Lincolnshire DUI Defense Attorney

Attorney for Drunk Driving Charges in Lincolnshire

If you are pulled over on suspicion of drunk or intoxicated driving and arrested for driving under the influence (DUI), you will face significant consequences that can affect nearly every aspect of your life. A DUI conviction can lead to severe legal, financial, and personal repercussions. To defend against DUI charges and take steps to prevent long-term penalties, you can work with a skilled DUI defense lawyer. At The Law Offices of Matthew R. Gebhardt, P.C., we can provide the representation you need, and we will work with you to build a strong defense strategy.

Circumstances Leading to DUI Charges

In Illinois, DUI charges can be brought against a driver who is found to be operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both. Common scenarios that lead to DUI charges include:

• Alcohol impairment: A driver with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher is considered to be legally impaired.
• Marijuana impairment: While cannabis has been legalized for adult use in Illinois, legal limits have been defined for the amount of THC a person can have in their system while driving. DUI charges may apply if a person's blood has five nanograms of THC per milliliter or if other bodily substances have 10 nanograms of THC per milliliter.
• Drug impairment: Driving under the influence of illegal controlled substances, prescription medications, or over-the-counter drugs that impair the driver's ability to operate the vehicle safely can lead to DUI charges. Combinations of different substances may cause a person to be intoxicated, and they may be arrested for DUI.
• Zero tolerance for underage drivers: Drivers who are under the age of 21 may be charged with DUI if they have any trace of alcohol in their system.
• Commercial drivers: A BAC of 0.04 percent or higher for commercial drivers can result in DUI charges.

A person may be arrested for DUI during a traffic stop. Police officers may pull someone over if they suspect that they are intoxicated due to issues such as erratic driving or traffic violations. Officers may ask a driver to perform field sobriety tests or take a roadside breathalyzer test, and these tests may provide them with probable cause to believe that the driver was intoxicated. Post-arrest breathalyzer tests may provide evidence of impairment, and they will serve as key pieces of evidence during a DUI prosecution. To address these issues and defend against a conviction, it is crucial to work with a skilled, experienced attorney.

Defense Strategies for DUI Charges

The Law Offices of Matthew R. Gebhardt, P.C. may be able to use a number of defense strategies to protect our clients' rights and help them resolve DUI cases successfully. These strategies may include:

• Challenging the reasons for a traffic stop: One of the first steps in defending against a DUI charge is to examine the reasons why an officer performed a traffic stop. If the officer did not have reasonable suspicion that a driver was intoxicated or committed another offense, the stop may be deemed illegal.
• Questioning field sobriety tests: These tests may follow standardized procedures, but an officer's determination of whether a person was intoxicated is likely to be subjective. The Law Offices of Matthew R. Gebhardt, P.C. can challenge the administration and interpretation of these tests to cast doubt on the evidence of impairment.
• Contesting breathalyzer and chemical tests: Tests that measure the level of alcohol or drugs in a person's system are not infallible. Issues such as improper calibration of equipment, mishandling of blood or urine samples, improper procedures by police officers, or certain types of medical conditions can lead to inaccurate results. The Law Offices of Matthew R. Gebhardt, P.C. can scrutinize the testing process and seek to have unreliable test results excluded from evidence.
• Examining officer conduct: The behavior of the arresting officer can significantly impact a DUI case. If the officer violated the defendant's rights, used coercive tactics, or failed to follow proper procedures, The Law Offices of Matthew R. Gebhardt, P.C. can use this information to weaken the prosecution's case.

Contact Our Lincolnshire, IL DUI Defense Attorney

The penalties for DUI convictions can be severe, but with the right defense strategy, it is possible to challenge the charges and prevent a conviction or advocate for reduced penalties or alternative sentencing. To schedule a free consultation and get effective legal help in your DUI case, contact The Law Offices of Matthew R. Gebhardt, P.C. at 847-239-4703.