What is a Statutory Summary Suspension?

 Posted on February 28, 2014 in DUI

In Illinois, if you are convicted of driving under the influence, you can lose your driving privileges as a consequence. One of the common terms used in relation to DUI cases is statutory summary suspension. You can receive this suspension if you refuse to submit to a chemical test or if you fail a chemical test after you have been pulled over for DUI.

For a first offense failing your chemical testing, you will lose your driving privileges for 6 months, although you might become eligible for a monitoring device on the 31^st day of your suspension.

For a second or further offense, you will lose your driving privileges for one year. While it is true that you do not have to submit to chemical testing, there are consequences. For a first offense, if you refuse to submit to chemical testing, you will have your driving privileges suspended for 12 months. A qualified attorney can help you fight your charges.

If a police officer has probable cause to believe that you are driving under the influence, he or she has to request a chemical test, especially if an accident was caused that resulted in injury or death to other individuals. If you are requested to take this test and you refuse, the one year suspension of driving privileges is the minimum, and you may face longer periods of suspension.

Discuss your case with a criminal defense attorney, who may be able to lessen the consequences depending on the circumstances of your case.

Being convicted of driving under the influence in Illinois carries stiff consequences and you should not take your case lightly. If you have been charged, you need to contact legal representation right away to have your side of the story told.

Having a DUI on your record can have ramifications for your future, and you want to ensure that you have an attorney advocating for your rights throughout any case. As soon as you have been charged with a DUI, contact an Illinois DUI attorney to set up an initial consultation. Your future is too important to be left to chance- hire a qualified lawyer.