Receiving a charge for driving under the influence of alcohol can be extremely humiliating and greatly tarnish reputations. Recently, an Illinois state representative was arrested and charged with DUI at a traffic light. The man alleges he fell asleep and was wrongfully charged. The representative claims the DUI charge was nothing more than a result of exhaustion.
According to reports, the incident occurred around 3:00 am at a traffic light at the intersection of 2nd and Adams Street in Springfield. Police said they found the man asleep behind the wheel while his vehicle was running. They said the man slept through four cycles of the traffic light.
Police reports said that officers noticed the man’s eyes were glassy as well as a strong odor of alcohol on his breath. The representative failed to complete or refused to submit field sobriety tests, reports said. As a result, officers said the man’s driving privileges will be suspended for a minimum of one year. Reportedly, the representative was also charged with impeding traffic and driving below the minimum speed limit. He was released after paying a cash bond of $100, reports said.
Even though the person charged is innocent until proven guilty, a DUI charge can be incredibly damaging and may inhibit an individual for the rest of his or her life. In the state of Illinois, those who have been charged with a DUI have the right to defend against this charge. An experienced legal representative can help individuals obtain the best possible outcome and ensure that personal rights are safeguarded.