Joliet DUI Lawyer

Experienced Joliet DUI Defense Lawyer

If you have been arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Illinois, it is critical to seek the counsel of a skilled and experienced Joliet DUI defense lawyer. The consequences of a DUI conviction can be serious and long-lasting, affecting your driver's license, freedom, and finances. Attempting to navigate these charges without professional legal assistance can lead to unfavorable outcomes. At The Law Office of Eric J. Blatti, P.C., we provide knowledgeable and strategic defense in DUI cases. We will work to protect your rights and minimize the impact of a DUI arrest on your life.

Illinois Drunk Driving Laws

Illinois has stringent drunk driving laws designed to prevent impaired driving and penalize those who violate the law. The legal blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in Illinois is 0.08 percent for most drivers. However, you can still be charged with a DUI even if your BAC is below this threshold if there is other evidence that suggests impairment, such as erratic driving or failing a field sobriety test. For drivers under the age of 21, Illinois takes a zero-tolerance approach, and an underage driver may be charged with DUI based on any alcohol that is detected in their system. For commercial driver's license (CDL) holders, the BAC limit is reduced to 0.04 percent.

First-Time DUI

In Illinois, a first DUI offense is a Class A misdemeanor, and the specific penalties can vary depending on the circumstances of an arrest. A person who is convicted of DUI for the first time may face fines up to $2,500, a sentence of up to one year in jail, and the loss of their driver's license for up to one year. If there are aggravating factors, the penalties can increase substantially.

Second DUI

A second-time DUI in Illinois is also classified as a Class A misdemeanor, but it carries mandatory penalties that are harsher than those for a first-time offense. A conviction will result in a mandatory minimum sentence of five days in jail or 240 hours of community service, a license revocation for a minimum of five years, and increased fines.

Third or Subsequent DUI

A third DUI conviction in Illinois escalates to a Class 2 felony. A conviction carries severe consequences, including fines up to $25,000, and a sentence of up to seven years in prison. Additionally, a person's driver's license will be revoked for a minimum of 10 years. The penalties increase with each subsequent DUI conviction. Those facing fourth or higher DUI charges will likely face longer prison sentences, and they will be subject to a lifetime revocation of their driving privileges.

CDL DUI

Commercial drivers in Illinois are held to higher standards due to the nature of their responsibilities. A DUI conviction for a CDL holder, even if the offense occurred while driving a personal vehicle, can result in the disqualification of their commercial driving privileges. The first time a commercial driver is convicted of DUI, their CDL will be disqualified for at least one year, and if the offense involved hazardous materials, the disqualification period extends to three years. A second DUI offense leads to a lifetime disqualification of CDL privileges. Given the importance of maintaining a CDL for a person's livelihood, it is crucial to aggressively defend against these charges to protect their career.

Aggravated DUI

There are certain situations where the severity of the circumstances surrounding a DUI arrest will cause charges to be elevated to felonies. Examples of situations where a person may face aggravated DUI charges include intoxicated driving with a suspended or revoked license, causing an accident that results in great bodily harm, or driving a school bus with passengers while under the influence. The penalties for aggravated DUI are significantly harsher, and a conviction may result in a lengthy prison sentence, substantial fines, and long-term or permanent revocation of driving privileges.

Defending Against DUI Charges in Joliet

Since there are numerous factors that can influence the outcome of your case, it is crucial to work with an experienced DUI defense attorney. Eric J. Blatti can explore a variety of defense options to determine the best approach to take in your situation. Potential defense strategies may include:

• Challenging the Traffic Stop: The police must have had a valid reason to pull you over. If it can be demonstrated that a traffic stop was performed without sufficient cause, any evidence obtained as a result of the stop, including portable breathalyzer tests or field sobriety tests, may be inadmissible in court.
• Questioning the Accuracy of BAC Testing: The accuracy of BAC tests performed using samples of your breath, blood, or urine can be a critical element of your defense. Breathalyzer machines must be properly maintained and calibrated to provide accurate results, and the officer administering the test must follow specific protocols. Similarly, blood and urine tests must be handled according to strict procedures to avoid contamination or improper analysis. If there is any evidence that these standards were not met, Mr. Blatti may be able to challenge the validity of the test results.
• Field Sobriety Test Defense: Certain types of tests conducted at the side of the road may be used by officers to establish probable cause for a DUI arrest. However, these tests can be subjective, and they may have been influenced by factors such as medical conditions, weather conditions, or failure to follow standardized procedures. Attorney Blatti can challenge the reliability and accuracy of field sobriety test results, potentially weakening the prosecution's case against you.
• Investigating Officer Conduct: Police officers are required to follow specific procedures during DUI arrests. If an officer failed to read you your rights, coerced you into providing incriminating information, or otherwise violated your rights during the arrest, Eric Blatti can take steps to suppress evidence or have the charges reduced or dismissed.
• Negotiating Plea Agreements: In some cases, a plea bargain may be the best option for resolving your case successfully. An agreement with the prosecutor could result in reduced charges or lesser penalties, such as avoiding jail time or minimizing the impact on your driving privileges. Eric J. Blatti is an experienced negotiator who will work to secure the most favorable outcome possible in your case.

Contact Our Joliet DUI Defense Attorney

Eric J. Blatti, a top Joliet, Illinois DUI defense attorney, is intricately familiar with Illinois DUI law. He will investigate all aspects of your drunk driving arrest to identify any possible defenses that will help you avoid a conviction or reduce the penalties that may apply to you. Contact our Joliet, Illinois DUI defense lawyer at 815-744-2500 for a free, no-obligation consultation.