Chicago DUI attorney comments on losing the right to a trial by your peers

This Chicago DUI attorney is a proud member of the National College of DUI Defense. 

Last week, a member reported on a change to the rights of the accused in Arizona.

That state has decided that no longer does a person accused of a DUI have a right to a jury trial.  Yes, they can go to trial.

As shocking as it may seem, there are other states that don’t permit a jury trial for a first time DUI charge.

Arizona***

Hawaii

Louisiana

New Hampshire

New Jersey

Mississippi

Pennsylvania

In Illinois, you are guaranteed the right to a jury.  Yes, I heard you breathe a sigh of relief.

Here's the kicker, Arizona Governor Jan Brewer signed the bill into law, although she received a professional courtesy for her own DUI.

*** New law goes into effect January, 2012