Every year, thousands of individuals in Chicago are arrested and charged with drinking and driving. While this charge is fairly common, it can lead to serious penalties affecting your relationships, your career, and even your ability to drive. It is imperative that you make the most of your case every step of the way. Be sure to avoid the following mistakes people make in DUI cases.

Failing to Plan Ahead

The most significant factor in any DUI case is a person's decision to operate a vehicle after having consumed alcohol. For most people, this can be avoided simply by planning ahead. If you know you are going to consume alcohol at a social event, you should always make plans: get a designated driver, call a friend, or use a transportation service such Lyft. Making a conscious effort to act in advance will allow you more freedom to enjoy yourself without risking a DUI.

Refusing to Take a Chemical Test

Chemical tests fall under an aspect of law called “implied consent.” As the name suggests, getting arrested for DUI is enough to indicate “consent” for a chemical test. Refusal to take a test can and will be punished with license suspension. No matter the circumstances surrounding your arrest, you should always take a chemical test. These results are often successfully challenged in court with the help of experienced legal representation.

Ignoring the Summary Suspension Hearing

Everyone who has been charged with drinking and driving has the option to attend a Summary Suspension Hearing within 46 days of their arrest. This hearing serves as your first chance to protect your license—and also the first chance to lose it. Many people, not realizing the importance of the hearing, pass up on it under the assumption that they cannot win their case. You should never assume a case is hopeless or pass up on the chance to begin your defense, especially with your license at stake.

Automatically Pleading Guilty

Many people plead guilty because they think their case is hopeless. Even if your test results showed a blood alcohol content far above the legal limit, don't give up hope! You may yet be able to challenge the evidence associated with your charges.

Charges are often changed or dropped on various grounds, including:

• Faulty testing equipment
• Wrongful arrest
• Inaccurate test results
• Contradictory testimony or evidence

Waiting to Hire an Attorney

Finally, these and other mistakes can often be avoided with the help of a Chicago DUI lawyer. An experienced litigator is one of the most valuable assets you can bring against drinking and driving charges. With years of experience in criminal defense, a legal representative can review your case, compile valuable evidence, and apply a defense strategy designed to help you obtain a positive outcome. By waiting to contact an eligible attorney, you limit the time they can spend working toward a strong defense and ultimately reduce your chances of a favorable result.

Why wait? Call now for a free evaluation!

Have you been charged with driving under the influence in Chicago? My firm, the Law Offices of Mitch Furman, offers clients the one-on-one service they need when facing a DUI claim. As an attorney with a Lead Counsel Rating in Drunk Driving Defense, I work with an unyielding commitment to my clients' success. Contact my firm today to learn more about your options in a drinking and driving case.