Chicago Criminal Lawyer Blog
Understanding DUI Allegations in Chicago When No One Saw You Driving
Chicago is a city known for its traffic congestion, sprawling neighborhoods, and a dense police presence. DUI arrests in this area are not uncommon, and while many occur after a traffic stop, others arise from more complicated scenarios. One such situation is when law enforcement finds someone in or near a vehicle under circumstances that suggest impairment, but no officer actually observed the person driving. If you’re in this situation, you’re not alone — and yes, you can still be arrested and charged with DUI in Illinois.
Under Illinois law, prosecutors don’t necessarily need direct eyewitness testimony that you were driving. They can pursue charges based on circumstantial evidence, especially if they believe you were in actual physical control of the vehicle. These cases often arise when someone is found sleeping in their car, sitting in the driver’s seat with the engine running, or near a vehicle after a crash.
