Drunk Driving/DUI Practice Center

Northern Illinois DUI Defense Lawyers

A conviction on DUI charges can result in stiff penalties, the loss of you license and a criminal record that could have a serious impact on your future. Make sure that you have an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side who can help to protect your rights and work to minimize the damage of any charges.

The attorneys at the Law Office of Amato & Sheen, P.C. in Sycamore, Illinois provide aggressive representation to clients throughout DeKalb County and northern Illinois in all types of drunk driving offenses. Our attorneys have combined experience of over 20 years. We know the law and we know your rights.

Contact our office today to discuss your case and learn more about your rights and legal options.

Drunk Driving Basics

Operating a motor vehicle after consuming drugs or alcohol is dangerous and against the law in every state. However, penalties and specifics of the laws vary from state to state, and your consequences will depend on how you handle your case. If you’ve been pulled over, arrested or charged with drunk driving, contact the experienced attorneys at Law Office of Amato & Sheen, P.C to discuss your options for managing your case.

Components of a Drunk Driving Charge

Abbreviations

DUI - Driving Under the Influence
DWI - Driving While Intoxicated
OUI - Operating Under the Influence
OWI - Operating While Intoxicated
DUII - Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants
DWUI - Driving While Under the Influence
DWAI - Driving While Ability Impaired
DUID - Driving Under the Influence of Drugs

Vehicle

Depending on the state, a person can be pulled over, arrested or charged for drunk driving while operating many types of vehicles other than cars, trucks and vans, including but not limited to the following:

• motorboats
• motorcycles
• bicycles
• dirt bikes
• mopeds
• snowmobiles
• golf carts

It is best to discuss your case with an attorney who has experience dealing with drunk driving laws to understand the laws in your state.

Control of a Motor Vehicle

In order to be charged with any of the above, one must have been operating a motor vehicle, and legally under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Arguments have arisen in drunk driving cases over whether the defendant was actually in control of the vehicle. Questions, such as the following, can have an affect of whether or not a person is found guilty in a drunk driving case.

• Was the person sitting behind the wheel of a car that was turned off?
• Were the keys in the ignition?
• Were the keys in the person’s pocket?
• Was the car able to start?
• Was the car being towed?
• Was the person sleeping, perhaps in a parked car?

Intoxication

There are a few ways to prove intoxication in a drunk driving case. Any person in the United States who drives has agreed to a chemical test by the state to determine their blood alcohol concentration (BAC). Refusing to take the test is a reason to have your license temporarily revoked. In every state, a BAC of over .08 is legally intoxicated, but in some states, a lower BAC than .08 is enough for a drunk driving conviction.

A police officer can also administer a standard field sobriety test to determine whether a person is intoxicated. These tests may include the following:

• finger to nose test
• walk and turn
• stand on one leg
• recite the alphabet
• counting backwards
• throwing and catching a ball

Discussing your case with an experienced attorney is the best way to defend against either a chemical BAC test or a field sobriety test. The attorneys at Law Office of Amato & Sheen, P.C can help you, contact us today!

Conclusion

Driving is a privilege that most Americans use every day. A drunk driving conviction can have long term legal and social effects, not only on your driving privileges, but on your daily life.

Consequences may include

• Loss or suspension of your drivers license
• Large fines
• Jail time
• Community Services
• Substance abuse treatment
• Restitution
• Criminal Record
• Probation (limitations can include a driving curfew or an ignition interlock device)
• Social stigma of a drunk driving conviction

A drunk driving conviction can have terrible effects on your auto-insurance policy. In order to find the best deal and negotiate what you want, contact an experienced DUI defense attorney like those at Law Office of Amato & Sheen, P.C in Sycamore, Illinois.