Orland Park DUI Lawyer

Aggressive DUI Lawyer Defending Clients in Orland Park, IL

Alcohol, illegal drugs, prescription medications, and even over-the-counter remedies can cause impairments that affect a person's safe driving abilities. Illinois has strict laws to deter motorists from driving under the influence, with severe consequences even for a first conviction. If you are charged with DUI, you may face an uncertain future.

At the Law Office of J. Francis Barker, P.C., we do not want you to suffer harsh repercussions from a lapse in judgment or a mistaken accusation of intoxication. Attorney Barker will work diligently to develop a strong defense, using his considerable experience, legal knowledge, and skills to help you achieve the best possible resolution for your case. Contact us today for your free consultation.

The Consequences of a DUI Conviction

If your blood alcohol concentration is 0.08 percent or more, you are considered to be legally intoxicated in Illinois. You can also be charged with DUI with a lower BAC if your level of intoxication due to the use of drugs or a combination of substances caused you to be impaired enough to make driving unsafe. A first or second DUI will likely be charged as a misdemeanor unless:

• You had a child 16 or younger in the car with you
• You caused an accident that injures or kills someone
• You did not have valid insurance or a driver's license when you were arrested
• You were driving a school bus

These and other extenuating circumstances may result in a felony charge. For any additional DUI arrests, you will face felony charges.

If you are convicted of misdemeanor DUI, you face:

• A maximum $2,500 fine
• Jail time for up to one year
• License revocation
• Mandatory alcohol education programs

Many first-time offenders do not have to spend time in jail, and they may receive court supervision instead. However, some of the other consequences you may suffer will likely have more impact on your future. You may have trouble finding employment or a place to live, you might not qualify for certain loans, your friends and family may be uncomfortable around you, and your auto insurance rates may skyrocket.

The penalties for subsequent DUI convictions will get progressively worse with each offense. A DUI conviction will remain on your record permanently, so expect it to appear on any background checks. Working with our criminal defense attorney can help you mitigate those consequences.

How We Can Help if You Are Charged With DUI

If you have been arrested for DUI, you can take steps to fight these charges. The price you may be forced to pay if you are convicted is steep. Fortunately, there are several ways Attorney Barker can help you beat a DUI. We will investigate your arrest thoroughly, looking for evidence we can use to cast a reasonable doubt on your alleged intoxication. This might include:

• Your chemical test or field sobriety test results were inaccurate
• Your arresting officer failed to read you the Miranda warning
• There were other reasons for erratic driving or moving violations
• The officer did not have probable cause to stop you or arrest you for DUI
• The equipment used for your chemical test was not calibrated properly or was otherwise faulty
• Chemical tests or field sobriety tests were not administered properly
• Your BAC rose significantly between the time of your traffic stop and when a chemical test was performed
• Your health, diet, injury, or illness led to inaccurate chemical test results

There are many potential defenses we can use, and our comprehensive strategy will be designed to achieve the best possible outcome for your case. Attorney Barker will stand by your side, fiercely fighting for your rights and aggressively advocating for your best interests.

Contact Our Orland Park, IL DUI Defense Lawyer

Do not bet your future on an unproven attorney. At the Law Office of J. Francis Barker, P.C., we have helped multiple clients beat DUI charges, and we look forward to assisting you. We serve defendants in Cook, DuPage, and Will Counties from our convenient Orland Park location. Contact us at 708-321-1223 now to set up a free consultation with our experienced DUI defense attorney.