Every driver in Illinois has had an off-day. Perhaps it had been a difficult day in the office, you received some upsetting news or maybe you were simply exhausted. There are many reasons people make mistakes on the road, yet the sad fact is that the slightest error can lead to an accident, so officers are constantly on the lookout for any signs of erratic driving.
Unfortunately, this in turn can lead to a criminal investigation if officers believe you have been driving under the influence of alcohol. This could particularly be the case if you have had a drink or two before commencing your journey. You may be under the legal limit, but if officers can smell alcohol on your breath, they may become suspicious.
Fortunately, there are several tests that they can use to determine your blood alcohol concentration. These often include the conduction of a breath test. As long as the Breathalyzer reads your BAC to be under 0.08 percent, you are much less likely to be charged with drunk driving. However, if officers feel you struggle with field sobriety tests or they have other concerns, they may decide to investigate further.
This can be a stressful experience, especially if you know you are innocent. Fortunately, you do not have to go through it unsupported. Our page on drunk driving charges has more information on the steps you can take in your defense. An attorney may also be able to offer valuable advice and assist you through the process of protecting your good name and working toward avoiding conviction.