5 Reasons It Is Worth It to Fight a DUI

 Posted on October 10, 2024 in DUI

Many people who are charged with a DUI will simply plead guilty in order to have the matter over and done with. This is virtually never the best course of action. The reasons it is worth it to fight your DUI charges are discussed in detail below, but the best reason to have a DUI attorney by your side is that the prosecutor and judge will immediately have more respect for you, your rights, and your case. After being charged with DUI, if you stand before a judge on your own, without legal representation, there is little incentive for the judge to do anything other than impose the maximum penalties.

On the other hand, when you have an experienced DUI lawyer, you are likely to have one or more valid defenses to your charges. Being convicted of a DUI has many harsh consequences that can alter your future for a very long time. When you plead guilty, you can be sure that all those consequences will affect you, your employment, your relationships, and your finances. Having a Waukegan, IL DUI attorney from The Law Offices of Matthew R. Gebhardt, P.C. as your advocate throughout the process is much more likely to result in the most positive outcome possible.

What Are the Penalties for a First-Time DUI Conviction in Illinois?

Even a first-time DUI in the state of Illinois can have fairly stiff penalties. Unless factors support enhanced charges, a first DUI offense is a Class A misdemeanor that can result in up to one year in jail and fines as large as $2,500. While it is rare that a first-time DUI offender would be sentenced to jail, there is a mandatory minimum fine of $500, along with court costs, surcharges, and the cost of a court-ordered rehabilitation program, if that is one of your penalties.

If your BAC was 0.016 percent or higher, you would be required to complete a minimum of 100 hours of community service, and if you were transporting a minor under the age of 16 in your car, the minimum fine is $1,000, and you will be required to complete 25 days of community service in a program that benefits children. You may also lose your driving privileges for up to a year and be ordered to install an ignition interlock device in your car at your own expense.

Why Should You Fight DUI Charges?

While there are many good reasons to fight your DUI charges, the five most important reasons include:

1. You could lose your job or the ability to obtain employment, particularly if your job depends on your ability to drive.

2. Your insurance premiums will go up substantially for many years. You will be required to carry SR-22 insurance, which is unaffordable for many people. Your insurance could even be canceled, making it impossible for you to drive.

3. If you are planning on applying to college, a DUI on your record could affect your ability to be accepted and your ability to secure government loans to pay for your education.

4.  Being without a driver’s license is extremely difficult for most people. We drive to and from work and school, on errands, to visit friends and family members, to take vacations, and to enjoy recreational activities.   

5. Field sobriety tests and breathalyzer tests are often wrong for a variety of reasons. Your DUI attorney will know how to expose these errors and use them to secure a not-guilty verdict or lesser charges or penalties on your behalf.  

Contact a Lake County, IL DUI Lawyer

Attorney Matthew R. Gebhardt will comprehensively investigate your DUI charges and then help you choose the best option with the least risk to your future and your freedom. Mr. Gebhardt worked for the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office as a prosecutor, which gives him a unique perspective on your DUI case. Choosing a Libertyville, IL DUI attorney from The Law Offices of Matthew R. Gebhardt, P.C. ensures you have an attorney with broad experience in DUI defense. Call 847-239-4703 today to schedule your free consultation to discuss your DUI charges.