Chicago Criminal Lawyer Blog
Understanding How Chicago Police Use Field Sobriety Tests
Chicago is a city defined by constant motion, crowded streets, nightlife, community gatherings, and heavy police patrol throughout neighborhoods from Lincoln Park and Lakeview to South Shore, Humboldt Park, the Loop, and Jefferson Park. Because social activity is everywhere, DUI enforcement remains a priority for local law enforcement, especially late at night or near entertainment districts. When a Chicago police officer suspects impairment, the investigation usually begins with field sobriety tests. Most drivers expect these tests to be simple, but many sober people fail them under real-world conditions that have nothing to do with alcohol or drugs.
Under Illinois law, a DUI can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony depending on the circumstances. A first or second offense is usually a Class A misdemeanor. Felony DUI, charged under 625 ILCS 5/11-501(d), comes into play if there are prior convictions, a child in the vehicle, an accident causing injury, or other aggravating factors. These charges begin with the officer’s roadside observations, and field sobriety tests often make or break the prosecutor’s case.
