Peoria DUI Lawyer

DUI Lawyer Peoria, IL

Each year many people are accused of driving under the influence, and a DUI charge can be challenging to defend; it may be in your best interest to receive legal advice from a Peoria, IL DUI lawyer at Pioletti Pioletti & Nichols if you are being threatened with a DUI charge. These charges should not be taken lightly, because the consequences from a conviction can be disastrous. Your life may be changed permanently due to a conviction, so meet with a lawyer if you want to have a strong defense.

What Qualifies As DUI

DUI, or driving under the influence, is a serious charge. Driving a vehicle after consuming even a moderate amount of alcohol is illegal. Even if you believe that you have consumed a small amount of alcohol and feel “buzzed”, you may still be charged with DUI. Under the law, “buzzed” driving is still considered drunk driving.

DUI charges are typically classified as misdemeanors or felonies. You may be charged with felony DUI if you have had prior convictions, or your actions have resulted in a fatality. In any case, it is worth hiring a lawyer so that they prepare a defense for you so that you will not suffer the worst consequences.

DUI Consequences

A DUI conviction can result in many different consequences, and they can all be life-changing. You may lose your driver’s license, be fined large amounts, and you may even be sentenced to prison. If you are facing a DUI charge, meet with a lawyer as soon as possible so that you may be given the strongest possible defense.

What To Do During A Sobriety Test

If you are stopped on the road and the police officer is accusing you of drinking while driving, there are several things that you need to follow. You will want to make sure that you are following all the instructions that the officer tells you to do. Keep your hands at the wheel and keep them visible at all times. If you are asked to do a breathalyzer test, do not refuse the test because you may appear more suspicious. If the police officer asks you questions, you should keep your answers brief, but do not embellish them.

When To Consult A Lawyer

The legal team at Pioletti Pioletti & Nichols have many years of experience representing clients who have been charged with DUI. They understand that clients need quality legal support during one of the most difficult periods of their lives. Handling any kind of legal matter is often complicated, but having a lawyer at your side can help you better resolve the situation. If you hope to have the strongest defense to avoid being charged with a DUI, then you should consult with a lawyer and discuss your case.

Learn About Legal Services

There is limited time to get the legal services that you need. Always take a DUI charge seriously. For more information about quality legal counsel and services you can receive from a Peoria DUI lawyer, schedule a consultation right away with our team at Pioletti Pioletti & Nichols.

How Many Drinks Will Put You Over the Legal BAC Limit and Get You Arrested?

A Peoria, IL DUI lawyer understands that many people enjoy going out and having a couple of drinks with dinner, at a nightclub, a neighborhood bar, or even just getting together at a friend’s house. Unfortunately, while you may think you are safe to drive if you spread the amount of alcohol you consume out over the course of the night or stick to beer or wine rather than hard liquors, the fact is you could still be at risk for DUI charges.

While the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.08 percent may seem high, the lawyers at Pioletti Pioletti & Nichols have handled numerous cases where just one or two drinks put someone over this limit.

How One or Two Drinks Can Result in DUI Charges

There are a variety of formulas designed to help you stay under the state legal BAC limit when you intend on driving, such as spacing out drinks to an average of one an hour. There are also tools currently on the market to warn you when you have had too much and are at risk of getting a DUI. Unfortunately, none of these are foolproof and the simple fact is that using any amount of alcohol behind the wheel could result in criminal charges.

Studies show that even one or two drinks can put you over the legal limit, depending on factors such as your gender, your weight, and whether you drink on an empty stomach.

The amount and the type of alcohol you consume also play a role. While a 1.5-ounce shot of hard liquor, which contains roughly 40 percent alcohol content, is stronger than a 12-ounce beer (4.5 percent) or a five-ounce glass of wine (12 percent), sticking to ‘lighter’ adult beverages is no guarantee against a DUI. In fact, as a Bloomington DUI lawyer has heard from some clients after they were charged, the false sense of security wine or light beer gives people may cause them to drink more, thereby increasing their overall BAC level.

How Much Is Too Much?

As a Peoria DUI lawyer can explain, under Illinois law, the following BAC levels will result in a drunk driving charge:

• 21 years of age or older – BAC of 0.08 percent or more
• Under 21 or currently on a DUI suspension – BAC of 0.01 percent or more
• CDL license holder driving a commercial vehicle – BAC of 0.04 percent or more

Other Factors That Could Lead to a DUI Arrest

A Peoria DUI lawyer knows that if an officer pulls you over on suspicion of a DUI based on the way you were driving, scoring low on a breath test will not necessarily avoid a DUI arrest. There is still the possibility of being charged with driving under the influence if the officer believes there is probable cause that you are under the influence of drugs.

Tips for Finding a Good DUI Lawyer

People who have been charged with driving under the influence have a significant burden to carry, one that could alter their lives in many ways, which is a primary reason it’s important to call on the representation that a Peoria, IL DUI lawyer can offer. The consequences of a DUI can be obvious, but there will also be an unintended social impact. It’s important to note that these consequences significantly increase for subsequent DUI convictions. Common types of consequences a DUI may result in may include:

• Fines
• Jail Time
• Probation
• Community Service
• Loss of License
• Increase in Insurance Costs
• Employment Issues
• Job Loss
• Social Consequences
• +More

While many may believe they can face the legal process on their own, it’s important to note that help from a lawyer like those from Pioletti Pioletti & Nichols will play a key role in supporting those with DUI charges to face mitigated consequences or have the charges dropped altogether. Because of the effects that are riding with a possible DUI conviction, it’s crucial for those facing charges to take the time to find a reputable lawyer. The following are vital tips for finding the right DUI lawyer.

TIPS FOR FINDING A GOOD DUI LAWYER INFOGRAPHIC

Tip #1: Ask People You Know for Referrals

Finding a lawyer can be incredibly overwhelming, mainly because not only is it a stressful time for the person charged, but, depending upon location, there may be ample lawyers available. Sometimes, one of the best ways to narrow down potential options will be by asking people you know for recommendations. This can include not only friends and family but also other lawyers. Sometimes, this can be the best way to receive honest and clear information regarding the experience others have had with Peoria DUI lawyers. 

Tip #2: Conduct Thorough Internet Research

Another way to initiate the search will be to conduct Internet research. The research will involve reviewing legal websites and gaining knowledge about their results and how they work with their clients. Another important measure for locating counsel will be to reach out to the local bar association, which can offer ample insight into lawyers who provide the necessary experience and support for situations of this nature.

Tip #3: Schedule a Consultation

Once a person has narrowed their search, it’s critical not to delay scheduling consultations with prospective lawyers for several reasons. Consultations can offer significant insight during the search because they offer the opportunity to have their questions answered and get a feel for whether the lawyer is the right match for you. Finding the right match can go a long way in terms of the prospective person’s comfort level and the opportunity to obtain the best possible outcome. 

Tip #4: Make the Most of Consultation Time

While consultation can undoubtedly be helpful, keep in mind that time will be limited. If the allotted time is not used efficiently, there is a risk of walking away from a consultation that does not offer the necessary insight into whether the said lawyer is the right choice. Because of this, it will be essential to carefully prepare for these consultations with information about the case and a list of questions you would like answered by the lawyer. However, most importantly, during the consultation, you will need to have clear conversations regarding legal fees that you may incur. 

DUI lawyers offer people who have been charged with DUIs help when they need it the most because they can help carefully strategize a defense to reduce the possible impacts that may result from a charge. To learn more about how to find an experienced lawyer, contact our Peoria DUI lawyer from Pioletti Pioletti & Nichols without hesitation.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding DUI Charges

Much of the time, when a person gets behind the wheel, they believe that they are clear-headed enough to drive, but in many situations, it’s possible for a person to be above the legal limit to operate a vehicle, and should they be pulled over, they may be facing a DUI charge, making help from a Peoria, IL DUI lawyer a significant help in managing the process. There are several consequences due to a DUI charge, especially if convicted, many of which may be far-reaching and long-lasting. Because of this, defendants will want to prioritize their defense with help from Pioletti Pioletti & Nichols to receive a clear defense strategy and the answers to the many questions they will have.

What penalties might a person face if convicted of a DUI?

The penalties can range depending on whether it is a person’s first or subsequent DUI. If someone has already been convicted in the past and receives another DUI charge, the consequences can be far more significant than a first-time offender.

For a first-time offender, consequences can include:

• Class A Misdemeanor
• Jail Time of up to one year
• Fines of $2,000
• Community Service
• One Year License Suspension

For a second-time offender, consequences can include:

• Class A Misdemeanor
• Required Jail Time of up to 5 days
• Potential prison time of up to a year
• Fine of up to $2,500
• License Suspension of up to Five Years
• Alcohol and Drug Assessments

What are the unknown consequences of a DUI charge or conviction?

A Peoria DUI lawyer has seen firsthand the unintended consequences of a DUI charge or conviction. While many of these are not penalties passed down through the courts, they are implications that can leave a possible social impact. The consequences can include an impact on relationships, job loss, license loss, increased insurance premiums, and more.

How long does a DUI conviction remain on a person’s record?

Many people will wonder how long the conviction will remain on their record when facing a possible conviction. However, a person should be concerned with two types of records: insurance and criminal records. Typically a DUI will remain on an insurance record for seven years in some cases. The length of time a charge will stay on a criminal record can vary depending on where a person lives. In some states, a DUI conviction can remain on a record permanently (like Illinois), and in others, anywhere from 5-10 years.

What are the advantages of hiring a DUI lawyer?

A person’s top priority should be to hire a DUI lawyer after being charged with a DUI. Working with a DUI can offer several advantages. Not only can they help to navigate what is often a complex legal system, but they can also help to prevent a potential DUI conviction. In addition, they may be able to help you understand the process each step of the way, help with retaining your license, and even assist in saving money in the long run.

To learn more about the option available after being charged with a DUI, it’s imperative to speak with a Peoria DUI lawyer from Pioletti Pioletti & Nichols as soon as possible.