Chicago Students and DUI Charges

CHICAGO, IL, December 03, 2012 (Press-News.org) A first-time offense of driving under the influence may not seem all that serious to a young person. The suspension of your driver's license is certainly inconvenient, but students are often in a better position to deal with this than those in the working world. Accepting court supervision may seem like an easy way to avoid serious punishment. What a student does not realize is that having a DUI on your record can be a terrible burden over the course of your life. The hasty decision to accept a plea agreement without speaking to a criminal defense lawyer is one that may haunt a person for years.

Cook County Students

Cook County is home to countless students. These young people are regularly asked to make decisions more important than any they have made before. They are exposed to new influences, both good and bad, that they may struggle to incorporate into their lives. Many come from out of state and are farther away from their safety net than they have ever been before. A single poor decision can lead to an arrest and a criminal record that will affect their ability to pursue further schooling or enter the challenging job market successfully. Students in the Chicago area should always consult an aggressive and dedicated attorney before accepting a guilty plea. This includes students of colleges and universities, such as:

- University of Chicago
- University of Illinois at Chicago
- DePaul University
- Illinois Institute of Technology
- Loyola University Chicago
- Saint Xavier University
- Northwestern University

The Temptation of Plea Bargaining

Studies have shown that more than 50 percent of innocent defendants will falsely admit guilt in return for what they perceive as a benefit. This is known as plea bargaining's innocence problem. A student may believe that, by pleading guilty, they will face relatively light punishment, avoid embarrassment and expense, and generally make out better than they would if they fought the charges against them. The issue is so pervasive, that some attorneys will push their clients to accept plea agreements without fully exploring the possibility of providing an aggressive defense. This can be disastrous for a young person who does not yet realize what a DUI arrest will mean, beyond the basics of the plea agreement.

Defending Students' Rights

Students have the same rights as every other American. They should not be bullied into accepting a plea agreement. Parents and students need to understand that an aggressive defense is possible. If you have been charged with a DUI in Illinois, you should speak to an experienced lawyer who can explain your options and protect you in court, if necessary.

At Michael T. Norris, Ltd. and John W. Callahan, Ltd., you will find a team of attorneys with decades of experience helping people in Chicago, Schaumburg and the surrounding parts of Illinois. Our dedication to fighting for people who have been accused of crimes means that we know how to protect your rights.

Website: www.chicagocriminallaw.com