Even A First Offense Is Serious Business

Bail was set at $150,000 in February for an Elgin man, a parolee potentially facing a fourth DUI conviction. James R. Beavers was charged with two Class 2 felony counts of aggravated driving under the influence/fourth violation and with a number of DUI-related charges According to police, Beavers was stopped for speeding, and an open beer was found in his car. His blood alcohol content level measured 0.218 percent. Beavers is already on parole from the Illinois Department of Corrections, police said.

If you’re charged with DUI in the Chicago area, whether it’s your first offense or if you’ve been convicted previously, you’re going to need sound legal advice and aggressive defense representation. Even a first-offense misdemeanor DUI can potentially land you in jail for a year in Illinois. You could be fined up to $2,500 and have your license suspended for at least a year. Don’t just plead guilty because it seems expedient. Do not try to act as your own lawyer. If you’re arrested and charged, contact an experienced Chicago DUI defense lawyer immediately. Often, a good DUI defense lawyer may be able to help you avoid some – if not all – of the possible penalties.

The police may have had no reason to stop you. You may have registered a high blood alcohol content level (over 0.08 percent) for any number of reasons. Some people have been charged with DUI who weren’t even actually driving. A good DUI defense lawyer will examine every angle of your case and fight aggressively on your behalf. Even in the worst-case scenario – the evidence against you is overwhelming and you’re convicted – your lawyer can negotiate for a lesser sentence or for less severe sentencing alternatives. If you find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time, and you’re charged with DUI in or near Chicago, help is available. Contact an experienced Chicago DUI defense lawyer as quickly as possible.