Joliet Criminal Defense Blog

Breathalyzer results are not always reliable evidence

On behalf of Hammel Law Offices P.C. on Monday, August 12, 2019.

Failing a Breathalyzer test during a traffic stop typically leads to drunk driving charges which can impact a person's ability to continue their education, find housing and maintain employment. If you recently failed a Breathalyzer test in Illinois, it is worth the time and effort necessary to build a strong legal defense against any drunk driving charges you received.

Many people assume that Breathalyzer results are automatically accepted by courts as bulletproof evidence of insobriety, but this is not always true. Examining the evidence closely often leads to discovering defensive options you may not realize you can use to protect yourself. A strong legal defense against drunk driving charges is one of the few ways to protect yourself against harsh, potentially unfair punishment.

Do you know what to do if the police pull you over for DUI?

On behalf of Hammel Law Offices P.C. on Wednesday, May 15, 2019.

You're driving home one night from an evening out with friends when you happen to glimpse into the rearview mirror and see those flashing blue lights behind you. Uh-oh. Suddenly you're wishing you hadn't ordered that last glass of wine at the bar.

You nervously pull your car to the side of the road and wait while the police officer approaches your car. What should you do?

Is house arrest appropriate for a DUI conviction?

On behalf of Hammel Law Offices P.C. on Wednesday, February 13, 2019.

Those facing drunk driving charges in Illinois should be relieved to learn that ours is not a state where there is mandatory jail time like some where even those convicted of first-offense DUI must serve time behind bars.

Of course, each case is independently reviewed and outcomes are based on the circumstances of the specific incident, as well as many other factors. But the fact remains that Illinois has several sentencing options for those who plead guilty to or are convicted on drunk driving charges.

A DUI conviction can hurt your car insurance rate

On behalf of Hammel Law Offices P.C. on Tuesday, November 13, 2018.

Imagine driving home in Joliet on a Friday night. You had a long week at work and met up with some friends for happy hour to unwind. Only a few blocks from your house, you suddenly see a police officer behind you. A few seconds later, the officer switches on the lights and pulls you over. Now, you could be facing a driving under the influence (DUI) charge and its far-reaching consequences.

You probably already know that a DUI conviction could come with jail time, heavy fines and maybe even the loss of your driver's license. You could also feel some consequences at work, especially if your job requires you to drive. Another place where you could take a hit is in car insurance rates. Here are a few ways that a DUI might affect your car insurance.

Is it possible to trick an ignition interlock device?

On behalf of Hammel Law Offices P.C. on Thursday, August 16, 2018.

There are several things people say will trick an ignition interlock device to make it appear as if you aren't intoxicated when you are. The ignition interlock device's job is to make sure your vehicle does not start if you are intoxicated when you get inside. If it was easy to trick, then many people would end up driving while intoxicated.

It's nearly impossible to trick an ignition interlock device because of the way the new generation of machines works. The new machines allow for rolling retests, which means that you have to blow into the machine and retest your breath while you're driving. If you fail the test, the horn and lights begin to activate, making you pull over to avoid detection.

Don’t make one of these mistakes at a DUI checkpoint

On behalf of Hammel Law Offices P.C. on Monday, May 21, 2018.

Imagine this: You're driving down the road, minding your business, and you see some commotion ahead. Soon enough, you realize that you're inching closer and closer to a DUI checkpoint.

Even if you are 100 percent alcohol free, you may have some fears about driving through a DUI checkpoint. After all, you never know what could go wrong when you come face to face with a police officer.

What’s the best way to fight a traffic ticket?

On behalf of Hammel Law Offices P.C. posted in blog on Monday, February 19, 2018.

There are times when fighting a traffic ticket is the best thing you can do. There are also times when you may come to realize that paying the fine and moving on with your life makes the most sense.

Here's what you need to remember: A traffic ticket can impact you in many ways, such as leading to a license suspension and/or car insurance premium increase. So, if you have reason to believe that one of these consequences will come into play, it may be time to fight back.

When can I win a drunk driving defense?

On behalf of Hammel Law Offices P.C. posted in blog on Monday, November 20, 2017.

Before discussing the situations in which you could win your DUI defense, it's important to address the misconception that – if you're crafty and clever enough during your legal process – you can always achieve a verdict of not guilty.

However, it's important to keep in mind that lawyers are not miracle workers. Sometimes, when a conviction is likely, the best a defendant can achieve is a plea bargain agreement, in which the defendant pleads guilty in exchange for a reduction in punishment. A reduction in punishment can serve to make the defendant's life a great deal easier, so even if you get convicted, there is the potential to receive tremendous value from the criminal defense process.

Illinois has harsh DUI penalties to deter future offenses

On behalf of Hammel Law Offices P.C. posted in blog on Wednesday, August 23, 2017.

When you've gotten arrested and charged with a driving under the influence (DUI) offense, you may worry about your options. Many people tend to assume that roadside sobriety tests and breath tests are infallible. Concern about that sentiment among jurors or people you know may make you feel like pleading guilty is your best choice. In reality, a guilty plea leaves you at the mercy of the court.

When it comes to DUI offenses, even if you don't have a previous criminal record, you could face the maximum penalties. Judges tend to view DUI offenses as social crimes and their punishments as social statements. Even if no one got hurt, the nature of your offense is that you placed other people in danger with your decisions. The judge wants to make a point to keep you and others who hear about your case from making the same mistake and endangering others on the road.

Understanding the standardized field sobriety tests

On behalf of Hammel Law Offices P.C. posted in blog on Friday, May 26, 2017.

Most people understand that it is never a good idea to drink too much alcohol and then get behind the wheel. However, there are times when a person only has a drink or two, which can make it difficult to determine if it's okay to drive.

With driving under the influence continuing to contribute to traffic accidents throughout the country, police are cracking down on this behavior. Unfortunately, this means that officers often make mistakes when pulling drivers over and conducting field sobriety tests.