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Do I need a lawyer for a first DUI in Illinois?
Question:
Do I need a lawyer for a first DUI in Illinois?
This site does not provide legal advice and users of this site should not interpret any of the information presented here as legal advice. The information provided merely conveys general information related to commonly asked legal questions. We are not a law firm and the employees responding to questions are not acting as your legal attorney. You should ultimately consult with a Lawyer for your case.
Get Informed: DUI and Driving Laws
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Driving Laws by State - Find your states laws on a variety of traffic issues.
DUI & DWI Laws - Learn about the penalties and laws associated with a drunk driving charge in your state.
Cell Phone and Texting Laws - State laws on texting and using your cell phone while driving.
Car Insurance Requirements - Learn about the insurance requirements in your state.
Speeding Laws - Learn about the basic speeding laws in each state.
Teen Driving Laws - Learn about your states driving laws for teens.
DUI & DWI Laws - Learn about the penalties and laws associated with a drunk driving charge in your state.
Cell Phone and Texting Laws - State laws on texting and using your cell phone while driving.
Car Insurance Requirements - Learn about the insurance requirements in your state.
Speeding Laws - Learn about the basic speeding laws in each state.
Teen Driving Laws - Learn about your states driving laws for teens.
Get Professional Legal Help
Yes, a first DUI Illinois lawyer is a must have. Illinois laws for intoxicated driving are designed to throw the book at everyone, even first time offenders. Your pockets will be picked, your life will be made miserable, and the suspension is over the top for a first time offense. There are even penalties for blowing under the .08 limit.
Why you Should Hire a Lawyer for an Illinois DUI
Penalties for the first DUI are harsh. It's much harder for a court to convict someone if they didn't blow, which is a Constitutional right to not self-incriminate. Any DUI lawyer will tell you to not blow and take the automatic suspension instead. Three to six months without a license is much easier to handle than the suspension and restrictions that come with a conviction.
One of the consequences of constantly toughening DUI laws in Illinois is that the law has become very complicated. Certain things will apply on the first offense, but other, harsher penalties can be brought to bear as well. It's a flat out case of double jeopardy, but the State Supreme Court has decided otherwise and the issue has yet to be brought to the Supreme Court.
Don't go to Court Without a Lawyer
We all do stupid things from time to time, and driving drunk is one of them. Just because you got a DUI does not mean that you've thrown away all of your rights. However, this is the time where an experienced DUI attorney is your best bet to see them thoroughly protected.
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