Wild 4th of July? How to Find the Right IL Defense Attorney

Independence Day is a big holiday every year. People love to get together and celebrate, spending long hours having fun with friends and family.

However, there’s another aspect to this holiday that isn’t as fun: an increase in arrests.

Most holidays, including the 4^th of July, see an increase in alcohol consumption. They also create increased opportunities for crimes, such as theft, and interactions that could lead to violence.

Here are some of the most common crimes people are arrested for during the 4^th of July and how you can find a good Illinois defense attorney if you get caught up.

Most Common 4^th of July Crimes

A variety of factors seem to converge to make Independence Day a holiday with increased arrests. Following are the most common reasons people are arrested on this holiday.

Driving Under the Influence

If you drink alcohol and get behind the wheel of a car, then you risk getting charged with driving under the influence (DUI). In Illinois, a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent or higher will result in being charged with this crime.

Boating Under the Influence

Operating a boat or another vessel on the water while intoxicated is illegal. You are held to the same standards as operating a motor vehicle on the roads when it comes to blood alcohol level.

Underage Drinking

Minors also seem to enjoy imbibing alcohol on the 4^th of July, even though consuming alcohol under the age of 21 is illegal in Illinois.

Disorderly Conduct

Fights, altercations with others, and general unruly behavior are often a part of this holiday, mainly due to the amount of alcohol consumed.

Theft

Theft can range from minor incidents, like pickpocketing, to breaking into a home or car. During the holidays, opportunities for theft crimes seem to increase. Perhaps it’s because home- and car-owners are distracted or out of town.

How to Find an Attorney

All of the crimes listed above can result in serious consequences, such as jail time and hefty fines. That’s why if you find yourself facing a criminal charge after the 4^th of July, you need to seek out a good defense attorney.

There are several characteristics to look for in a good Illinois defense attorney. The most important include:

Experience in Cases Like Yours

You must ensure any potential attorney has experience in cases like yours. You don’t want to hire an attorney who has never dealt with a DUI or theft case if that’s what you’re facing. They should also be experienced in the local court system where your case will be heard.

If you’re unsure what their expertise is, simply ask!

Responsiveness

When it comes to criminal charges, time is of the essence. You need a defense attorney for your criminal case who can respond to you and get working on your case as soon as possible. Choose a lawyer who responds quickly.

Their Record

You want to choose an attorney who not only boasts satisfied clients but who also doesn’t show any formal discipline on their record. You can check with the State Bar Association to see if an attorney has any formal discipline records against them.

You can also easily ask for referrals from your friends and family to find a lawyer who has served them well in the past. That’s a good place to start.

About the Author

Sami Azhari has been working as a lawyer since 2007, after receiving his Juris Doctor from the Michigan State University College of Law. He has handled numerous state and federal cases, and is known throughout the Chicago and Rolling Meadows area for providing his clients with high-quality, skilled representation. He has been recognized by Avvo (2013 and 2018), SuperLawyers (2015-2020), The National Trial Lawyers, and other notable organizations, and has spoken at a number of legal conferences.