Hiring an Aurora DUI lawyer has multiple aspects. Apart from knowing why you need a DUI defense attorney for a DUI case, you should also learn about the possible charges and how court proceedings take place.
Knowing this information is essential because the punishment and fine for even first-time offenders is not negligible. Thus, not hiring an experienced Illinois DUI attorney can have dire consequences that you wouldn't want to face.
Why Should I Hire a DUI lawyer in Aurora, IL?
The first question that you may find yourself asking could be why you should hire a Illinois DUI attorney. While there are various reasons for taking this step, the primary reason that makes it even more significant for the state is the Illinois Law. A few years back, some interventions were made to the law, and from that time, the law in Illinois is considered one of the most stringent laws when it comes to charges against driving a motor vehicle under the influence.
Thus, fighting these strong and legitimate laws by yourself is a risk you shouldn't take. Apart from that, here are a few fundamental reasons why you should hire a lawyer at your earliest:
Experience
If you have been charged with DUI for the first time, make sure to hire an experienced attorney for your case. Due to their experience representing clients in the past, they will have an insight into what would work to strengthen your case. Additionally, if the charges are severe and you have to appear for a trial, it is best to walk in there with an attorney by your side.
Legal Documentation
With any crime committed by a person, there comes a ton of paperwork and filing that they are responsible for. Since a DUI case can be stressful, you may not be in the right headspace to invest your time and effort in filing all the legal documents, which can be confusing at times for a layperson.
By hiring an Illinois DUI attorney, you will not have to worry about the paperwork. Instead, you can focus on discussing the case with your lawyer and ensuring that they know all the details that could be used to strengthen your position.
Complications
Every DUI case is different. There can be various complications depending on what your specific issue is about. For example, if there are other violations involved, things could get confusing like a speeding ticket.
Additionally, if an accident was caused as your Blood Alcohol Concentration(BAC) was above 0.08, the case against you will get stronger. DUI convictions in Illinois are quite severe, and only with the help of an experienced attorney will you be able to get out of that situation safely.
Reputation and Trust
Since DUI is a serious crime, your personal information should be protected. What you share with anyone can broadly impact your case. Thus, having a lawyer by your side who you can confide in will not only help your case but also save your reputation.
Sadly, if you have been convicted for a DUI in Illinois, it will stay on your record forever. Therefore, it is even more crucial to seek legal aid to prevent DUI arrest and minimize other charges.
What is the Cost of a DUI Attorney?
Having legal representation is necessary, but it does come at an expense. We will be honest with you. The charges for hiring a DUI lawyer are not low. If someone is offering you services for a couple of hundred dollars, they are either not well-equipped or will include hidden fees in the contract, eventually increasing the overall cost. However, there are other defining factors that affect the cost of a DUI attorney too.
The factors that will affect an attorney's cost include the nature of the case, how long it will take, whether it has a trial or not, and the lawyer's experience. Even the simplest DUI case will still cost you at least $1,000, and it can go up to $5,000 or more, depending on the situation. On average, an attorney's overall cost for a comparatively lengthier case will be somewhere around $2,500-$3,500. However, this is not the only thing involved in legal fees.
A DUI case, in general, does cost you a lot. You will have a fine to pay for starters, which could be a maximum of $2,500 for first-time offenders. Apart from that, there’s a bailing fee, an amount to get your car back, counseling sessions, and DUI classes. Furthermore, the court might even give an order for installing an ignition interlock device to maintain court supervision if you are allowed to drive again.
What are the Penalties for DUI in Aurora, IL?
The penalties for a DUI can be wide ranging. One of the factors affecting the amount of penalty is whether it is your first- or second-time offense or if you have had multiple DUI convictions. First and second DUIs are generally classified as a misdemeanor. Simultaneously, a record of numerous convictions can turn it into a felony, which will have dire consequences. For first-time offenders, a maximum of 1 year in jail and a $2,500 charge could be the case. However, with an attorney, you have the power of waiving off jail time.
Apart from multiple convictions, other contributing factors can also make a first-time case a felony. These include but are not limited to:
- Being under the influence of alcohol and drugs and causing an accident, resulting in someone’s death or significant physical harm.
- Drunk driving while you have a minor or age under 16 sitting in the vehicle.
- Driving a school bus with minors in it while being under the influence.
All these and several other factors can result in increased penalties. However, if it is a less complicated DUI case for the first time, a lawyer can help you waive the punishment. According to Illinois law, you would still have to take DUI driving classes, which are very important. Apart from that, the court could also ask you to do community service or take counseling sessions, whatever they think is required.
Will I lose my License for a DUI?
Your driving privileges may be at risk when you are charged with driving a motor vehicle under the influence. You can face license suspension or revocation if you are convicted for a DUI case. However, there are ways through which your lawyer can help you get your license reinstated. License reinstatement will likely include a reinstatement fee. Again, it is easier if it is the first or even second DUI case against you. However, with multiple records from the past, the situation will get more challenging.
Another solution which your lawyer can petition for is to get your license reinstated under supervision. For such a case, you will have to install an ignition interlock device. This device will allow your car to start only when you blow in it, and the BAC is less than .08.
How to Choose the Right DUI Attorney?
If you ever get caught in such a situation, you should try your best to decrease or altogether remove the charges. Only an experienced attorney will know the exact ways to do it, no matter how severe your case might be. Thus, it is quite essential to find the right attorney. When you consult with the lawyer for your case, you should ask them about their experience in dealing with DUI cases. Apart from that, you should also inquire about the strategy that they will use for filing your lawsuit. This will give you a better idea of how well-equipped they are and their knowledge.
If you require an experienced DUI defense attorney who could discuss your case and provide you with valuable consultation before moving forward, contact Naperville DUI Lawyer today and book a session with our experienced attorneys in the Chicago area.