Lake Forest, Illinois DUI Defense Attorney

Experienced DUI Defense Lawyer Handling Cases in Lake Forest

If you have been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI), you should know that you face serious penalties under Illinois law. Among other punishments, a conviction could mean the loss of your license and months—if not more—of incarceration. For legal help, turn to a Lake Forest DUI defense attorney.

At The Law Offices of Matthew R. Gebhardt, P.C., we have experience handling these kinds of accusations, as you can see in our DUI case results. Our firm is ready to review your case in detail, drawing on over 20 years of legal experience to identify possible defenses for your case. We will pursue the best possible outcome for your case, looking for ways to get the charges reduced or dismissed.

When Can You Be Charged With DUI in Lake Forest?

A person can be charged with driving under the influence in Lake Forest for operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or higher, or while impaired by drugs, alcohol, or both. Illinois law also allows a DUI charge even below that threshold if there is evidence that a driver's ability to operate a vehicle safely was affected. Impairment can be shown through police observations, field sobriety tests, or statements made during a traffic stop.

Most first-time DUI charges are prosecuted as misdemeanors, but certain circumstances can elevate a charge to a felony. A DUI can become a felony if it is a driver's third or subsequent offense, if the arrest involves a suspended or revoked license connected to a previous DUI, or if the incident results in an accident causing great bodily harm or death. A felony DUI conviction can carry years in prison, substantial fines, and a permanent criminal record that follows a person well beyond the courtroom.

At The Law Offices of Matthew R. Gebhardt, P.C., we understand how quickly a DUI arrest can escalate into criminal charges that threaten a person's freedom. Our attorney will review every detail of an arrest, from the initial stop to the handling of evidence, to determine whether the charges against our client can withstand scrutiny in court.

How Is BAC Measured in DUI Cases?

Blood alcohol concentration is most commonly measured through a breath test, though blood and urine tests can also be used in certain situations. Breathalyzer devices estimate BAC by analyzing alcohol content in a person's breath, but these devices depend on proper calibration, regular maintenance, and correct administration by a trained officer. A malfunctioning device or improper handling of equipment can produce an inaccurate reading.

Blood tests are generally considered more reliable, but they still depend on proper collection, storage, and chain of custody procedures. Any break in that chain, or a delay in testing, can raise questions about the accuracy of the result.

Challenging the Initial Traffic Stop in an Illinois DUI Case

Before any evidence of impairment can be used against a driver, the state must show that the initial traffic stop was lawful. Police officers are required to have reasonable suspicion of a traffic violation or a law being broken before pulling a driver over. If an officer lacked a valid reason for the stop, any evidence gathered afterward, including field sobriety test results or BAC readings, may be subject to challenge.

When you work with our firm, we will look closely at the circumstances surrounding every traffic stop, including the officer's stated reason for the stop, dash camera footage, and body camera recordings, to determine whether a driver's rights were respected from the very beginning of the encounter.

Contact a Lake Forest, IL DUI Defense Lawyer

At The Law Offices of Matthew R. Gebhardt, P.C., our attorney is ready to examine your case and fight for your freedoms. Contact our Lake Forest, Illinois DUI defense attorney or call 847-239-4703 to set up a free consultation today.