Getting convicted for drinking and driving can have serious financial and legal consequences. Although you may realize that a DUI is a serious offense, you may not understand the exact chronology of a DUI arrest.
According to the Illinois DUI Fact Book, it is illegal to operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol content level at or above 0.08% in the state of Illinois. But many steps will occur before an official arrest or even a conviction happens.
The beginning of the traffic stop
If a law enforcement official determines there is probable cause that you are driving under the influence exists, he or she will pull you over. Then, the law enforcement official will request documentation from you, including your vehicle registration, license and proof of insurance, before asking you to participate in field sobriety tests. Based on what the field sobriety tests indicate, the official DUI arrest will occur, and you may need to take a chemical test.
At the police station
Once you get arrested, you will go to the police station for either a blood, urine or breath test. If your test shows that you have a BAC level of 0.08% or more, you will receive a statutory summary suspension. You will then need to post bond and will remain detained until this happens.
Once you leave jail, a hearing and other legal processes will occur before the court issues a final decision on your case. At this point, you should take steps to protect your interests to mitigate the consequences you face following the DUI arrest.
