The penalties for a DUI can be incredibly harsh, even if it’s the person’s first offense. A person who has been arrested and charged with a DUI, even if they have no prior convictions, will want to contact a DUI attorney in Geneva, IL as soon as possible after their arrest so they can start mitigating the effects the DUI can have on their life.
The Penalties for a DUI
The penalties will be more severe if a person has prior DUIs, and the state of Illinois doesn’t have a lookback period, meaning that all DUIs count when determining the sentencing. A person’s first DUI can be penalized with up to a year in jail, up to $2,500 in fines, a minimum of one year with a suspended license, and an IID (Interlock ignition device) being required if they are convicted. If a person is convicted of their third offense, they face three to seven years in jail, up to $2,500 in fines, and a minimum 10 years with a suspended license before having an IID required.
Dismissing the Charges
In some cases, an attorney can help the person have the charges against them dismissed. One of the ways to do this is to prove that the evidence was not acquired properly. If the breathalyzer wasn’t properly calibrated or used, the results may not be able to be used in court and there won’t be enough evidence to convict the person. Other ways include showing the stop itself was illegal or that the officer didn’t follow proper procedures when stopping or arresting the person.
Reducing the Penalties
Not every case qualifies for a dismissal of the charges. When this happens, there’s still a lot the attorney can do. They’ll be able to help minimize the penalties the person is facing and let them know if there are any alternatives like rehabilitation instead of a lengthy jail term. This can help reduce the impact the conviction will have on the person’s life so they can get back to their life as quickly as possible.
If you’ve been arrested and charged with a DUI, don’t hesitate to contact a DUI attorney in Geneva, IL. They know exactly what you’re going through and how to help you get a far better outcome for your situation.
