Knowing how to get an Illinois DUI evaluation is an essential step in resolving your case. This article will guide you through everything you need to know to get started.
How to Get an Illinois DUI Evaluation
If you have been charged with a DUI in Illinois, starting early with a DUI or drug evaluation will only benefit your case. A DUI lawyer will help you understand how this process works and will represent you throughout the evaluation.
The alcohol and drug evaluation was created to determine if the offender might cause other DUI incidents in the future. If you are asked for a DUI evaluation, it is important to know that you will not be sentenced until the evaluation is over. Then, a report will be submitted to a judge that will oversee your case.
To get Illinois alcohol and drug evaluations, you must first schedule a DUI evaluation. Required by the law, the process does not mean you plead guilty, nor does it mean that it will ruin your life. Early intervention will only help you end your case and eventually start a program. It is only a good step towards a better outcome for your overall being. For your DUI charge to be reduced, the prosecutors might want to search for a counseling completion.
If you are facing a DUI arrest, or want to learn more about DUI evaluation, contact our law firm right away at (630) 553-7111.
The Process of a DUI Evaluation
An alcohol and drug evaluation will offer a better idea of what the defendant consumed and the depth of the substance use. An evaluation will guide you to move forward to find solutions to your charge. While some evaluations are for medical reasons, some evaluations are done only for court.
An alcohol and drug evaluation is made up of two parts, and they are as follows:
#1. Screening
The first stage of a DUI evaluation consists of finding whether there is an alcohol and drug condition that needs to be treated. Throughout the evaluation, one can tell if the defendant is putting themselves at any risk and see if future issues might evolve. For a significant risk, you might need to complete a minimum of ten hours of DUI Risk Education and a minimum of 20 hours of substance abuse treatment. A higher risk will lead to 75 hours of substance abuse treatment and participating in all the activities required by the Court.
There are four types of questionnaires used in the screening process. These are:
1. State-Made Inventory.
Created by the state government, a state-made inventory might be the right tool used in the DUI process, or at times it can be paired with other types of questionnaires.
2. Alcohol Used Inventory
Focused only on alcohol abuse, this strategy is perfect for understanding abuse-related behavior and might prevent future DUI offenses.
3. Cage Questionnaire
The Cage Questionnaire option is the shortest available, and it only relies on four questions, and its accuracy depends on your honesty.
4. Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory (SASSI)
Analyzing more than the substance abuse risk, this test has a 93% accuracy rate, helping the Court determine whether there is a disorder and how willing the person is to acknowledge the situation.
#2. Assessment
Once the screening stage is done, the assessment follows. At this stage, the research and analysis are way more in-depth. Besides looking for proof that there is a condition that needs to be treated, it also pinpoints the symptoms. The assessment process is meant to act as a diagnosis and has two main tools to help during the situation. These are:
- Diagnostic interview Schedule IV;
- Addiction Severity Index.
How to Get a DUI Evaluation in Illinois
Suppose you have been arrested for DUI in Illinois. In that case, you must undergo an Illinois DUI evaluation process before sentencing can occur for the DUI offense, or driving privileges can be granted by the Office of the Secretary of State.
If you are getting a DUI evaluation, you might need to provide these documents:
- A report of your driving history;
- A copy of your assessment;
- Arrest reports or criminal history.
After the assessment is complete, the judge will make a decision and could ask you to participate in any of the following:
- Substance abuse education classes;
- Counseling sessions;
- 12-step/AA/NA meetings or group therapy sessions;
- Rehabilitation program;
- Random urine or chemical testing;
- Participating in a DUI Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction Program (RRP).
Immediately as the evaluation process is over, the evaluator will make a recommendation or classification and record on the Alcohol and Drug Uniform Report form for the Court or the Office of the Secretary of State.
The classification can be of minimal, moderate, significant, or high risk, and DUI offenders will be treated according to these classifications.
The Procedure of Getting DUI Evaluation in Illinois
As mentioned above, the procedure of getting a DUI evaluation in Illinois requires the defendant’s driving history, blood alcohol content (or chemical results), objective test score, and finally, an interview with the evaluator.
It is essential to know that recovery is always possible if you or someone you love has had legal issues due to substance abuse. The Law Offices of Andrew Nickel will help you make the transition into sobriety easier by giving all the necessary legal advice. If you choose to work with us, we will represent you throughout the evaluation and sentencing process.
How to Get Help with a DUI Clinical Evaluation
A DUI clinical evaluation is a session between an approved substance abuse professional and yourself. Once charged for a DUI or reckless driving, you might be required to follow a DUI clinical evaluation program. Most evaluations last for 20 to 30 minutes and could cost between $95 – $150.
After our initial consultation with you, our law firm will start discussing all the aspects of the case with you, from your charges to the DUI evaluation process. Mitigating your impending sentence is our primary goal. We know that if convicted of a DUI, your personal life and career can be affected drastically. That is why reaching out to one of our DUI attorneys could simplify your life and help you understand what legal options suit your needs.
At the Law Offices of Andrew Nickel, LLC, we provide free consultations to all prospective clients. Schedule your free consultation at (630) 553-7111, and learn more about our services and the subsequent legal steps, depending on your case.