Each year, the United States Supreme Court is asked to grant certiroria (which is necessary before the High Court will hear an appeal) in tens of thousands of cases. The Court only accepts about 150 of those petitions a year. All other applicants’ are denied Supreme Court review. The court…
Illinois law makes it illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol. (DUI). Penalties for a first offense can be as much as a fine of $2,500 and up to 364 days in the county jail, or a combination of the two. 625 ILCS 5/11-501 A conviction for DUI requires…
At one time, an arrest for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) was not that big of a deal. Many such charges were reduced to reckless driving so that the driver did not lose his or her driver’s license. Even when a DUI conviction did occur, there was normally a small…
On a daily basis, we read and hear about arrests for Driving Under the Influence (DUI). After an arrest occurs, the case follows two tracks. The first track has to do with the driver’s license suspension from a DUI arrest. In connection with a DUI arrest, you will be asked…
The Illinois Secretary of State is required to revoke the driver’s license of anyone who is guilty of committing the offense of Driving Under the Influence (DUI) while operating a motor vehicle in this state. Moreover, even if you do not live in Illinois or have an Illinois driver’s license,…
Josh Brent, a professional football player for the Dallas Cowboys, was charged with Driving Under the Influence, also known as DUI, DWI or drunk driving. He was involved in accident that resulted in the death of his passenger and teammate, Jerry Brown. Both men played college football at the University…
A charge of Driving Under the Influence (DUI or drunk driving) is considered an offense against the people of the state of Illinois. In other words, it is a crime. 625 ILCS 5/11-501 A person charged with a crime must respond to the charges in a court of law. Because…
Illinois has a reckless homicide law. 720 ILCS 5/9-3 In its simplest terms, reckless homicide involves doing something grossly dangerous and stupid that causes the death of another person, even if unintended. A classic case would be randomly firing a gun into a crowd. The reckless homicide law formerly provided…
Illinois, as is the case with most states and the federal government, makes it illegal to possess marijuana. A few states recognize medicinal marijuana, which can be used with a prescription. A couple of states recently decriminalized (made legal) marijuana use. A topic for another time is how those states…
In the State of Illinois, the General Assembly is the legislative body that makes laws. The General Assembly consists of a Senate whose members number 59 and a House of Representatives made up of 118 members. At various points throughout the legislative session, the members introduce proposed laws, which are…