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Drugged Driving Defense Lawyer in Will County, Illinois
Understanding Drugged Driving DUI Charges in Will County
Drugged driving arrests in Will County, Illinois, are increasing as law enforcement cracks down on impaired driving. Police officers in Joliet, Bolingbrook, Plainfield, Romeoville, and other parts of Will County are actively patrolling for drivers suspected of operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs. Whether the alleged impairment is caused by illegal drugs, prescription medication, or cannabis, prosecutors treat these charges with the same severity as alcohol-related DUIs.
Under 625 ILCS 5/11-501, it is illegal to operate a vehicle while impaired by any drug or intoxicating compound. Unlike alcohol DUIs, where the legal limit for BAC is 0.08%, there is no specific limit for drug-related DUI charges. This means that an officer’s subjective observations and chemical test results play a significant role in whether someone is charged.
For drivers in Will County, fighting a drugged driving charge is critical to avoiding the severe consequences of a conviction, including fines, jail time, license suspension, and a permanent criminal record.
How Drugged Driving Cases Begin in Will County
Most drugged driving arrests begin with a routine traffic stop. Officers may pull a driver over for swerving, speeding, running a stop sign, or failing to use a turn signal. However, the driver does not need to be breaking a traffic law—if an officer believes they are impaired or behaving erratically, they may stop the vehicle.
Once a driver is stopped, officers look for signs of drug impairment, including:
- Slow or slurred speech
- Bloodshot or glassy eyes
- Delayed reaction time
- Erratic or confused behavior
Unlike alcohol DUIs, officers do not have a roadside breath test to confirm drug impairment. Instead, they often rely on field sobriety tests (FSTs) and Drug Recognition Experts (DREs) to determine whether a driver is under the influence.
If an officer believes a driver is impaired, they will make an arrest and request a chemical test, such as a blood or urine analysis. If the test detects any controlled substance, prosecutors can move forward with DUI charges.
Potential Penalties for Drugged Driving in Will County
A first-time drugged driving conviction in Illinois is classified as a Class A misdemeanor, which carries:
- Up to one year in jail
- Fines up to $2,500
- Mandatory drug treatment or rehabilitation programs
- Driver’s license suspension of at least six months
For repeat offenders, penalties become more severe, including felony charges, mandatory minimum jail sentences, and long-term license revocation.
Legal Defenses Against Drugged Driving Charges
Fighting a drugged driving charge in Will County requires an aggressive defense strategy. Some common defenses include:
- Challenging the legality of the traffic stop – If the officer had no valid reason to pull the driver over, the entire case may be dismissed.
- Disputing chemical test results – Blood and urine tests can be inaccurate, leading to false positives.
- Medical conditions or prescription medications – If the driver was taking medication as prescribed, an attorney can argue there was no intentional impairment.
At The Law Offices of David L. Freidberg, we aggressively challenge DUI drug charges and work to protect our clients from wrongful convictions.
Call the Law Offices of David L. Freidberg for DUI Defense
A drugged driving arrest in Will County does not mean an automatic conviction. You have legal rights, and a strong defense strategy can help reduce or dismiss charges. At The Law Offices of David L. Freidberg, we have decades of experience handling DUI drug cases in Will County and throughout Illinois. We provide aggressive representation to protect your rights, license, and freedom. We are available 24/7 for a free consultation to discuss your case and develop a defense strategy.
The Law Offices of David L. Freidberg provides aggressive legal representation for those accused of DUI in Will County and throughout Illinois. We offer free consultations 24/7 to discuss your case and legal options. Contact us today at (312) 560-7100 or toll-free at (800) 803-1442 for dedicated defense in Will County, DuPage County, Cook County, Lake County, and the greater Chicago area.