Illinois Traffic citations down thirteen percent from one year ago
The Chicago Tribune’s Trib Local sections are reporting that Illinois traffic stops and citations have dropped dramatically in just one year. The Tribune reports that: The drop in stops follows a statewide trend. The Tribune analysis found that traffic stops dropped 9 percent statewide, and the number tickets issued statewide fell 13 percent. Compared to Read More
Our July victories
This month, we had the following victories: a not guilty for a client arrested by Chicago Police for a DUI based on an allegation of driving with cannabis in his blood system; another DUI reduced to reckless driving; two DUI based suspensions rescinded; and two clients whose licenses had been revoked for DUI convictions received Read More
City planning to install “just up to 300” speeding cameras — for a start
It is beginning to feel like George Orwell’s 1984 in Chicago. First we had “red light cameras” then “surveillance cameras” in high crime areas, and now the City is making plans to install up to 300 speeding camera … for starters. Once us sheep citizens get used to that, I am sure the number will Read More
Expunging an arrest to give you a clean record
Today, I appeared in court seeking an expungement for a client that I had represented three years ago. In general, expungements are allowed for people who were arrested, but not found guilty of a crime, or were found or plead guilty to a misdemeanor offense. Certain types of felony probation can also be eligible to Read More
New Speeding law signed by Governor Quinn
Governor Quinn has signed the new speeding law, which will prevent courts from granting court supervision to anyone found guilty of speeding more than 25 miles per hour over the speed limit in a non-rural area, or more than 30 miles an hour in a rural area. Speeding faster than 30 miles over the posted Read More
What will happen on my first DUI?
What will happen to you if you receive a first offense DUI? Hopefully, you will be found not guilty or otherwise have your case dismissed. If not, here is a brief discussion of the sentencing options for a first offense: It depends, first of all, whether you are charged with a misdemeanor or felony DUI. Read More
“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