Can I Get a DUI if Someone Reports Me for Drunk Driving?

 Posted on October 08, 2024 in DUI

Yes, if someone calls the police to report you for drunk driving, you can get charged with a DUI. When a report is made, law enforcement may come to investigate, and if they find you driving under the influence, you could be arrested and charged.

Even if you have already arrived home, police officers can use witness statements, video evidence, or even your own actions as evidence against you. It is essential to understand that once a report is made, the police have a duty to investigate, and if they find enough evidence, they will pursue a DUI charge. If you find yourself in this situation, it is important to speak with an experienced Arlington Heights, IL DUI attorney who knows how prosecutors think and can build a strong defense for you.

What Happens When Someone Calls the Police Suspecting a DUI?

When someone calls the police to report suspected drunk driving, officers are usually dispatched to investigate the report immediately. The police will look for the vehicle in question and will try to observe any signs of impaired driving, such as swerving, speeding, or erratic behavior.

If the police locate your vehicle and find sufficient cause — like a traffic violation or visible signs of impairment — they can pull you over. Once you are stopped, they may ask you to perform field sobriety tests or a breathalyzer test. Even if the call to the police was based on suspicion alone, an officer's observations can provide enough grounds to charge you with a DUI if you appear to be intoxicated.

Can I Be Charged with DUI if I Was Not Pulled Over?

Yes, it is possible to be charged with a DUI even if you were not pulled over at the time. If someone calls the police and reports your license plate, the police might come to your home or any other place they believe you to be. If they observe signs of impairment and find evidence that you drove while intoxicated, they could arrest and charge you. This kind of situation can be particularly challenging, as the police may rely on witness statements, and they could use your behavior during the interaction to build a case against you. Having a knowledgeable DUI defense attorney can make a significant difference, especially when dealing with such evidence.

What Are the Penalties for a DUI in Illinois?

The penalties for a DUI in Illinois depend on whether it is your first, second, or subsequent offense. For a first-time DUI conviction, you could face up to one year in jail, fines of up to $2,500, and a suspension of your driver's license for six months. You may also be required to complete an alcohol education program. A second DUI offense could result in a minimum five-day jail sentence or 240 hours of community service, along with steeper fines and a longer license suspension of up to five years.

For a third or subsequent DUI, the consequences become even more severe. You could face felony DUI charges, which means a prison sentence of three to seven years, heavy fines, and the loss of your driving privileges for ten years or longer. Additionally, repeat offenders may be required to install an ignition interlock device (IID) on their vehicle as a condition for reinstating their license.

What Should I Do if I Am Facing a DUI Charge After a Report?

If someone has reported you for drunk driving and you are now facing DUI charges, it is important to act quickly. The earlier you contact a skilled DUI attorney, the better your chances are of minimizing the impact of these charges. An experienced lawyer can review the evidence against you, determine if the police had probable cause, and ensure that your rights were not violated.

Contact an Arlington Heights, IL DUI Attorney

Facing a DUI charge after someone calls the police on you can be overwhelming, but you do not have to go through it alone. With the help of an experienced Rolling Meadows, IL DUI lawyer who has worked as a former prosecutor, you can build a strong defense and fight for the best possible outcome. Contact Scott F. Anderson, Attorney at Law today at 847-253-3400 to schedule a free consultation and get the guidance you need from someone who understands both sides of the courtroom.