A woman was charged with a DUI earlier this week when she lost control of her vehicle and crashed into a home in South Peoria. The woman says that the breaks in the car had recently been repaired and may have been malfunctioning at the time of the crash. Despite this information, the woman was promptly ticketed on two counts of driving under the influence.

She also received citations for improper lane usage, driving too fast for conditions, and some insurance and registration issues. These traffic violations, compounded with the DUI allegations, can become a serious problem for the woman, leading to a suspended license in some cases.

This case highlights some of the basic uncertainties that are often present when a police officer reports suspicion of a DUI. There is no information as to whether or not the woman was given a breath test or field sobriety test before the ticket was issued.

Illinois law has very specific rules that law enforcement must follow in the process of charging and prosecuting someone with a DUI. Having an advocate to make sure the proper process is followed and rights are protected can make a big difference for individuals suspected of driving under the influence. Police officers often make mistakes in issuing a DUI ticket, and breath tests can be unreliable.

A DUI conviction can have a dramatic impact on someone's life, potentially interfering with job prospects, raising insurance prices, as well as the substantial costs associated with DUI fines and court fees.

Source: Peoria Star, "Driver Cited with DUI after car hits South Peoria home," Feb. 7, 2012.