DUI Defense Attorneys in Edwardsville, Illinois
You've been pulled over by the police, or worse yet, you've been in an accident — and you've been drinking. You don't need us to tell you that you are probably in serious trouble. But we can tell you that the first thing you need to do is call a lawyer. If you have been stopped for drunk driving, you risk a hefty fine, suspension of your driver's license and maybe even jail time. If there is a fatality, you could also be looking at a charge of reckless homicide.
If you've been charged or arrested for a DUI/DWI, call the law office of Polinske & Associates at 618-505-4213 (877-632-3089 toll-free). We know the system and will work to keep your driving privileges intact and your record clean.
What to Do (and What Not to Do) If You Have Been Stopped
Never assume that because you've been arrested for a DUI that you can't fight it. Never think that just because you "failed" the breathalyzer test, the state has an ironclad case. We know better. And as your DUI attorneys, we fight aggressively on your behalf. If you've been stopped for a DUI:
- Don't allow yourself to be intimidated by the police
- Don't answer preliminary questions about where you've been and how much you have had to drink (you do have the right to remain silent)
- Do ask why you were stopped
- Don't submit to questioning without an attorney present
- Do call an attorney immediately
- Don't delay — you typically have only 90 days from the time you were arrested to request a hearing
- Don't submit to any field sobriety testing. You have an absolute right to refuse.
The Smart Defense
Having strong insight into how the other side works and thinks means that we can better test and challenge the prosecution's case against you. If the evidence is insufficient, we will know that. If there was no probably cause, we will request a suspension hearing. We will subpoena all the records, view police videos, challenge timelines, field sobriety results and breathalyzer accuracy. When it comes to helping you keep your license and your freedom, we leave no stone unturned.
What Are You Waiting For?
If you need skilled legal help with a misdemeanor or felony DUI from a veteran team of trial attorneys, contact us by e-mail or call us at 618-505-4213 (877-632-3089 toll-free). A free initial consultation is available when and where you need it.
Recent Successes
People v. Robbins - St.Clair County - June 2010 - Ms. Robbins was arrested for very weak conditions. She seemed fine on the police video and did the standardized field sobriety testing just fine. The police officer's report was extremely inconsistent. These factors ultimately led to a complete dismissal of the charge and rescission of the Statutory Summary Suspension.
People v. Stock - Madison County - June 2010 - My client was arrested by Alton Police. He was arrested for DUI and unfortunately took the breath test with a result of .19. By statute he was required to complete 100 hours community work service. We were able to negotiate a disposition whereby the DUI was dismissed from his record. Additionally, we were able to avoid the mandatory community work service for Mr. Stock.
People v. Kraushaar -- A third-time DUI client who we tried before a jury and won.
People v. Hood -- A reckless homicide client who lost his jury trial (with another attorney). We appealed to the 4th District and won.
People v. Mahanay -- March 2010 - We successfully argued for a complete dismissal of the DUI and rescission of the Statutory Summary Suspension based upon the 26 year veteran Illinois State Police Sgt.'s improper administration of the field sobriety tests. This was my client's second DUI arrest.
People v. Garcia -- April 2010 - We successfully argued for a rescission of the Statutory Summary Suspension due to the veteran Illinois State Police trooper's improper administration of the breath alcohol test following a roadblock arrest. I anticipate the DUI will be dismissed on the same grounds at a later date.
People v. Gonzales -- April 2010 - We successfully argued for a complete dismissal of the DUI and rescission of the Statutory Summary Suspension based upon improper arrest for the DUI.
Many other older cases have been won with a jury. Many others won through negotiations.
People v. Obermark - Clinton County May 2010. Ms. Obermark was convicted of DUI a few years back. She was caught driving while revoked for DUI. If convicted of a felony DWLR she would lose her job. We were able to negotiate a dismissal of the felony DWLR and ultimately resolved the case for a non-moving violation disposition. She was able to keep her job and avoided a permanent felony conviction upon her record.
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