Arlington Heights, IL DUI Defense Attorney

Reliable DUI Defense Lawyer Representing Clients in Arlington Heights

Many people who think they are safe to drive end up getting pulled over and charged with driving under the influence. The legal procedures following an arrest can be complicated, and people are prone to making mistakes under pressure. If you have been charged with this offense, reach out to an Arlington Heights DUI defense lawyer today.

At Moretti Law, P.C., we have the skills and experience to help people facing DUI charges. We will inform you of your options and advise you throughout your case as we pursue the best possible outcome, drawing on over 20 years of proven legal experience.

What Is DUI?

In Illinois, DUI means driving or being in actual physical control of a vehicle while affected by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of substances. A person can also be charged if his or her blood alcohol concentration is 0.08 or higher. The law does not only apply to illegal drugs or heavy drinking. Prescription medication, cannabis, or other substances may also lead to a charge if they made the person unable to drive safely.

That does not mean every arrest is justified. Police officers often make quick judgments based on driving behavior, physical appearance, speech, or statements made during a stop. In some cases, fatigue, stress, illness, allergies, or another medical issue may look like impairment when it is not. A DUI charge is serious, but the state still has to prove its case with reliable evidence.

Challenging DUI Traffic Stops

Police usually need a lawful reason to stop a vehicle. An officer may claim that the driver was speeding, drifting, failing to signal, or committing another traffic violation. If the stop was not supported by valid facts, that problem can weaken the whole case.

Even when the stop itself was proper, the officer's observations may still be subject to scrutiny. Many signs officers point to in DUI cases are subjective. Red eyes can come from lack of sleep. Slurred speech may be caused by nerves, a speech condition, or medication. A person may seem unsteady because of an injury, bad shoes, or poor road conditions. Video from a squad car or body camera can sometimes tell a very different story than the police report.

Questioning the Results of DUI Field Sobriety Tests

Field sobriety tests are often presented as strong proof of impairment, but they are far from perfect. These tests depend on balance, coordination, focus, and the officer's interpretation. A person may struggle with them for many reasons that have nothing to do with alcohol or drugs. Age, anxiety, back pain, knee problems, inner ear issues, or uneven footing can all affect performance.

Illinois law allows a person to present evidence that they lacked the physical ability to perform standardized field sobriety tests properly. That can be important in a case where the officer assumed poor performance meant intoxication. A defense may focus on whether the instructions were clear and if the officer scored the results accurately.

Are DUI Blood and Breath Tests Always Accurate?

Blood and breath tests can be useful evidence, but they are not always beyond question. Breath machines must be maintained and used correctly. Blood samples must be collected, stored, and handled the right way. If something went wrong during the process, the results may be less reliable than the prosecution claims. Illinois law permits chemical test evidence, but that does not mean the defense must accept it without challenge.

Timing can matter too. Alcohol levels change over time. A test taken later may not reflect what was happening at the exact time of driving.

Meet With an Arlington Heights, Illinois DUI Defense Lawyer

A DUI case can move quickly, and early decisions may matter more than you think. At Moretti Law, P.C., we will take a close look at the evidence and help you respond with a clear defense strategy. Call 312-861-1084 or contact our Arlington Heights, Illinois DUI defense attorney to schedule a free consultation.