Facing criminal charges can be a scary process. This is especially true for those with little or no experience with the legal process in Illinois, as it is not always easy to know what the best course of action is to take. No matter what type of crime a person is accused of committing, establishing a criminal defense strategy is important in order to try to avoid jail time, fines and other consequences. A conviction for a crime in Illinois can lead to long-term consequences that may make it difficult to find work and housing or even to obtain a driver’s license.
In DeKalb, a 19-year-old man is facing multiple charges after an early morning accident that resulted in the death of one person. The man was driving with a female passenger in the vehicle when he lost control of the car. After leaving the road and rolling over, the vehicle came to a stop when it collided with a pole. During the crash, the female passenger, age 20, was thrown out of the vehicle. Police reported that the woman died at the scene.
The driver of the vehicle now faces three criminal charges, including one for aggravated driving under the influence. The charge is a felony under Illinois law. The other charges include failure to reduce speed and improper lane usage.
If convicted, the man could face several years in prison. A felony conviction would also create complications for the man upon his release. If you find yourself facing criminal charges, it is important to work with someone who understands state laws and the legal process involved in your case. Finding a lawyer who understands these things is the first step toward possible dropped or reduced charges or a reduced sentence.
Source: CBS Chicago, “Man Charged With DUI After Fatal Crash In DeKalb,” April 12, 2014