Articles Posted in DUI

In Illinois, DUI incidents can have life-threatening consequences, as recently seen when an alleged drunk driver was pulled from his car moments before it was struck by an Amtrak train. This incident highlights that not all DUI arrests arise out of traffic stops, but can occur any time the police suspect a motorist of operating a car while under the influence. If you are charged with a DUI offense, it is essential to consult an Illinois DUI defense lawyer to explore your legal options.

Factual Background

It is reported that the incident began when a 56-year-old man from Mount Prospect, Illinois, was allegedly involved in a hit-and-run accident after colliding with a parked car in Morton Grove. After the crash, the man reportedly attempted to flee north along railroad tracks near River Drive and Lehigh Avenue, where his car became immobilized. Bystanders observed the man’s car stuck on the tracks and quickly intervened, pulling him out of the vehicle moments before an oncoming Amtrak train collided with it, tearing the car in two.

Allegedly, Morton Grove police arrived at the scene and arrested the driver on suspicion of DUI. The collision with the train caused substantial delays to southbound Amtrak services and halted the Metra Milwaukee District North Line. The man’s charges remain under investigation, with potential DUI and additional criminal charges pending.

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In most states, repeated DUI offenses carry increasingly severe penalties, as state laws are designed to deter repeat offenders and promote road safety. Recently, a Delaware man was arrested for his ninth DUI offense after failing a field sobriety test during a routine traffic stop and now faces substantial penalties. In Illinois, as in Delaware, repeat DUI offenders will likely have to deal with severe consequences. If you are charged with a DUI offense, it is crucial to consult an Illinois DUI defense lawyer to understand your rights and available defenses.

The Delaware Man’s Arrest

It is reported that the defendant, a 53-year-old man from Elkton, was stopped by Delaware State Police on Route 13 near Odessa, Delaware, for speeding. Allegedly, the officer observed signs of impairment, prompting a field sobriety test, which the defendant subsequently failed. A computer check during the stop revealed that the defendant had eight prior DUI convictions. He was arrested and charged with driving under the influence, as well as driving while his license was suspended or revoked, and was held on a $6,000 secured bond.

Given the defendant’s extensive history of DUI offenses, this case highlights the significant legal repercussions for individuals with multiple DUI convictions and raises questions about state strategies for handling repeat offenders. Although this incident occurred in Delaware, similar laws in Illinois impose severe penalties on individuals with multiple DUI convictions. Continue reading →

While a DUI conviction can negatively impact anyone’s life, for people who drive for a living, the effects are often devastating. For example, in recent months, Massachusetts faced public scrutiny due to the sudden revocation of hundreds of commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs), impacting the livelihoods of many truck and bus drivers. These revocations were triggered by DUI convictions from decades ago, some as far back as the 1980s, as part of the Registry of Motor Vehicles’ (RMV) new “lifetime look back” policy. While the change in Massachusetts has no impact on Illinois law, it is a concerning sign of the possibility that retroactive penalties could be implemented in other states. If you are charged with a DUI crime, it is important to understand your rights, and you should meet with an Illinois DUI defense lawyer.

RMV’s Lifetime Look Back and the Impact on CDL Holders

 It is alleged that the RMV’s recent actions stem from its retroactive enforcement of provisions within Melanie’s Law, a Massachusetts statute enacted in 2005 aimed at cracking down on drunk driving offenses. Under this law, repeat offenders and those who refuse breathalyzer tests are prohibited from holding a CDL. However, the RMV did not uniformly enforce this rule until 2019, after a truck driver, who should have had his license suspended, was involved in a fatal crash that claimed seven lives. Following this tragedy, the RMV took a harder stance on CDL holders with past DUI convictions, applying Melanie’s Law to past violations.

While the Illinois police are generally on the lookout for intoxicated motorists throughout the year, they often increase their efforts around certain times of the year. For example, a recent report indicated they will conduct a coordinated DUI enforcement campaign throughout the state over Labor Day weekend. While such efforts are permitted, the police cannot violate motorists’ rights, and if they do, the motorist may have grounds for arguing that any DUI charges arising out of a stop should be dismissed. If you are accused of a DUI crime, it is wise to confer with an Illinois DUI defense lawyer as soon as possible.

Illinois Police Intensify Efforts to Combat DUI Last Weekend of the Summer

It is reported that as the final weekend of summer approaches, Illinois is intensifying its efforts to combat driving under the influence (DUI) through a coordinated enforcement campaign. The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and the Illinois State Police (ISP), along with over 200 local law enforcement agencies, are participating in the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign.

Allegedly, this initiative aims to prevent DUI-related incidents by increasing patrols and reminding the public of the serious consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol, cannabis, or other impairing substances. IDOT highlights that DUI arrests can lead to severe penalties, including substantial fines, legal fees, higher insurance rates, and the potential loss of life. The campaign, running through Labor Day weekend, is particularly crucial given last year’s statistics, which reported 11 fatal crashes in Illinois during the same period, with three of those crashes involving alcohol, resulting in six fatalities. Continue reading →

It is generally understood that it is illegal to drive a vehicle while intoxicated. Many people would be surprised to learn, however, that they could be arrested for a DUI crime for sleeping in their car after consuming alcohol. This is true in many states, including Illinois, and as a recent arrest demonstrates, in California as well. If you are charged with driving while under the influence of alcohol, you should speak with an Illinois DUI defense lawyer to evaluate what steps you can take to protect your rights.

NFL Player Faces DUI Arrest for Sleeping in Car

It is reported that a few weeks before the start of training camp, a professional football player is facing legal issues instead of focusing on his preparation. The player, a wide receiver for the Minnesota Vikings, was arrested near Los Angeles International Airport on suspicion of driving under the influence. According to the police report, a West LA officer discovered a white Rolls Royce obstructing a lane on the I-105 highway. Upon investigation, the officer found the player asleep at the wheel. After conducting a DUI investigation, the player was arrested late at night.

Allegedly, the Vikings organization has acknowledged the incident and is currently gathering information before deciding on any potential disciplinary action. This is not the first time the player has been involved in a car-related incident. Nearly a year earlier, he was caught driving 140 mph in Minnesota, resulting in a misdemeanor speeding charge and a fine. The recent arrest follows a tragic event involving one of his teammates, who, along with two other former college football players, died in a car crash that authorities believe may have involved alcohol. Investigations into that incident are ongoing. Continue reading →

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While states have various BAC threshold limits for per se DUI charges, in every state in the country, it is unlawful to drive while under the influence of alcohol. While in most instances, DUI charges arise out of the operation of a passenger vehicle, in many states, including Illinois, the DUI statutes do not limit such offenses to people driving cars or trucks. Instead, they merely specify that the operation of a motor vehicle while impaired due to the consumption of alcohol is unlawful. For example, in Pennsylvania, a teenager was recently arrested for operating a Gator after drinking. If you are charged with a DUI offense in Illinois, it is smart to talk to an Illinois DUI defense lawyer about your possible defenses.

Facts of the Pennsylvania Case

It is reported that a 19-year-old from Pennsylvania was arrested for driving under the influence while operating a John Deere Gator. The incident occurred on March 17, when police conducted a traffic stop after noticing the driver, identified as the suspect, leaving a Sheetz parking lot without using a turn signal. Additionally, the vehicle was not registered. During the stop, officers observed signs of alcohol impairment in the suspect.

It is alleged that a field sobriety test confirmed these suspicions, and a subsequent breathalyzer test revealed that the suspect’s blood alcohol concentration was five times the legal limit for an underage individual, which is 0.02 percent in Pennsylvania. The suspect faces multiple charges, including DUI-general impairment and DUI-minor, and was released pending a court hearing. Continue reading →

While many DUI arrests arise out of traffic stops, some are the result of DUI checkpoints. In most states, including Illinois, law enforcement agents have the right to conduct such checkpoints and often do so during the times of year when people are more likely to drive while intoxicated, like holidays and the summer. Regardless of when they conduct DUI checkpoints, though, they must abide by proper procedures. Recently, DUI checkpoints in Illinois resulted in numerous arrests and citations, but it is unclear at this point whether there are grounds for challenging any of the arrests. If you are faced with accusations that you drove while intoxicated, it is advisable to meet with an Illinois DUI defense lawyer to assess your options.

Illinois DUI Checkpoints Yield Arrests

It is alleged that in April, Illinois State Police conducted five nighttime roadside checkpoints, resulting in two DUI arrests and a total of 142 citations and arrests. These citations encompassed a range of offenses, including violations related to registration, driver’s licenses, insurance, and seat belt usage, as indicated in a news release.

It is reported that the checkpoints, managed by the Illinois State Police, were stationed at various locations, each yielding different numbers of citations and arrests. The checkpoints commenced late on the first day and concluded early on the second day of operation. Additionally, troopers issued 49 written warnings as part of the enforcement effort. Continue reading →