Illinois DUI Lawyer Blawg
In many states, including Tennessee, law enforcement officers can arrest individuals for DUI based on observed behavior that suggests intoxication without needing a blood test. While a blood test might later prove innocence, the initial arrest can lead to severe consequences. Recent issues in Tennessee exemplify this issue, as numerous people have been charged with DUI despite being sober at the time of their arrests. Such unjust charges can result in significant repercussions. If you are faced with DUI charges, it is smart to seek guidance regarding your rights, and you should speak to an experienced Illinois DUI defense attorney as soon as possible.
Tennessee’s DUI Charges Against Sober Drivers
It is reported that in Tennessee, sober drivers are facing DUI charges due to a backlog in alcohol and toxicology tests at the crime lab. The lengthy delays in blood tests have resulted in innocent individuals having their lives disrupted while awaiting proof of their innocence. One such case involved a man who, after an accident, was surprised to be charged with DUI despite being sober. Similarly, another individual also faced DUI charges despite being sober at the time of their arrest. While he admits he caused the accident, he attributed it to difficulty in following instructions due to attention deficit disorder, not intoxication.
Allegedly, despite not being under the influence, these individuals endured the trauma of arrest, legal fees, and loss of reputation. The impact of these arrests extended beyond personal consequences; it also affected their families and communities. The delays in receiving test results further exacerbated their ordeal, with some waiting months to prove their innocence. Despite assurances of improvements in processing tests, the consequences endured by individuals wrongfully charged with DUI highlight the need for systemic reforms to prevent such injustices in the future.
Grounds for DUI Charges in Illinois
In Illinois, individuals can be charged with DUI crimes if there is evidence indicating they operated a motor vehicle while impaired; typically, such charges arise out of blood or breath tests that indicate a BAC that exceeds the legal limit. It’s important to note that while these tests can provide evidence for DUI charges, they are not always necessary for law enforcement to proceed with an arrest.
Instead, law enforcement officers can arrest individuals for DUI without requiring blood test results, instead relying on observable behaviors such as erratic driving, slurred speech, or the odor of alcohol. Field sobriety tests and breathalyzer tests may also be utilized to assess intoxication levels.
The standard of proof for DUI charges in Illinois, as in most states, is typically “beyond a reasonable doubt,” meaning that the prosecution must demonstrate with convincing evidence that the defendant was indeed impaired while operating a vehicle. This standard is high, emphasizing the seriousness of DUI offenses and the need for substantial evidence to secure a conviction.
Confer with an Experienced Illinois DUI Defense lawyer
If you are charged with a DUI crime, it is important to understand your options for seeking a good outcome, and you should confer with an attorney to discuss your case. Attorney Theodore J. Harvatin of the Harvatin Law Offices, PC, is an experienced DUI defense lawyer with ample experience helping people protect their interests in criminal proceedings, and if you hire him, he will advocate aggressively on your behalf. You can reach Mr. Harvatin by calling 217.525.0520 or using the online form to arrange a consultation.