The Chronology of a DUI Arrest

DUI Defense Lawyer Serving Clients in Lake County, Illinois

Getting charged with driving under the influence in Illinois can be a disorienting experience. Many people who are pulled over and arrested are unfamiliar with the legal processes that go into a DUI case, and if you are unsure of what comes next, you could be more susceptible to making errors that hurt your case. For legal help, be sure to reach out to a Buffalo Grove DUI defense attorney.

At The Law Offices of Matthew R. Gebhardt, P.C., we have over two decades of experience in criminal law, including past experience as a prosecutor. Attorney Gebhardt can help you protect your interests, making sure you are informed of your rights from start to finish.

The Timeline of a DUI in Illinois

• An officer stops a vehicle for a minor violation or at a roadside safety check, or responds to an accident
• The officer asks the driver to produce his/her driver's license and insurance card
• The officer will observe the driver. The officer may notice an odor of alcohol, slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, etc.
• The officer will ask the driver to perform field sobriety tests (FSTs)
• If the officer believes the driver to be impaired based on the FSTs, the officer will place the driver under arrest and transport him or her to the police station for chemical testing
• Once at the station, the driver will be asked to submit to blood alcohol concentration (BAC) testing through a breath, blood, or urine test
• If the tested driver's BAC is more than .05 but less than .08 and no drugs are found in the driver's system, no Statutory Summary Suspension (SSS) will apply. However, the associated DUI charge will remain until appropriate action is taken by the court
• If the driver refuses or fails to complete testing, the SSS will apply. A repeat offender who refuses testing will not be eligible for a Restricted Driving Permit (RDP) during the three-year suspension. A repeat offender who takes the test and fails is not eligible for an RDP during the 12-month suspension
• If the driver's test results show a .08 BAC or higher, or any trace of an illegal drug in the driver's system, the officer will issue a Law Enforcement Sworn Report to the driver notifying them of the SSS applicable to them
• If the driver had a valid license at the time of arrest, they are allowed to drive for a period of 45 days before the SSS begins
• The driver may be released or held in detention based on risk factors
• The offender's vehicle may be towed, seized, or impounded

How to Prepare for a DUI Defense Hearing in Lake County

Preparing early can make a real difference in how a DUI case unfolds. Gathering documents right away helps build a clear picture of the arrest. This includes the police report, any citations, bail paperwork, and contact information for witnesses who were present.

It also helps to write down details while they are still fresh. The time of the stop, the officer's exact words, weather conditions, and anything unusual about the stop can all become useful later. Memories fade quickly, so writing things down soon after an arrest can preserve details that might otherwise be lost.

Court dates and deadlines should be tracked closely, since missing one can create additional legal problems. Our attorney can review the timeline of the case and explain what to expect at each stage.

Being prepared also means understanding the possible outcomes. A hearing can involve motions to suppress evidence, negotiations, or scheduling for trial. Knowing what to expect can help ease the uncertainty that comes with a pending case.

Contact a Buffalo Grove, IL DUI Defense Attorney

If you find yourself arrested for DUI in the communities of Buffalo Grove, Long Grove, Lincolnshire, or the surrounding Chicagoland areas, reach out to The Law Offices of Matthew R. Gebhardt, P.C. immediately. Contact our Buffalo Grove, Illinois DUI defense attorney or call us at 847-239-4703 for a free consultation.