“I have a first-offense DUI. Is my case a felony or misdemeanor?”
People ask me this question a lot. On the other hand, there are other people who cannot believe that a DUI, especially a first offense DUI, can be a felony. After all, its just “traffic,” isn’t it? Most first offense DUIs are in fact misdemeanor cases. In Illinois, the maximum sentence for a misdemeanor case Read More
What is the difference between a DUI, DWI and an OWI?
What is the difference between a DUI, DWI and an OWI? This is a question that I received today. Illinois only has an offense known as “driving under the influence” or DUI. We do not have anything called driving while impaired or driving while intoxicated. However, other states do. Some states call their DUI charges Read More
Our June victories
This month, two DUI cases went to trial, and both clients were found not guilty. One involved a woman who was stopped by Chicago Police as she was parking near her apartment and the other involved a man stopped on the Kennedy Expressway by State Police. A third client had his DUI case dismissed by Read More
New sentencing law not good news for drunk drivers
Governor Quinn has signed new legislation creating a new prison sentencing scheme, replacing the old “meritorious good time” rules. Under the new law, anyone who is convicted of aggravated drunk driving involving death or great bodily injury will only be eligible for 4.5 days credit per month of sentence, i.e., one would have to serve Read More
The Police are targeting tinted windows
The Daily Herald is reporting that many suburban police departments are cracking down on tinted windows. I have always had a problem with the Illinois tinted window statute, which I think is unconstitutional. The problem is that a car manufacturer or seller can legally put the tint on the car in another state, and then Read More
Justin Blackmon arrest video released
In station video showing Jacksonville Jaguar’s new wideout Justin Blackmon, after his recent DUI arrest, have been released. They show Blackmon speaking to officers, and learning that he scored three times the legal limit on the breath test, resulting in aggravated DUI charges. The video does nothing to help Blackmon. He clearly looks and sounds Read More
USA to allow some undocumented people to obtain work visas
Today, the Obama administration has announced a major change to immigration law. Under the change, undocumented persons who were brought to the United States when they were under the age of 16, and are now under the age of 30, can apply for a renewable work visa, if they have been living in the United Read More
Our May victories
The month of May saw several courtroom wins for Harold L. Wallin’s clients, including: a verdict of “not guilty” for a DUI case in a Chicago courtroom after a trial; another Chicago DUI case dismissed; another DUI “not guilty” at the Rolling Meadows courthouse; a Motion to Suppress granted for a client at the Maywood Read More
Second Season of TLC’s D.U.I. to start June 28th
Season Two of TLC’s D.U.I. show will begin June 28th. The show depicts DUI arrests from stop to court resolution. Unfortunately, in season one the show did not have any interviews with DUI attorneys or experts to explain the legal process or raise questions about the methods and training ofthe arresting officers. This would have Read More
Chicago Police to conduct roadside safety checks this weekend
The Chicago Police Department has announced that it will be conducting roadside safety checks this weekend on the West and South sides. Friday night they will be conducting one in the Austin (15th) District at 5400 West Madison, beginning at 8:00 p.m. through 4:00 a.m. Saturday morning. Saturday night they will be conducting one in Read More