Chicago DUI/DWI Attorney
What is the Difference Between DUI vs DWI in Illinois?
The official term for drunk or drugged driving in Illinois is driving under the influence (DUI). DWI (driving while intoxicated) describes the same offense and is used as the official term in other states. Either way, you can be arrested for this crime in our state if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) measures .08 percent or higher, if you test positive for recreational or prescription drugs in your system, or if law enforcement observed evidence of impairment despite a BAC level below the legal limit.
Being convicted of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated can have serious consequences, including loss of your license, higher insurance premiums, heavy fines, and jail time. If you were stopped and charged with a DUI/DWI in the Chicago area, anywhere in Cook County, the South Suburbs, or Maywood, the Law Offices of James F. DiQuattro can provide the diligent defense you deserve. We understand that good people can make mistakes and that breathalyzers can give false readings. Our experienced criminal defense attorney has the knowledge and tenacity to challenge the evidence against you and pursue the best possible outcome.
Discuss the specifics of your drunk driving charge with our Chicago DUI/DWI lawyer in a free case review. Phone us at (312) 376-0020 or contact us online as soon as possible.
Illinois DUI Penalties
- A first-offense DUI is generally charged as a misdemeanor that can result in fines of up to $2,500, loss of your driver’s license, potential jail time or community service, potential substance abuse counseling or a rehabilitation program, and increased auto insurance premiums.
- Penalties increase with multiple convictions, when your BAC measures .16 percent or higher, or when you were found driving with a passenger under 16.
Challenging Drunk Driving Charges
A law enforcement officer’s quest for an arrest or a prosecutor’s desire for a conviction should never take priority over your right to fair treatment. At the Law Offices of James F DiQuattro, we may be able to have charges thrown out by demonstrating that an equipment or procedural error resulted in an unfair charge.
We will examine whether or not law enforcement followed proper protocol in regard to:
- The stop. Police must be able to demonstrate that they pulled you over based on “reasonable suspicion” that you were acting in violation of the law.
- The sobriety test. Specific rules have been established that police must follow when administering field sobriety tests, including when measuring blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels.
- The equipment. Breathalyzer machines have provided inaccurate results in the past, and their reliability can be questioned.
- The arrest. For an arrest to be valid, there must be probable cause.
- The evidence. Blood samples and other types of evidence must be stored in certain conditions in order to maintain their integrity.
By challenging these procedures, we will strive to get you the respect you deserve and the results you desire. If you have been arrested for DUI/DWI, a strong defense attorney can challenge the charges against you.
Call the Law Offices of James F DiQuattro today at (312) 376-0020 or contact us online to set up a free case evaluation.
Contact Us Today