This case involved an Illinois client who, based on his residency, had issues with his license that would not be the case if he was an WI driver. So, he did the right thing and called counsel to see if they could help. We did.
The officer pulled the client over for traveling with a front headlamp out. As usual, that contact led to the officer suspecting alcohol impairment. The officer indicated the client had slurred speech and admitted to consuming alcohol.
The client was put through field sobriety tests and was ultimately arrested for Operating While Intoxicated. His breath test was .16.
The hook that led to the amendment in this case was the clear violation of the required 20 minute observation period in this case. The officer had testified at the Administrative Review hearing regarding the specific times he had completed each one of his tasks. With that information, Corey Chirafisi was able to determine that it was impossible for him to complete the 20 minute observation period as required. The prosecution offered the client an amendment to Reckless Driving. This literally saved the client at least a year without being able to drive. Again, in previous posts we have mentioned the value of administrative review hearings. We mention that value again. They can absolutely change the direction of a client's case for the better.