CAN YOU GET AN ILLINOIS DUI REDUCED TO A RECKLESS DRIVING?

You have just been arrested for your first DUI. You are mortified and afraid that you may be fired or might have a hard time finding a new job. Can you get your DUI reduced to a reckless driving? Is there any advantage in doing so?

Under limited circumstances with the help of an experienced attorney, you may be able to get the charges reduced in exchange for pleading guilty. To do so, you will need to convince the state’s attorney that you deserve the break. The state may look at your driving or criminal background, your family or employment history, and the severity of the current offense. Was there an accident? If you took the breathalyzer, how far were you over the legal limit? Did you argue with the officers?

Generally, there is less social stigma attached to a conviction for reckless driving than there is for DUI. This may help you find or keep a job. Additionally, fines and other penalties may be lower for reckless driving. However, you will likely still need to attend alcohol treatment classes.

If you have been charged with DUI or a similar offense, contact an experienced DUI law attorney immediately. An attorney can review your case for its best possible defense. Did police have probable cause to stop you? Did they follow correct testing procedures? Even if the evidence against you is overwhelming, an attorney who is respected in the court house may be able to negotiate a more favorable plea agreement than you could on your own.

If you have questions about this or another related Illinois 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.)