What to Do if You’re Pulled Over for DUI in Rolling Meadows

If you’re pulled over for DUI in Rolling Meadows, do you know what to do? This guide explains.

What to Do if You’re Pulled Over for DUI in Rolling Meadows

In the state of Illinois, drunk driving charges are serious – and depending on the circumstances of your case, you could end up spending time in prison.

So what should you do if you’re pulled over for DUI in Rolling Meadows?

First, don’t say anything incriminating – even if you’re completely sober. You have the right to talk to an attorney before you say anything to the police, so don’t be afraid to assert that right. You can always tell police that you’d like to speak with your attorney before progressing any further. (Our number is 847-920-4540 if you need it.)

What About Field Sobriety Testing?

If a police officer suspects that you’ve been drinking, they may ask you to participate in field sobriety testing. That means you get out of the car and follow a series of commands, such as walking in a straight line or reciting the alphabet.

The purpose of these tests isn’t necessarily to see whether you’re physically capable of walking in a straight line, standing on one foot, or saying your ABCs; it gives a police officer time to evaluate your condition so they can determine whether you appear to be under the influence.

Related: What to know about DUI defenses in Illinois

Should You Take a Breath Test?

You can refuse to take a breath test if you’re pulled over for DUI in Rolling Meadows, but you need to know that your refusal means you automatically lose your driving privileges. However, some attorneys advise clients to refuse – particularly if the client has been drinking. That’s because the consequences of DUI are more severe than a lost driver’s license. However, you need to know that if you refuse a breath test, you’ll most likely be arrested and taken to jail.

The bottom line is that if you refuse a breath test (which may be unreliable), you’ll still be subject to chemical testing. However, the chemical testing will take place while you’re in police custody, and it takes time to transport you to the jail (as well as to order the chemical test). Sometimes it takes hours before police have the ability to test your blood or urine for alcohol, and during that time, your system processes the alcohol you’ve consumed.

Before you consider refusing a breath test after being pulled over for DUI in Rolling Meadows, though, it’s very important that you know you’ll most likely be arrested, you’ll certainly lose your driver’s license, and you will still have to participate in chemical testing to determine how much alcohol is in your system.

Do You Need to Talk to an Attorney?

If you’ve been accused of a crime, we may be able to help you – and don’t worry: It’s completely confidential. Call us at 847-920-4540 or fill out the form below to schedule your free, private consultation with an experienced and skilled Chicago criminal defense attorney now.