Being charged with driving under the influence (DUI) is serious, and if you are convicted, you can face harsh repercussions, including potential jail time, high fines, and license suspension. One possible strategy for defending against this charge is to request court supervision, which offers an alternative to a conviction and a permanent criminal record. However, there is no guarantee that the judge will award you court supervision, and in some cases, it may not be your best option. An Illinois criminal defense lawyer can help you understand your options as you navigate DUI charges.
What is Court Supervision?
An order of court supervision is an alternative to a guilty verdict for various minor traffic violations, such as reckless driving or speeding. Accepting court supervision means you are promising the court that you will not incur any further traffic violations for a period of time, essentially demonstrating good behavior for a certain number of months. If you complete your period of court supervision without any infractions, the original charge against you will be dropped. A court supervision order is still public record, but much less easily accessible than a criminal conviction.