Will Public Perception Color DUI Conviction in Cop Case?

Written on April 15, 2009 at 11:02 AM :: Filed in the Illinois DUI category

The uproar over this week’s cop DUI case, see the recent Tribune article, reminds us of the importance of public perception in Illinois DUI cases…and the stakes in DUIs that involve crashes.

In this tragic case, a Chicago police detective is accused of driving under the influence, smashing into the back of a car carrying Andrew Cazares, 23, and Fausto Manzera, 21. Both were killed…and Joseph Frugoli was released from jail on a $500,000 bond.

Unfortunately, DUIs can cause tragic consequences, including injury and death. This Chicago DUI accusation is no exception…and the outrage and pain of the families of the deceased is understandable.

Though it is understandable that the public would be upset about a police officer’s reckless behavior, Frugoli deserves a fair trial just like anyone else facing Illinois DUI consequences. Unfortunately, the public uproar over the case means that his DUI lawyer will need to fight twice as hard to secure fair consideration of the facts at hand. It’s a good example of how public perception colors Illinois DUI cases…the public is ready and willing to act punitively in order to deter DUI. Like it or not, this is a reality of DUI law in Chicago and Illinois. Luckily, the right attorney can fight the odds and bring the facts of the case to bear by constructing a DUI defense aimed at protecting their client’s rights.

Leave a comment