Libertyville DUI Defense Attorney

Drunk Driving Defense Lawyer in Libertyville

Charges of driving under the influence (DUI) can have significant legal repercussions, and they can also affect your personal and professional life. The stakes of these cases can be high, and if you are convicted, you may face thousands of dollars in fines, court costs, and other expenses, and you could be sentenced to jail. You may also lose your driver's license, which could limit your ability to work and handle daily tasks. In these situations, you need a strong legal advocate on your side. At The Law Offices of Matthew R. Gebhardt, P.C., our attorney can provide the representation you need, helping you determine your best options for resolving a DUI case successfully.

First-Time DUI Charges

If you are charged with DUI for the first time in Libertyville, the situation can be intimidating and overwhelming. Illinois law sets strict penalties for DUI offenses, even for first-time offenders. A first-time DUI is a Class A misdemeanor, and if you are convicted, you may face consequences including:

• Fines: The maximum fine for a Class A misdemeanor is $2,500. However, additional fees and court costs will also apply, and the total cost of a DUI may be well above $10,000.
• Imprisonment: A first-time DUI conviction can result in up to one year of jail time.
• Loss of driving privileges: A conviction will result in a license revocation for a minimum of one year.

You could also be required to participate in a substance abuse program, perform community service, or address other issues related to a first-time DUI charge or conviction. In these situations, it is essential to consult with an experienced DUI defense attorney who can help you navigate these legal challenges and minimize the impact of the charges on your life.

Second or Subsequent DUI Charges

If you have previously been convicted of DUI, the penalties for a subsequent DUI charge can escalate significantly. A second DUI offense is also a Class A misdemeanor, but you will face a mandatory sentence of five days in prison or 240 hours of community service. Felony DUI charges will apply for a third or subsequent conviction, and you could be sentenced to multiple years in prison and be required to pay fines of up to $25,000. Longer periods of license revocation will apply with each DUI conviction.

Multiple DUI convictions will cause you to be considered a habitual offender, and this can severely affect your personal and professional life. Our skilled attorney can provide critical assistance to help you defend against a conviction and avoid the penalties that may apply for repeat offenses.

Aggravated DUI Charges

Certain factors may lead to more serious DUI charges, regardless of whether you have previously been convicted. Aggravated DUI charges may include:

• DUI with a minor in the vehicle
• DUI resulting in bodily harm or death
• DUI while driving with a revoked or suspended license

Aggravated DUI offenses will result in felony charges, and they may carry longer jail sentences and higher fines. Defending against these charges will require representation from an attorney who understands the specific legal issues involved in a case and the steps that may be taken to mitigate the potential consequences.

Field Sobriety Tests and Breathalyzer Tests

Some of the key pieces of evidence in DUI cases will be related to tests performed by law enforcement to determine whether a person was intoxicated while operating a motor vehicle. During DUI traffic stops, officers may ask drivers to perform field sobriety tests, which are designed to assess a driver's physical and cognitive impairments. However, these tests can be subjective and prone to error. Our attorney can help address factors such as medical conditions, fatigue, or conditions on the road that may have influenced the results.

Following an arrest for DUI, a driver will typically be required to take a breathalyzer test that will measure their blood alcohol content (BAC). In some cases, other tests may be used, such as taking a blood or urine sample. While the results of these tests may be used as evidence in a DUI case, it may be possible to challenge them due to calibration issues, improper procedures, or medical conditions that may have led to inaccurate readings. Our lawyer has a strong understanding of testing procedures and the ways test results may be addressed when defending against DUI charges.

Contact Our Libertyville DUI Defense Lawyer

After a DUI arrest, it is crucial to secure legal representation immediately. The consequences of a DUI conviction can be life-altering, but our knowledgeable DUI defense attorney can help you navigate the legal system, challenge the evidence, and fight for your rights. Contact The Law Offices of Matthew R. Gebhardt, P.C. at 847-239-4703 to set up a free consultation and explore your legal options.