Nearly every Illinois resident makes choices that could potentially change the course of life forever. When such a choice results in an allegedly DUI-related crash and criminal charges, the stakes may not ever be higher. This is the time when an aggressive criminal defense could minimize the impact that a tragic mistake could have on an individual’s life.
For example, a 23-year-old man still in the beginning of his life reportedly made a dire mistake on May 1. At approximately 1 a.m., police say he was driving a car when it crashed. When police arrived, they found the vehicle lying on its side. One of its occupants, a 28-year-old man, was crushed underneath the front of the car. He succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
Another occupant, a 22-year-old man, was found in the front passenger seat. He suffered serious injuries to which he succumbed after being transported to a hospital in the area. The man said to have been driving the car suffered only minor injuries. He faces counts of aggravated DUI in an accident causing death.
Despite the charges, he is protected by the legal presumption of innocence until and unless he is actually proved guilty in a court of law. Illinois prosecutors must show beyond a reasonable doubt that he is guilty of the charges he faces. His criminal defense counsel will undoubtedly review the circumstances surrounding the crash, all available evidence and any witness statements before making recommendations to this man regarding his options. With his counsel’s advice, he can then choose the defense approach that could provide him with the best resolution of the charges.
Source: Lemont, IL Patch, “Driver Charged with DUI in Fatal Crash Near Lemont“, Andrea Earnest, May 3, 2017