When faced with drug trafficking charges, the arresting officers will inform you that you have the right to remain silent. Many people will take law enforcement up on this offer. It is often in your best interests to avoid speaking to law enforcement without your lawyer present. The right to an attorney is another one of the Miranda rights. Upon speaking with a criminal defense lawyer, you will become familiar with the process of building a defense for drug trafficking charges.

If you are awaiting a consultation with a lawyer, you may be wondering what you can expect. The following information will provide you with insight into how the process of building a defense for drug trafficking charges in Illinois unfolds. 

What is Drug Trafficking in Illinois? 

In Illinois, drug trafficking is defined as the intentional act of transporting controlled substances across state borders. Having a substantial amount of a controlled substance on your person may result in a drug trafficking charge, as may the alleged intent to supply someone else with the substances.

If you are looking to have your driver’s license reinstated in the state of Illinois, you might be curious about what you can expect along the way. Whether your license was revoked or suspended, reinstating a driver’s license usually comes with a fee attached. 

The Fourteen Types of Driver's License Reinstatement Fees in Illinois 

The amount of money you will owe in order to reinstate your license will depend on the reason it was suspended or revoked. That is because the reason behind your revocation or suspension is penalized with a fee that the state of Illinois deems reasonable as a consequence for the behavior. 

Here are the fourteen most common reasons for getting a driver's license either suspended or revoked in Illinois, followed by the cost of reinstating a license under each circumstance. 

Have you found yourself facing charges for driving under the influence (DUI)? Drunk driving is taken very seriously in Illinois and a conviction for DUI can result in life-changing penalties. Secondary and subsequent DUI convictions are penalized even more harshly than first-time DUIs. Aggravating factors, such as having a child in the vehicle can also increase the penalties associated with a drunk driving conviction. 

What is a DUI? 

With a DUI, the person being charged was found to be driving while under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or both. You might have also come across the terms DWI and OWI. DWI stands for driving while intoxicated or impaired, whereas OWI refers to operating while intoxicated. 

Now, some state governments differentiate between a DUI, a DWI, and an OWI. As such, in those parts of the country, there is a difference between a DUI charge vs a DWI charge or an OWI charge. 

Being accused of a crime you did not commit is a nightmare come true for many people. Being convicted of a felony or misdemeanor you are not guilty of can be deeply upsetting and bring harsh, undeserved penalties. Our legal system has safeguards, like the “beyond reasonable doubt” standard for conviction. Yet, people are still found guilty - or plead guilty - to crimes they did not commit. 

There are a number of complex reasons why some defendants fall through the cracks and serve sentences for crimes they are not truly guilty of. Working closely with an experienced criminal defense attorney to develop a strong defense strategy is likely your best hope for avoiding a wrongful conviction. 

Why Do People Plead Guilty to Crimes They Did Not Commit?

For those who lack significant experience with the justice system, pleading guilty when you are not can seem insane. Yet, it happens constantly. Reasons innocent people may claim guilt include:

Getting pulled over is hardly ever a pleasant experience. Most people experience some level of anxiety when getting stopped by the police even if they do not think they were doing anything wrong. If you have had a few drinks, being pulled over can be even more frightening. In this case, you run the risk of being arrested and being charged with a DUI, whether you feel drink or not. If this has happened to you, it is important that you speak with a well-qualified defense attorney as soon as possible. You may have defenses available that a lawyer can help spot. 

What Should I Expect if I Get Pulled Over After a Few Drinks? 

If the officer who pulled you over suspects that you have been drinking, he is likely to try a few tests that could later help him prove you were under the influence. Refusing these tests in Illinois will result in a license suspension and you could still get a DUI even if you do not cooperate with testing. If you get stopped by police after drinking, a sobriety assessment might include: 

• Straight line - You may be asked to walk a straight line, placing one foot in front of the other. Stumbling or swaying could be interpreted as a sign of intoxication.

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