Illinois DUI Lawyer Blawg

As cannabis legalization continues to spread across the United States, states are grappling with how best to enforce DUI laws in cases involving marijuana use. While alcohol impairment has long been subject to measurable standards like blood alcohol concentration (BAC), THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana, presents enforcement challenges due to its unpredictable effects and persistence in the body. Efforts across various states to develop better tools to detect marijuana-related impairment offer insight into the complexities of this issue and its implications for Illinois drivers. If you are facing a marijuana-related DUI charge in Illinois, it is essential to consult an experienced DUI defense attorney to understand your rights and possible defenses.

Marijuana Detection Tools Across the States

It is reported that police departments in several states, including Minnesota, Colorado, and Michigan, have been testing new devices designed to detect THC impairment. These tools include roadside saliva tests and experimental THC breathalyzers. In Minnesota, officers piloted a saliva-testing machine that resembles a coffee maker in size and form. The device analyzes THC levels in oral fluid, and results from the pilot are being compiled for state lawmakers. Similarly, researchers in Colorado are developing a THC breathalyzer, while other states have tested cognitive-function apps or goggles that measure pupil response.

Allegedly, THC presents unique challenges compared to alcohol. Experts note that while breath alcohol levels closely correlate with actual impairment, THC levels do not. THC can remain in the body for hours or even days after use, well beyond the period of actual impairment. Reportedly, this means a person could test positive for THC even when no longer under its influence, raising concerns about the fairness and reliability of prosecution in marijuana DUI cases.

It is reported that individual tolerance to marijuana affects how it impacts driving behavior. Some users may be significantly impaired after minimal use, while others, particularly habitual users, may show minimal outward signs despite testing positive. According to experts cited in the article, this inconsistency makes it difficult for law enforcement to rely on chemical tests alone. As a result, officers are increasingly trained to detect signs of impairment through behavioral cues, such as slowed reaction times, erratic driving, or physical indicators during roadside stops. Continue reading →

While DUI arrests most often involve standard motor vehicles, an unusual incident in Florida has drawn attention for involving a much less typical mode of transportation: a riding lawn mower. Though this event occurred outside Illinois, it underscores an important legal principle that applies within this state, namely, that DUI laws can extend to nearly any motorized vehicle operated on public roadways. For individuals in Illinois, understanding how these laws apply is crucial to avoiding criminal charges and protecting one’s driving privileges. If you are facing a DUI charge in Illinois, it is vital to speak with an experienced DUI defense attorney who can assess the facts of your case and identify possible defenses.

The Florida Tractor DUI Arrest

It is reported that Florida law enforcement recently arrested a man who was allegedly driving a lawn mower while intoxicated on a busy highway. The incident occurred on Suncoast Parkway at approximately 8:30 a.m., when multiple calls were made to the Florida Highway Patrol regarding an individual erratically operating a lawn mower along the roadside.

Allegedly, when a trooper arrived at the scene, the individual was found sitting on the mower along the highway shoulder. It is alleged that the trooper observed several indicators of impairment, including pinpoint pupils, flushed skin, a dry mouth, and irritation on the interior of the individual’s nose. The individual reportedly exhibited additional symptoms such as excessive sniffing, spitting, and throat clearing during the interaction. Continue reading →

Driving under the influence remains a serious offense with significant consequences, especially for repeat offenders. A recent case out of Pennsylvania, where a man received a lengthy prison sentence after his twelfth DUI conviction, underscores the dangers associated with persistent impaired driving and highlights how courts address habitual violations. While this matter occurred in another jurisdiction, it carries important implications for Illinois drivers, particularly in light of the state’s stringent DUI laws and the potential for felony charges against repeat offenders. If you are facing a DUI in Illinois, especially with prior convictions, it is critical to seek the counsel of a skilled DUI defense attorney.

Reported Sentencing for Twelfth DUI Conviction

It is reported that a Pennsylvania man was sentenced to a prison term of five to eleven years following his twelfth conviction for driving under the influence. The sentencing arose from a 2023 crash in Westmoreland County in which the defendant allegedly drove his SUV across the center line and struck four motorcyclists traveling in the opposite direction. Three of the victims sustained injuries requiring multiple surgeries, and some now live with permanent, life-altering impairments.

It is alleged that the defendant was charged in November 2023 with DUI and related offenses stemming from the July 2023 incident on Laurel Mountain. According to the Westmoreland County District Attorney’s Office, the defendant had not possessed a valid driver’s license since 1976. He had also been previously designated a habitual offender, suggesting a long-standing pattern of driving violations and alcohol-related offenses. Continue reading →

DUI checkpoints are a common law enforcement tool used across the country to deter impaired driving and promote public safety. A recent report from California highlights the scope and impact of these operations. For Illinois drivers, this story highlights the importance of understanding how DUI checkpoints operate under state law, what rights motorists retain, and what obligations they must fulfill when stopped. If you are stopped at a DUI checkpoint or charged with a DUI in Illinois, speaking with a qualified DUI defense attorney can help you understand and protect your legal rights.

California DUI Checkpoint

It is reported that police in Redwood City, California, conducted a DUI checkpoint over the weekend. The operation led to two arrests for driving under the influence and resulted in 21 citations for various offenses. Among those cited, one individual was reportedly cited for an outstanding warrant.

Across the United States, lawmakers and public safety advocates continue to address the ongoing threat posed by impaired driving. A recent legislative initiative in South Carolina brings renewed attention to the complexity and urgency of reforming DUI laws. For Illinois residents, this effort highlights important parallels in policy, particularly in the use of ignition interlock devices, DUI sentencing, and pretrial sanctions. Understanding these issues in the context of Illinois law can help drivers navigate the legal consequences of DUI charges and assert their rights when accused.

South Carolina Is Seeking to Overhaul Its DUI Laws

It is reported that lawmakers in South Carolina are preparing to prioritize a comprehensive DUI reform bill in the upcoming 2026 legislative session. The bill, introduced by a state senator, is aimed at revising and strengthening the legal framework governing impaired driving offenses. Allegedly, the motivation behind the bill stems from South Carolina’s poor national ranking in DUI-related fatalities, reportedly fifth in the country.

According to statements made by the bill’s sponsor, the proposed legislation would increase penalties for DUI convictions and mandate the use of ignition interlock devices at earlier stages of the legal process. It is alleged that under the proposed bill, these devices could be required before a case is even contested, thereby altering the legal landscape for individuals facing DUI charges in the state. Continue reading →

Illinois law requires police officers to have reasonable suspicion before initiating a DUI investigation. While that standard generally involves direct observation of driving behavior or traffic violations, certain circumstances, such as a crash, can justify immediate investigation. A recent incident near Stockton demonstrates how modern technology and traffic collisions can intersect to initiate criminal charges for impaired driving. If you are charged with a DUI offense, it is important to understand your rights, and you should talk to a skilled Illinois DUI attorney.

The Stockton Crash

It is reported that a single-vehicle crash occurred near Stockton, Illinois, on a Sunday morning. Allegedly, the defendant was driving northbound on an Illinois road when she lost control of her vehicle. According to crash reports, the vehicle veered off the highway, struck a tree, and ultimately came to rest in a private driveway.

It is alleged that an iPhone crash alert, automatically generated by the defendant’s mobile device, prompted the dispatch of emergency responders to the scene. When deputies arrived, they observed that the vehicle had sustained significant damage. The driver, a 38-year-old Stockton resident, was reportedly treated at the scene by emergency medical personnel before being transported to a hospital in Freeport for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. Continue reading →

Illinois may soon take a more progressive approach to post-conviction driving restrictions for DUI offenders. A bill recently passed by the Illinois House of Representatives aims to grant individuals convicted of driving under the influence the ability to obtain restricted driving permits under clearly defined conditions. The bill, if enacted, would enable qualified drivers to maintain a limited degree of mobility, provided they submit to the use of alcohol-monitoring technology. If you are charged with a DUI crime in Illinois, it is critical to work with a seasoned Illinois DUI defense attorney who can explain how legislative changes may affect your rights. 

The Pending Bill

It is reported that House Bill 2658 would amend the Illinois Vehicle Code to enable the Secretary of State to issue restricted driving permits to individuals convicted of DUI offenses. The bill permits driving privileges up to six days a week, twelve hours per day, and within a 200-mile radius of the applicant’s residence. It is alleged that individuals must agree to install and maintain a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID) as a condition of receiving the permit. This device is an in-vehicle breathalyzer that prevents a car from starting if the driver’s blood alcohol content exceeds a preset threshold.