If you’ve ever been pulled over for drunk driving, then you know that it can be a terrifying experience. Imagine being falsely arrested and taken into custody due to another driver’s false accusations of drunk driving. The good news is that there are steps you can take in order to protect yourself from bogus DUI arrests and our DUI lawyer Coal City Illinois is here to help. Call today at (708) 218-0947 or (708) 218-0947 for a consultation.
False DUI accusations in Illinois can happen for various reasons, such as inaccurate results of a breathalyzer or field sobriety test, police misconduct or bias, and mistaken identity. Regardless of the reason for the false accusation, the consequences of a DUI conviction can be severe, including fines, jail time, and a permanent criminal record.
1. You have the right to speak with an attorney
If you are being detained or arrested for drunk driving, you have the right to ask to speak with an attorney before answering any questions. You should know that if you do not ask for an attorney, then it is considered a waiver of this right and your answers can be used against you in court. If you have been falsely arrested for DUI charges, you may want to contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer who could help them navigate through their case from start until finish.
Working with a skilled and experienced DUI lawyer Coal City Illinois can provide many benefits. At The MacNeil Firm we will provide legal guidance and representation throughout the legal process, protection of your rights, and the best possible outcome for your case. We will also help you understand the relevant Illinois laws and legal procedures that apply to false DUI accusations and help you navigate the complex legal system.
2. Your breathalyzer may be inadmissible
If you are given a breathalyzer test without your consent or without being read your Miranda rights first, it may be inadmissible in court as evidence against you should a case go to trial. You have the right to refuse a breathalyzer test. If an officer asks for one, he must first inform you of this fact and allow time for consultation with an attorney before proceeding with the test. You also have the right to speak with an attorney before submitting to any chemical tests, including blood tests or urine samples (if available).
Oftentimes, the tests for DUI are unreliable and can lead to a false arrest. A breathalyzer has to be calibrated and blood and urine tests have to be conducted by trained professionals. Specific procedures should be followed to administer chemical tests and to maintain and calibrate the machines. A forensic chemist could argue that eating some foods or taking medications within certain periods before the test may lead to a false reading. You may be able to challenge the results due to an incompetent technician or faulty machine. An inaccurate result can lead to a false arrest and an experienced DUI lawyer Coal City Illinois can help you get the charges dropped.
3. You may have been falsely accused, stay calm
Know that if someone has falsely accused you of drunk driving (for instance, by calling 911 and reporting seeing another vehicle weaving all over the road but actually seeing someone else who was speeding), you have a case for false arrest. When the officer approaches your vehicle to talk to you, make sure to stay calm and don’t get combative. Any signs of aggression may lead them to add charges to your arrest. Don’t worry about what other people are doing or thinking, just focus on your own actions and thoughts.
Don’t let fear distract you from what’s important: staying safe and keeping your license. The prospect of a DUI charge can be intimidating, but make sure you exercise your rights with a clear head and cool demeanor. This will make it simpler for your DUI lawyer Coal City Illinois to negotiate to get the charges dropped.
Contact our DUI lawyer Coal City Illinois if you’ve been falsely arrested for DUI
If someone falsely accuses you of drunk driving, there’s not much you can do about it except work with a lawyer on your defense strategy. You should not talk to the police without your DUI lawyer Coal City Illinois and never take a breathalyzer test without one either. It’s also important not to answer any questions or sign any documents without first consulting with an attorney.
If you’ve been falsely arrested for drunk driving, contact The MacNeil Firm as soon as possible so we can begin building your case at once.