Open Container Laws

Drunk driving is a dangerous act that can lead to deaths and serious injuries every week, but simply being pulled over by the police is not the same as a DUI conviction. However, even if your blood alcohol content is well under the legal limit, you can be charged with a criminal offense simply for having an opened alcohol container in your vehicle.

Although one could argue that open container laws discourage drunk driving, even totally sober people can be punished under open container laws. The police do not need probable cause for another offense to charge you under these laws. At times, these laws can seem excessive: someone transporting an already-open bottle of wine from one house to another can potentially face legal consequences for having the bottle in the passenger compartment of the car at all.

Illinois is already known for its strict drunk driving laws. These laws have been effective for stopping some crimes, but they can lead to an excessive push in certain jurisdictions for securing alcohol-related convictions. An overzealous anti-alcohol campaign could easily lead to the unjust convictions of many sober, law-abiding citizens simply for carrying alcohol in their vehicles.

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If you believe your rights have been violated or that you have been unfairly charged, you have the right to defend yourself against these charges. The experienced Champaign DUI defense attorneys of Thomas A. Bruno & Associates will work tirelessly to help you win your case and clear your name. To discuss your case directly with a skilled defense lawyer, contact Tom Bruno & Associates today at 217-328-6000.