Student Drinking and Driving in DuPage County

NAPERVILLE, IL, December 03, 2012 (Press-News.org) DuPage County has released a new protocol allowing police officers access to an on-call phlebotomist (someone who draws blood) to aid in their crackdown on DUI suspects. Someone suspected of drinking and driving can often wait for hours in a hospital before blood is drawn. If the driver has refused a Breathalyzer exam, as he or she should, this delay may make the difference between a blood alcohol content level above the legal limit and a level that does not support a charge of DUI. This new tool is just another step in DuPage County's efforts to catch and punish people for drunk driving.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention tracks drinking and driving accidents. The numbers clearly show that young people are more likely to drink and drive than older drivers. Unfortunately, a student who is accused of DUI may face disastrous repercussions if found guilty. With a criminal conviction on a young person's permanent record, opportunities for further schooling and a successful career can be closed. A youthful mistake can derail a student's future, even if the student manages to avoid jail time. It is important for students to recognize the importance of having a knowledgeable defense lawyer to help them beat a DUI charge.

DuPage County DUI Arrests

There are more than 1,000 DUI arrests in DuPage County every year. Many of those arrests lead to criminal convictions for driving under the influence, aggravated DUI, underage consumption of alcohol and other crimes. DuPage County police departments, including those in Elmhurst, Carol Stream and Downers Grove, are among the most active in targeting drunk driving in Illinois. The drivers arrested often come from area colleges and universities, including:

- The College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn
- Elmhurst College
- North Central College
- Benedictine University
- Midwestern University in Downers Grove
- DeVry University with campuses in Addison, Naperville and Oak Brook
- Westwood College in Woodridge
- Illinois Institute of Technology, Wheaton campus
- National-Louis University in Lisle
- DePaul University, Naperville campus
- Northern Illinois University, Naperville campus
- Robert Morris University, Aurora campus

High school students may also find themselves facing charges stemming from driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Any student facing such charges needs to speak to an attorney as soon as possible. Young people may not understand their rights. They may be pressured into pleading guilty because they do not realize the impact it will have on their insurance rates, driving privileges, future prospects and even their immediate freedom.

Out-of-State Students Facing DUI Charges

Young people who come from out of state to attend school in Illinois are at a particular disadvantage. They may live here only part time. Their parents and support systems are far away and they may feel highly vulnerable. Inconvenience and geography are not valid reasons to enter a guilty plea. Out-of-state students need a dedicated DUI defense attorney to help them through a difficult process with understanding and skill. By contacting such an attorney, students and parents can be saved from a lifetime of unnecessary difficulties.

Criminal defense attorney John W. Callahan and defense attorney Michael T. Norris have extensive experience defending clients in DuPage County DUI cases. They understand DUI law in Illinois and have the trial experience and knowledge to fight your DUI charges. For a free DUI case evaluation, call us toll free at 1-877-335-6693 or contact us online at www.dupagecountycriminallaw.com.