Se habla Español | Wir sprechen Deutsch | Mówimy po polsku
Spanish Translation German Translation Polish Translation
Contact us for your initial consultation
847.577.8700

The Penalties Of Receiving A March Madness DUI

Close your eyes and imagine the following: you have just left your favorite bar and are driving home to your house in Barrington Hills. 

Just moments ago, you were watching a March Madness Game. But now you are driving home and, as you reach the final set of streets you must pass through in order to reach your house, you see a police car.

The police car is stationary and you cannot see the officer in the vehicle. A moment after passing the police car, though, you hear its siren and pull over.

You are asked to conduct a field sobriety test. Upon doing so, you learn that you have failed the test.

You are not a criminal. But, if you are arrested, and charged with a DUI on March Madness, you will be treated like one.

Going over the penalties of receiving a March Madness DUI and contacting a Chicago DUI defense attorney as soon as possible will allow you to protect yourself.

What Are The Penalties Of A DUI?

If you get a DUI, you can, and will, be subject to several different penalties.

Right away, the most significant penalties for a DUI in Illinois are as follows:

  • Possible imprisonment for up to one year.
  • A fine of no more than $2,500.
  • A license suspension of at least one year.

Every single one of these penalties is very, very serious. They will greatly affect your quality of life.

On the other hand, if this is your second DUI, the penalties are even more significant:

  • Possible imprisonment for up to one year.
  • Minimum imprisonment of five days or, alternatively, 240 hours of community service.
  • A fine of no more than $2,500.
  • A license suspension of at least five years.

Just as you might imagine, a third DUI comes with penalties that are even more serious.

Outside of the above, other factors – the presence of a minor, for example – can, and will, lead to more significant penalties.

How Can You Defend Yourself From A DUI?

The best way to defend yourself from a DUI is to actively prevent yourself from getting one.

You can accomplish the above by doing one or more, of the following:

  • Selecting a designated driver.
  • Relying on an app, such as Uber.
  • Staying at a friend’s home.
  • Walking home.
  • Going to a hotel.

If you have already been charged with a DUI, then the above are not going to be effective. But these strategies below will be, as long as you use them while working with a lawyer:

  • Contesting the validity of the test by questioning whether or not the officer was qualified to conduct it.
  • Contesting the validity of your DUI by asserting that the officer did not have probable cause.
  • Contesting the validity of your blood test by questioning whether or not the equipment was accurate.

Many other defenses can be employed. But the above are some of the most common.

Get Qualified Legal Help Today

If you need representation for a DUI charge, Glasgow & Olsson is uniquely qualified to help you. 

Thomas Glasgow has lectured statewide on DUI practice and law for the Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education.  He is recognized as an authority in this area of law and in addition to lecturing, he also writes for the statewide DUI manual.  When you need an attorney, experience matters. 

Speak with our DUI defense attorneys in Chicago today to learn how our experience can get you the results you deserve.