Is it REALLY THAT Serious?-Why Do I NEED to Hire a DUI Attorney?

Yes, it is really that serious.

As the 4^th of July approaches, The Reese Law Center, LLC. wants you to know how a DUI can affect your freedom.

If you are convicted of a DUI in the state of Illinois, with no priors, you are facing:

•        Minimum of 1-year loss of driving privileges
•        A maximum fine of $2,500
•        Possible jail time of up to 1 year

If you are convicted of a second DUI, you are facing:

•       Minimum of 5-year loss of full driving privileges (if this is your second conviction within a 20-year period)
•        Mandatory 5 days in jail or 240 hours of community service
•       Possible jail time of up to 1 year
•        Maximum fine of $2,500

If you are convicted of a third DUI, you are facing:

•       A third conviction is a Class 2 felony
•       Minimum 10 years of lost driving privileges
•       Possible imprisonment of up to 7 years
•       Maximum fine of $25,000

The stakes are too high for you to pursue this alone. When you are pulled over by the police and you are accused of drunk driving, the best thing for you to do is be quiet and ask to speak to your attorney before you agree to do any tests. The attorneys at The Reese Law Center, LLC. know what is in your best interest and how you should go forward. Give us a call (708)914-4570.

What NOT to do if you ever get arrested

 #1) DON’T TALK.

You should never waive your Constitutional right to remain silent in order to talk to the police. You will not be able to convince them of your innocence and talk your way out of an arrest. Instead, it is most likely that you will incriminate yourself and give them information that will later be used against you in court. Also, it is important to emphasize that the police do not have the authority to make deals or grant leniency. Therefore, whether you are innocent or guilty, the best thing for you to do is ask for your lawyer and keep quiet.

#2) DON’T RUN.

You should never do anything to resist arrest. First, it is not in the best interest of your safety. Police will feel threatened by your resistance and are quicker to shoot to kill. Moreover, not only does resisting arrest add more charges (i.e. resisting arrest, obstructing justice, etc.) to your arrest, but it will also be used in your case against you. If you run, the prosecutor will show a “consciousness of guilt” which reiterates the idea that “guilty people run, innocent people don’t”.

#3) DON’T GRANT PERMISSION TO SEARCH.

You should never waive your Constitutional right to protect yourself from unreasonable searches.  If the police ask to search some of your belongings, they do not have the right to that search and must have your consent. If they perform the search anyway, that evidence may be thrown out later.

#4) DON’T AGREE TO TESTS.

You should never waive your Constitutional right to protect yourself from self-incrimination. Therefore, do what is in your best interest and refuse any and all DNA tests, including breathalyzers. While there may be consequences to refusing sobriety tests, it is best for you to call you lawyer and waiting for him to arrive before admitting to any tests. Our emergency line at The Reese Law Center is (706)267-9509.

#5) DON’T FORGET TO ASK TO SPEAK WITH YOUR ATTORNEY.

Whether you are innocent or guilty, never forget to ask for your attorney immediately. Once you ask for your attorney, the police are required to stop interrogating you and anything you say after asking for your attorney is inadmissible in court. Therefore, if you ever get into any trouble, call The Reese Law Center, LLC. at (708)914-4570. We have the expertise to protect you and your Constitutional rights in any situation.