DO I NEED AN ATTORNEY FOR DUI? NOW, MORE THAN EVER, UNDER NEW IL CASE LAW.

It’s almost never a good idea to represent yourself.

Clients generally do not have the knowledge, skill or distance to act as their own attorney in DUI or criminal court. The average defendant simply does not know the ins and outs of court procedure, the judge’s preferences or how to tell a good defense from a lame excuse.

A new Illinois Supreme Court case makes using an attorney even more critical. In the past, any prior convictions you received while representing yourself could not be used to increase the penalties on a later DUI. The new Supreme Court case overturned all that. (People ex rel Glasgow v Kinney. ) Now, a subsequent DUI can be bumped up to a felony based on any prior convictions, including those where you represented yourself. For repeat DUI offenders, this change could mean the difference between getting probation and going to jail.

If you have been charged with DUI or another traffic or criminal offense, contact an experienced attorney immediately. An experienced DUI attorney can evaluate your case for your best possible defense.

If you have questions about this or another related criminal or traffic matter, please contact Matt Keenan at 847-568-0160 or email matt@mattkeenanlaw.com.

(Besides Skokie, Matt Keenan also serves the communities of Arlington Heights, Chicago, Deerfield, Des Plaines, Evanston, Glenview, Morton Grove, Mount Prospect, Niles, Northbrook, Park Ridge, Rolling Meadows, Wilmette and Winnetka.)