What happens during a DUI arrest?

If you drive with a blood alcohol content level above a certain limit in Illinois, you could face charges for drinking and driving. If convicted, some of the penalties can include jail time, a fine and the requirement to use an ignition interlock device in your car.

Law enforcement officials must follow a specific process when they arrest you for DUI. Otherwise, your charges may not hold up in a court of law.

The initial contact

A law enforcement officer may stop you if he or she has probable cause to believe you are under the influence of alcohol, states the Illinois DUI Fact Book. After providing your driver’s license and proof of insurance, you may have to undergo a series of field sobriety tests. Based on the results of these tests, the law enforcement official may put you under arrest for DUI and take you to the police station.

At the police station

Once you arrive at the police station, you may have to undergo blood, breath or urine testing to determine your blood alcohol content. If the results of this testing show your BAC level at or above 0.08%, you will receive an official report notifying you of a statutory summary suspension.

At this point, you must wait for your court date to determine whether you are guilty of DUI or not. While you wait for your hearing date, it can be beneficial to gather evidence supporting your cause and seek legal help to defend yourself against these DUI charges.