During the holidays, Chicago and the surrounding communities see an uptick in DUI arrests – and it’s not uncommon for police to set up sobriety checkpoints or to pull people over on the slightest suspicion of drinking and driving. If you’ve been accused of DUI, you need to know that you could benefit from working with a Chicago DUI attorney.
Do You Have Rights at a Sobriety Checkpoint?
Around 42,000 people are arrested in Illinois each year for driving under the influence. Some of those arrests occur at sobriety checkpoints – places on the road where police stop drivers to see if they’re exhibiting signs of drinking and driving or driving under the influence of drugs.
You can refuse to talk to an officer at a sobriety checkpoint. You can keep your window rolled up and show authorities a card that says you want to exercise your constitutional rights (including your right to talk to a lawyer before you answer questions and your right to leave if you’re not under arrest).
A police officer can ask you to perform a field sobriety test at a sobriety checkpoint, but you dno’t have to perform them. However, you need to know that doesn’t mean you won’t be arrested for DUI; you can still be arrested.
The police can ask you to take a breath test, as well. You don’t have to take it unless you’re arrested or you’ve received a ticket. The law requires you to submit to chemical testing if you’ve been arrested. (If you refuse chemical testing, your driver’s license can be suspended for at least a year.)
What to Do if You’re Arrested for DUI
Your best bet may be to get in touch with a Chicago DUI lawyer who understands the law and will do what it takes to get you the best possible outcome on your case.
If you’ve been arrested for DUI around the holidays, call us at 847-920-4540 right away. If it’s easier, you can also get in touch with us online. We may be able to help you!
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