Published on:

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.

Published on:

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 →

Published on:

In Illinois, driving under the influence (DUI) can lead to severe legal consequences, especially when impaired driving results in loss of life. In such tragic cases, defendants may face felony charges carrying substantial penalties. A recent incident in Peoria exemplifies the serious repercussions of allegedly impaired driving that ends in fatality. If you are accused of DUI-related offenses in Illinois, you should seek legal representation to protect your rights and understand the potential consequences of the charges you face.

Allegedly Causing a Fatal Crash While Under the Influence

It is reported that a pedestrian fatality occurred in Peoria on March 19, 2025, in the vicinity of Knoxville Avenue and East Orchard Place. Allegedly, the pedestrian, a 66-year-old individual, was struck by a motor vehicle in the evening hours. The impact reportedly caused multiple blunt force injuries that were instantly fatal, according to the Peoria County Coroner.

It is alleged that the defendant in this case, a 27-year-old, was initially arrested at the scene and charged with a single count of DUI. However, after further investigation, the Peoria County State’s Attorney’s Office amended the charges the following day. Reportedly, the defendant now faces one count of felony aggravated DUI and two counts of misdemeanor DUI in connection with the pedestrian’s death. Continue reading →

Published on:

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 →

Published on:

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.

Published on:

States across the country continue to take a harder stance on driving under the influence, especially when repeat offenses result in tragedy. A new Ohio law, known as Liv’s Law, reflects this trend by substantially increasing criminal and administrative penalties for repeat DUI offenders. While the law specifically affects Ohio drivers, it signals a broader movement toward stricter DUI enforcement policies that could influence other states, including Illinois. Understanding how these laws evolve and how they differ by state is essential for anyone facing DUI charges or concerned about how a prior conviction might affect their future. If you have been accused of impaired driving in Illinois, it is critical to speak to a skilled Illinois DUI defense attorney about your rights.

The Ohio Law

It is reported that the Ohio legislature passed House Bill 37, commonly known as Liv’s Law, which is scheduled to go into effect on April 9. The law specifically targets individuals who commit aggravated vehicular homicide while under the influence of drugs or alcohol and have a prior OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired) conviction. Liv’s Law was named after a 22-year-old woman who was killed by a repeat DUI offender in 2020. The legislation was reportedly spearheaded by the victim’s family to bring justice to victims of impaired driving and close perceived gaps in the state’s sentencing statutes.

It is alleged that Liv’s Law will create a new tiered sentencing scheme that mandates increasingly harsh penalties based on a defendant’s prior OVI history. A first offense of OVI-related aggravated vehicular homicide is now punishable by a mandatory prison sentence of two to eight years. A defendant with one prior OVI conviction within the last 20 years faces six to 20 years in prison. For offenders with two or more prior OVIs, the minimum sentence will be 10 years, with the possibility of life in prison. The law also raises the maximum fine for such offenses to $25,000 and increases the minimum fines for other DUI convictions across the board. Continue reading →

Published on:

In Illinois, driving under the influence (DUI) of cannabis is prosecuted aggressively, particularly when accidents result in injury or death. However, these cases often involve complex legal and scientific issues that demand close scrutiny. A recent sentencing in Kane County involving a fatal crash and allegations of cannabis impairment demonstrates the life-altering consequences of a DUI conviction and the critical importance of mounting a strong legal defense. When faced with charges of cannabis-related DUI, especially those involving aggravating factors, defendants must have experienced counsel to ensure that the state’s evidence is properly challenged and that their rights are fully protected.

The Kane County Incident

It is reported that in October 2022, the defendant was driving a vehicle on Route 38 in Kane County when he allegedly lost control of it. According to reports, the vehicle entered the westbound lane and collided with an SUV, which was then pushed into a ditch and caught fire. A 4-year-old child in a car seat inside the SUV later died from injuries sustained in the crash. The child’s mother reportedly suffered serious injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital.

It is further reported that the defendant’s vehicle struck a second car following the SUV. After the crash, law enforcement collected blood and urine samples from the defendant, which allegedly revealed a Delta-9 THC concentration of 6.6 nanograms per milliliter in the blood. Continue reading →

Published on:

In Illinois, driving under the influence (DUI) remains a serious criminal offense that carries both criminal and administrative penalties. While most DUI arrests arise out of collisions or erratic driving, people can face DUI charges even if they are not present at the scene of the alleged crime, as shown in a recent incident in Ogle County. If you are facing DUI charges in Illinois, it is imperative to seek legal advice from an experienced defense attorney who understands both the substantive and procedural aspects of DUI law.

Allegedly Abandoning a Damaged Vehicle After a Crash

It is reported that sheriff’s deputies in Ogle County responded to a late-night call in the village of Lindenwood on a Tuesday evening. Allegedly, at approximately 10:15 p.m., officers discovered a sedan that had been abandoned on a highway. The vehicle reportedly had sustained significant front-end damage from a collision with a guardrail on the east side of the road.

Allegedly, the vehicle was unoccupied when officers arrived, prompting an investigation into the identity of the driver and the circumstances surrounding the crash. It is reported that the investigation led deputies to identify the driver as a 33-year-old woman. She was later arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Failure to Reduce Speed to Avoid an Accident, Improper Lane Usage, Failure to Report Property Damage, Operating an Uninsured Motor Vehicle, and Unauthorized Parking on the Roadway. The defendant was taken into custody and processed at the Ogle County Jail before being released with a notice to appear in court on a future date. Continue reading →

Published on:

For individuals convicted of DUI, the long-term consequences of a criminal record can be significant, affecting employment opportunities, housing, and other aspects of life. A proposed bill in Washington aims to offer certain individuals the opportunity to vacate their DUI convictions under specific conditions. If you are accused of committing a DUI offense in Illinois or seeking post-conviction relief, consulting with an experienced Illinois DUI defense attorney can help you understand your options.

Washington DUI Expungement Bill

It is reported that Washington state legislators have advanced a bill that would allow individuals with DUI convictions to petition for record expungement under certain circumstances. House Bill 1110, which recently cleared a key committee vote, is part of a broader effort by lawmakers to provide second chances for individuals with past criminal records while maintaining public safety.

It is alleged that the bill would permit individuals convicted of DUI or Actual Physical Control While Under the Influence (PC) to seek vacatur of their conviction if they meet specific criteria. A primary requirement is that the petitioner must not have committed another drug- or alcohol-related traffic offense for at least five years. Additionally, amendments to the bill introduced by lawmakers now require individuals to wait a minimum of five years from sentencing or three years from release before petitioning for expungement. Continue reading →

Posted in:
Published on:
Updated:
Published on:

DUI laws are designed to keep roadways safe by penalizing individuals who operate vehicles while impaired by alcohol or drugs. However, recent investigations have uncovered concerns about DUI arrests involving individuals who were reportedly sober at the time of their arrests. A new legislative effort in Tennessee seeks to bring transparency to these cases and protect people from unwarranted prosecution. While the pending bill will not impact Illinois drivers directly, it may be a sign of changes to come. If you are facing a DUI charge in Illinois, you should speak with an experienced Illinois DUI defense attorney to understand your rights and possible defenses.

Tennessee’s “Sober DUI” Bill

It is reported that a new bill has been introduced in response to a series of cases in which individuals were arrested for DUI despite allegedly having no detectable impairment. Multiple individuals faced legal consequences after being charged with DUI based on law enforcement officers’ observations rather than verifiable toxicology results. These cases sparked concerns about the fairness and accuracy of DUI enforcement, particularly in situations where chemical tests did not confirm intoxication.

It is alleged that the proposed legislation aims to increase transparency in DUI cases by requiring law enforcement officers to document and disclose all evidence used to justify a DUI arrest. This includes ensuring that video footage from body cameras or dashcams is preserved and made available for review in legal proceedings. Advocates of the bill argue that this measure will help prevent wrongful DUI arrests and convictions while maintaining accountability among law enforcement officers. Continue reading →

Posted in:
Published on:
Updated:
Contact Information