How to Prepare for DUI Hearings in Illinois
A DUI (driving under the influence) charge is a serious crime that the courts are not likely to easily forgive. Once you are charged with a DUI you will be given a court date to defend yourself. You can hire a lawyer, ask for a public defender or represent yourself. It is highly recommended by the entire court system that you seek some form of legal counsel before appearing in front of the DUI courts.
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Instructions
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Know your charges. Are you charged with a misdemeanor or felony? A felony is worse than a misdemeanor; however, both charges can result in jail time.
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Do your homework about DUI statues under Illinois law as it affects you. In general, DUI convictions in Illinois can result in anything from community service to up to a year in jail. Whether convicted or not in Illinois, your license will automatically be suspended for 180 days.
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Prepare yourself for your day in court by knowing what to expect. Legal counsel can tell you about the stages of the court process and what the court proceedings will entail. If you are going to hire a lawyer, look for a DUI specialist.
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Plead wisely. At the arraignment you will be given the opportunity to plead guilty or not guilty. If there is no way you can prove your innocence (such as a plethora of witnesses or a police-recorded blood alcohol content), you might want to plead guilty and show remorse. Your legal counsel then can ask for a lesser sentence for you.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not represent yourself even though you are given the chance. A lawyer can advocate for you much better.
Try to fight the charge as much as you can because a DUI conviction can have serious consequences for the rest of your life, such as job loss.
References
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