Legal Question in DUI Law in Illinois

Is an Attorney Really Needed?

A friend was charged with a D.U.I. in Illinois about 10 years ago. Hired a lawyer went to court. He thought everything was 'ok' and moved to Florida. Friend moved back to Illinois 6 months ago and was taken from his apartment on an arrest warrant 1/2007 (Police were running names off mailboxes at his apt. complex). He bailed himself out and went to court. He was told that he missed his final court date (he said he never knew about) and now he has to take classes and pay fines, etc. The judge set another date and told him to come back with an attorney. Friend says he is not able to afford one. How important is it that he has an attorney and what will happen if he comes back to court without an attorney? I am pretty sure of the answer but I want to print this out for his benefit. I suspect that he did not comply with the classes and fines although he said all of this was taken care of. Bottom line is he cannot remember. Is there a way to get a copy of the records to see what the ruling was and what fines, classes, etc. were imposed at the time? Are public defenders available for D.U.I. cases?


Asked on 1/24/07, 2:01 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
George Zuganelis Zuganelis & Zuganelis, Attorneys at Law, P.C.

Re: Is an Attorney Really Needed?

Since your friend posted a bail bond he is not entitled to a public defender. The proceeds of the bond can be used to pay for part of the attorney's fees. If he doesn't return with an attorney, the judge could revoke his bond and take him into custody. Your friend is facing up to one year in jail and a $2,500.00, fine. The next hearing could be a resentencing hearing if he did not complete the terms of his sentence. Yes, he needs an attorney very much.

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Answered on 1/25/07, 10:36 am


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