If you are arrested for a DUI in Schaumburg, Illinois then you need to call our affordable Schaumburg DUI lawyer immediately. Driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious offense that requires aggressive legal representation.
Schaumburg is a beautiful Illinois village located in Cook County. This quiet village is surprisingly close to Chicago’s metropolitan area, and it is home to one of Chicago’s leading law firms, Goldman & Associates. Our legal team will provide the best Schaumburg DUI lawyer to help you navigate the legal system and ensure more favorable outcomes throughout the process.
Residents and tourists alike need to keep in mind the life-changing effects that drinking and driving can have on an individual’s future. While visiting the highly regarded village, take heed of the law. The city of Schaumburg and state of Illinois treat DUI incidents as serious violent crimes. If you or a loved one is charged with this crime, then immediately reach out to our team of attorneys for support.
Crime in Schaumburg
Schaumburg, IL has a relatively higher crime rate than the surrounding areas, but it is still about 13 percent lower than the national average. Areavibes.com estimates that Schaumburg is safer than about 61 percent of cities across the U.S. Despite the relatively low overall crime rate, Schaumburg has a higher-than average prevalence of theft and an average level of property crime.
Schaumburg’s police department currently consists of 115 sworn in officers committed to providing the best services to residents and visitors of the village. While these officers should be given respect, it’s equally important for individual citizens to protect their rights once they are suspected of a crime. The village of Schaumburg’s has been forced to settle at least fifteen separate lawsuits filed against them in the past few years for corrupt police activity. Goldman & Associates, Chicago’s leading criminal and DUI defense law firm, will provide you with the necessary legal counsel that you deserve.
Schaumburg DUI Laws
The state of Illinois considers it a criminal offense for any person to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Illinois estimates that around 35,000 citizens are arrested every year for driving under the influence, and about 300 lives are lost each year in DUI-related traffic accidents.
An individual is considered “under the influence” of alcohol when they have a blood-alcohol content level of .08 or more. A person who has a THC concentration of 5 nanograms per milliliter or more is considered “under the influence” of marijuana. You can also be considered “under the influence” when you are impaired by medications or other controlled substances.
What about Medical Marijuana?
Illinois law permits the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes, but it is still against the law to operate a vehicle while impaired by prescribed cannabis. If a registered card holder refuses to submit to testing or if they fail a sobriety test, then they person’s driver’s license can be suspended. This person can also lose their medical cannabis card when charged with a DUI in Schaumburg. Goldman & Associates is the Schaumburg DUI Attorney office that can help you navigate through these laws and explain your rights.
Criminal DUI Charges in Schaumburg
DUI criminal penalties are determined on a case-by-case basis. The criminal charges depend on the circumstances of the arrest and conviction. An individual’s prior criminal record, age and recorded blood alcohol level all factor into the final penalties. A DUI attorney in Schaumburg will help ensure that your penalties are minimized and your rights are upheld before, during and after your sentencing.
Your first DUI conviction will be a Class A misdemeanor punishable by restricting driving privileges for a year. You could face additional fines, community service and even imprisonment if property was damaged, people were injured or children were involved. A second conviction is also a Class A misdemeanor that carries a mandatory minimum of five days in jail or 240 hours of community services. You may also face driving restrictions for up to five years, vehicle registration suspension, fines and community service.
If you are convicted of a third DUI, then you are facing class 2 felony charges. Your driving rights could be denied for up to ten years. A fourth conviction could potentially result in a revocation of your driving privileges for the rest of your life.
These consequences can be damaging and life-altering. Legal counsel is recommended for anyone who is facing DUI charges in Schaumburg. The Goldman & Associates law firm is dedicated to helping you maintain your rights and ensure a fair trial.
Senate Bill 627
Last March, Senate Bill 627 was signed into law and became effective on January 1, 2017. This new bill is very important to understand for anyone newly charged with a DUI in Schaumburg, IL. Those faced with a DUI charge often lose their ability to drive because of mandatory license suspensions, but they can now immediately apply for a breathing ignition interlock device and maintain their right to drive. This technology requires the driver to breathe into a device that can accurately measure the person’s blood alcohol level. If the driver is under .025, then the engine will start. If the driver fails the sobriety test, then the engine will lock. This incredible new opportunity is dependent on your prior criminal history. Goldman & Associates can help you determine if you are eligible for this new program. We are available to call at 773-484-3131 or 847-215-2600.
Social Penalties for DUI in Schaumburg
The criminal penalties that an individual faces for DUI charges should be enough to deter future behavior, but they are not the only consequences that come from a conviction. A conviction will remain on the individual’s driving record permanently. Having a criminal record does increase the likelihood that an individual will be targeted by traffic police for routine stops. The individual will also need to carry high-risk auto insurance for years following the accident.
The offense also carries a social stigma that can result in lost jobs, strained relationships and alienation. Individuals that are required to complete drug or alcohol treatment programs could lose work time, suffer at school and face severe social isolation. Some individuals may be required to use the breath alcohol ignition interlock device to start their car, which also impacts social perceptions of the individual. The individual loses his privacy rights to his criminal offense, and everyone who witnesses the person start their car will be reminded of what they did.
The Illinois Secretary of State estimates that the average costs of increased insurance premiums, legal fees, court costs, income loss and other financial hits from a DUI conviction costs about $18,000. This figure, and all of the penalties mentioned in this article, does not include any civil penalties that could arise from lawsuits brought against you for any property damage or injury caused to another.
What Should You Do?
The state of Illinois treats a DUI as a violent crime. This means that any victims harmed by a DUI are recognized as victims of violent crimes. The Illinois Court will protect and uphold the victims rights. A Schaumburg DUI Attorney will uphold your rights and ensure that the legal system treats you fairly.
Call us immediately if you or a loved one is charged with a DUI in Schaumburg, IL. Our experienced legal team is prepared to handle your case day or night. Our 24/7 telephone line can be reached at 773-484-3131 or 847-215-2600. A lawyer can help you work towards more favorable outcomes and possibly a dismissal of charges. Even if you intend on pealing guilty to the charges, you should still seek legal consultation especially if it is your first offense.
No one deserves unfair legal treatment or punishments that don’t fit the crime. Contact our representatives today, and we will work together to ensure your freedoms and rights are protected.
