Legal Question in DUI Law in Illinois

Dwi

Do I need to have a lawyer? This is my first offense that took place Saturday morning @ 3:30 on July 26th When I went over the crossing line at a stop sign and coincidently the on coming car was a cop and He made me get off & take a sobriety test ? also the breathalizer & it was below the alcohol limit I think it was .049 I admitted having two beers earlier in the day but wasnt drunk and the cop was training with a new cop& said Ok then lets look in the book to see what we can charge her with instead

They arrested me for no more than an hour & released me , took my drivers license .Impounded my car, said I could pick it up after1pm the next day & I couldnt get my car for three days cause place was closed during the weekend & It had closed at 1p the day after the incident .Now I have a court date on August 12 & I want to know if this an incident that I would need a lawyer or can I ask for a Public defender there in court?This is my 1st time ever for something like this & I am just confused & scared on what to do or say! I would appreciate any professional advise that you can give me


Asked on 8/07/08, 5:11 pm

4 Answers from Attorneys
George Zuganelis Zuganelis & Zuganelis, Attorneys at Law, P.C.

Re: Dwi

If your breath test was .049, you will not have your license suspended. However, it sounds to me that you were arrested for DUI based upon impaired driving. You definitely need a lawyer. If you are convicted you could get up to 364 days in Cook County jail, a $2,500.00, fine, plus court costs. I have been defending DUI cases for 30 years. Please call for further consultation.

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Answered on 8/08/08, 1:41 pm
Kelly Bennett Bennett Law Offices

Re: Dwi

A drunk driving conviction will result in licensed suspension or revocation, whether it is your first offense or not. It typically is a Class A misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to 1 year in jail, a fine of $2,500.00 or both.

If you work, you likely will not qualify for a public defender.

Hire an attorney. My office offers free initial consultations should you wish to call.

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Answered on 8/07/08, 5:28 pm
David Shestokas Shestokas, & Associates

Re: Dwi

If the breath exam is as you believe, then you likely have not been charged with a DUI. However, the fact that your car was impounded for apparently a minor traffic violation leads me to believe that there is something else going on here. I note by your address that you are in Chicago. If you have court at the Daley center on Tuesday, one of our attorneys is going to be there and may be able to assist you.

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Answered on 8/07/08, 6:46 pm
Michael Rosenblat Michael C. Rosenblat., P.C.

Re: Dwi

Unless you qualify for a public defender, you will need to hire a private attorney.

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Answered on 8/07/08, 9:11 pm


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