois DUI Laws

Before delving into defense strategies, it’s essential to have a solid understanding of Illinois DUI laws. In Illinois, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. Additionally, drivers under the age of 21 are subject to a zero-tolerance policy, meaning any detectable amount of alcohol in their system can result in a DUI charge.

Illinois also imposes enhanced penalties for aggravated DUI offenses, which may involve factors such as multiple DUI convictions, elevated BAC levels, or DUI-related accidents causing bodily harm or fatalities.

1.  Challenge the Legality of the Traffic Stop

One of the first opportunities for defense in a DUI case is to challenge the legality of the traffic stop. Law enforcement officers must have reasonable suspicion or probable cause to initiate a traffic stop. If the stop was conducted without sufficient justification, any evidence obtained thereafter may be deemed inadmissible in court and will be thrown out.

These challenges can be made by an attorney by filing a motion to quash arrest and suppress evidence. To challenge the legality of the traffic stop, your attorney may scrutinize the officer’s actions leading up to the stop. For example, if the officer lacked probable cause but pulled you over based on a hunch or stereotype, you may have grounds to argue that the stop was unlawful. Similarly, if the officer violated your rights during the stop, such as conducting an unwarranted search or seizure, you can challenge the legality of any evidence obtained as a result of the violation.

An example is a scenario in which a police officer alleges that he made a stop because the defendant was committing a lane usage violation by weaving within lanes.  During cross-examination if your attorney establishes that this was not the case, and you were not weaving between lanes, then a judge will declare your traffic stop illegal and this in turn will trigger dismissal of your DUI case even if there is evidence you were under the influence of alcohol.  Video cameras, such a police body warn cameras can also establish that police officers did not have probable cause to pull you over.

2.  Demonstrate that you were not driving and in actual physical control of your car 

In Illinois, prosecutors must prove that you were driving or in physical control while you were allegedly under the influence of alcohol.  Illinois laws define physical control as being able to drive and control your car even if you were not driving at the time of police arrival.  Prosecutors attempt to prove physical control by showing the keys were in the ignition, in the car, or on your person.  But this isn’t always the case.  For example, a motorist might be unable to drive or physically control a broken-down car even if they have the car keys.  In such instances, an attorney can focus attacks on the control aspect of the case as they seek a NOT GUILTY verdict.

3.  Contest Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs)

Field sobriety tests (FSTs) are commonly used by law enforcement officers to assess a driver’s level of impairment. However, FSTs are subjective and can be influenced by various factors, including environmental conditions, physical limitations, and the officer’s interpretation.

If you performed poorly on FSTs, it does not necessarily mean that you were intoxicated. You may have stumbled due to factors such as fatigue, nervousness, or physical conditions unrelated to alcohol consumption. It’s essential to scrutinize the administration and interpretation of FSTs for any inaccuracies or inconsistencies.

A classic example of a successful scenario to challenge FSTs, involves situations were police officers ask motorists to perform field sobriety test on the shoulder of a road with oncoming traffic. Motorists’ performance of such FSTs might be negatively affected by their fear of being hit by oncoming cars.  As a result, judges and juries routinely toss these FSTs out when assessing their decision in a trial.

Additionally, your attorney may challenge the validity of FSTs by questioning the officer’s training and adherence to standardized procedures. Additionally, your attorney may seek to introduce evidence demonstrating alternative explanations for your performance on the tests, such as medical conditions or external factors.

4.  Challenge Chemical Test Results

Chemical tests, such as breathalyzer or blood tests, are used to measure a driver’s BAC level accurately. However, these tests are imperfect and can produce inaccurate results under certain circumstances. Common challenges to chemical test results include:

  • Calibration errors: Breathalyzer machines must be properly calibrated to ensure accurate readings. If the machine was not calibrated correctly or malfunctioned, the results may be unreliable.
  • Chain of custody issues: Blood samples must be handled and stored properly to maintain their integrity. If there are discrepancies in the chain of custody, it can cast doubt on the reliability of the test results.
  • Certification Errors: In some cases, police officers might have expired certifications for using the breath machines and in those cases, the results of the machines will be declared invalid.  Additionally, these breath machines are required to be regularly serviced and certified to maintain their integrity.  However, in some cases, these certifications lapse and as a result, the results of these breath machines will be declared invalid by a judge.
  • Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions or factors, such as acid reflux or mouthwash containing alcohol, can affect the accuracy of breathalyzer results. Your attorney can explore whether any medical factors may have influenced the test results.

 5.  Explore Defenses

In addition to challenging the validity of the evidence against you, it’s essential to explore potential defenses that may apply to your case. Some common defenses in DUI cases include:

  • Lack of probable cause: If law enforcement officers lacked probable cause to arrest you for DUI, any evidence obtained as a result of the arrest may be deemed inadmissible in court.
  • Rising BAC defense: It’s possible that your BAC was below the legal limit at the time of driving but rose to an illegal level by the time you were tested. This defense can be particularly effective if there is a significant delay between the time of driving and the administration of the chemical test.
  • Involuntary intoxication: If you were unknowingly drugged or consumed alcohol without your knowledge, you may be able to argue that you were involuntarily intoxicated and therefore not responsible for your actions.
  • Necessity defense: In rare cases, it may be possible to argue that you had no choice but to drive under the influence due to an emergency situation, such as a medical emergency or imminent threat to your safety.
  • Entrapment defense: In plain language, entrapment occurs when a public official encourages an individual to commit a crime that the individual would likely not have decided to commit on her own. For instance, the entrapment defense has been successfully employed in a case where a park ranger ordered a driver to leave a forest preserve during close time.  While the defendant attempted to move his car, the park ranger noticed that the defendant was intoxicated.  An Illinois court found that defendant not guilty even though he was driving under the influence.  The court found that because the defendant would have been arrested if he did not obey the police officer, he had no other choice but to drive.

Seek Legal Representation

Navigating the complexities of a DUI case in Illinois can be challenging, especially without legal expertise. Therefore, it’s crucial to seek the assistance of an experienced DUI defense attorney who understands Illinois DUI laws and has a track record of success in similar cases.

Your attorney can review the details of your case, identify potential defenses, and develop a strategic defense strategy tailored to your specific circumstances. Additionally, an attorney can represent you in court proceedings, negotiate with prosecutors on your behalf, and advocate for the best possible outcome in your case.

Conclusion

Facing a DUI charge in Illinois is a serious matter, but it’s essential to remember that you have rights and options available to you. By understanding Illinois DUI laws, challenging the evidence against you, and seeking expert legal representation, you can improve your chances of beating a DUI charge and minimizing the potential consequences. Whether through challenging the legality of the traffic stop, contesting field sobriety tests, or exploring potential defenses, strategic planning and diligent preparation are key to achieving a favorable outcome in your DUI case. With the right approach and legal support, you can navigate the legal process successfully and move forward with your life.

For a FREE 24/7 consultation with Mr. Uche call 302-252-5612 now!

Testimonials

Attorney Nenye Uche is a major star in the courtroom! He got my DUI and 5 other charges thrown out by a judge in rolling meadows after a bench trial. Attorney Uche aggressively tore into each and everyone of the prosecutor’s witnesses and I was found not guilty on all counts by the judge!

Genie Martinez

Attorney Uche is amazing!! He got my driver’s license back after it was suspended for a DUI. And then got the State to drop the DUI charges. Phenomenal experience with this attorney and would highly recommend him.

Michael Lamb

Attorney Uche is my hero. My cousin had a felony case and a DUI. Because of his background, my cousin was looking at prison time for the felony case but Attorney Uche was able to get the prosecutor to give him a deal that avoided prison time. As for the DUI, Attorney Uche took that case to trial, tore the police officer up on the witness stand and won my cousin’s case. My cousin did not even have to testify. My family is super thankful and grateful!

Luis Campos

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