Being accused of driving under the influence (DUI) or any other offense is incredibly stressful. It’s normal to be afraid to lose your license, pay huge fines, lose your family and your job, or even spend time in jail. If you have been arrested for DUI, you need to contact an experienced Illinois DUI lawyer immediately.
At Ktenas Law, we’re committed to fighting for your rights. Our experienced Orland Park DUI lawyers focus on DUI defense, and with decades of experience, our clients are well-represented. We offer affordable payment plans and rates. For a free initial consultation with a DUI attorney, call us today at (312) 756-8600, or chat with us online.
Is It Worth Getting an Attorney for a DUI?
Driving under the influence of alcohol or other narcotic drugs is a crime in Illinois. Thus, DUI charges are handled in criminal courts. You have the option to represent yourself in court, but most DUI offenders hire a private attorney or are represented by a public defender appointed by the court.
When you’re charged with a DUI, it’s a serious situation that calls for an experienced DUI lawyer. If you’re contemplating self-representation, you risk facing severe penalties. Hire a knowledgeable attorney to fight this battle for you. Here are three reasons you should hire an experienced attorney for your DUI case:
- Familiar with local DUI laws. One of the primary reasons for hiring a competent DUI lawyer is that they know how to shift the outcome in your favor. A DUI charge involves many legalities that must be thoroughly investigated and submitted in court to support your case. A lawyer will navigate all these loopholes with no problems. The attorney will review if the police administered the breath test properly, whether the police violated your rights during the arrest, if there were witnesses present, if you were questioned correctly, and any other relevant information. If you choose to represent yourself, you may have challenges investigating because you may not know where to start. An attorney knows what to do to shift the odds in your favor. Also, a DUI attorney will advise you on how to progress based on your situation and offer legal representation throughout the entire process. Although DUI laws are complex, an experienced attorney knows how to navigate them and get you a favorable outcome.
- Reduction or dismissal of DUI charges. A knowledgeable attorney understands DUI charges better than you do. Besides, an attorney knows how to represent you properly, to reduce your charges to a less conviction or even possible case dismissal because of various violations that may have happened during your DUI arrest. Having an experienced lawyer on your side can save you overall costs, time, and it can even save you from having a DUI charge in your record.
- Extensive experience in DUI cases. Hiring an experienced DUI attorney gives you peace of mind and takes away the stress involved with your case. Facing a DUI arrest or even a conviction without a lawyer is very challenging. If you’ve never been in court before, or you’re not familiar with the justice system, then you don’t know what to expect. You may be anxious or frightened about what to expect. However, hiring a DUI criminal defense attorney immediately after your arrest or early in the process will reduce your fears. Experienced attorneys have experience dealing with DUI charges and has better chances of shifting the odds in your favor.
Hire an experienced DUI criminal defense lawyer today to handle your case and get you ahead of the game.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a DUI Attorney?
Typically, DUI attorneys charge $1,900, and other legal fees average around $4,000 for a DUI cost of between $5,000 and $8,000. The attorney fees depend on whether you accept a plea or take your case to trial. DUI attorneys charge $700 to $1,500 if you accept a plea bargain, and $1,500 to $4,000 if you take your case to trial.
Typically, how much you’ll pay depends on your case, particularly the complexity of your situation. For instance, if your case is severe and complex, you may need to go to trial for more days than the average cases; this will drive up the final cost. There may be more expert reports to review and more witnesses involved; all of which drive up the final cost.
Can Police Drop DUI Charges?
Only a judge or the prosecutor can drop your charges. An arresting police officer can’t drop charges once they’ve been filed. If you have been arrested for DUI, you’ll be processed, and your case will be taken to court. Once an arrest has been made and criminal charges have been filed with the prosecution, police have no jurisdiction regarding how your case will be processed.
The presiding judge may dismiss your DUI charges in the following circumstances:
- If the police didn’t have proper grounds to stop your car. The police can stop you if they reasonably believe you have committed a traffic violation, such as running through a red light or speeding. Also, they can stop you if they see your driving is a danger to others--such as moving in and out of lanes. However, if you were following traffic regulations and driving with the flow of traffic; the police have no grounds to stop you.
- Illegal field sobriety tests. There are specific field sobriety tests police officers should give, and there are specific ways they should give them. Thus, if the test is invalid, so is the arrest.
- Illegal seizures and searches. Police officers must have probable cause or a warrant to search your car for signs of alcohol containers or evidence of drinking. Illegal seizures or searches violate the Fourth Amendment.
- Illegal chemical tests. Although drivers consent to blood or breath tests, officers must explain what rights a suspect has. Testing machines must also be maintained regularly. Also, the chain of custody of the test and test results cannot be broken before trial.
- Failure to advise you on your rights to speak with an attorney. Suspects must be asked if they want to speak with a lawyer after an arrest.
Should You Plead Guilty to a DUI?
Even though you believe you’re guilty, it’s best not to plead guilty. Because there may be reasons you may not know at the time that a DUI criminal defense attorney could use to prove your innocence. All DUI offenders must know that they can win a DUI case; a DUI charge isn’t a definite guilty sentence. A DUI can be won using the following circumstances:
- If the police had no probable cause to stop your vehicle, detain, or arrest you for a DUI charge, then the evidence is subject to dismissal.
- If the arresting police officer doesn’t read you your rights to remain silent, then any information you give the police officers from this point will not be admissible in court.
- If the breathalyzer wasn’t properly maintained and calibrated; this can lead to the evidence being inadmissible. Also, if the police officer using it wasn’t properly trained, then this puts the validity of the evidence in jeopardy.
- Problems with the field sobriety test. A field sobriety test isn’t always an accurate sign of intoxication. Studies show that such tests are 65-77% accurate.
Thus, pleading guilty to your DUI charges isn’t a good idea. There are always ways your DUI defense attorney could use to help you fight your DUI-related charges. DUI cases are unpredictable, so it’s in your best interest to consult a DUI attorney before taking a guilty plea deal. Contact Ktenas Law today if you’re facing a DUI charge to understand your case better.
Call Our Orland Park DUI Lawyers Today!
A DUI conviction is extremely detrimental and can affect your future severely. So, it’s crucial to consider hiring an experienced DUI defense lawyer as soon as possible. Contact Ktenas Law today to discuss your case so you can understand your options better.
We offer a free, no-obligation consultation with our team of experienced Chicago DUI attorneys who will go over the details of your case and come up with a solid defense strategy. Call us today at (312) 756-8600, or chat with us online to start your legal journey.
