Articles Posted in DUI

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 →

In many states, including Tennessee, law enforcement officers can arrest individuals for DUI based on observed behavior that suggests intoxication without needing a blood test. While a blood test might later prove innocence, the initial arrest can lead to severe consequences. Recent issues in Tennessee exemplify this issue, as numerous people have been charged with DUI despite being sober at the time of their arrests. Such unjust charges can result in significant repercussions. If you are faced with DUI charges, it is smart to seek guidance regarding your rights, and you should speak to an experienced Illinois DUI defense attorney as soon as possible.

Tennessee’s DUI Charges Against Sober Drivers

It is reported that in Tennessee, sober drivers are facing DUI charges due to a backlog in alcohol and toxicology tests at the crime lab. The lengthy delays in blood tests have resulted in innocent individuals having their lives disrupted while awaiting proof of their innocence. One such case involved a man who, after an accident, was surprised to be charged with DUI despite being sober. Similarly, another individual also faced DUI charges despite being sober at the time of their arrest. While he admits he caused the accident, he attributed it to difficulty in following instructions due to attention deficit disorder, not intoxication.

Allegedly, despite not being under the influence, these individuals endured the trauma of arrest, legal fees, and loss of reputation. The impact of these arrests extended beyond personal consequences; it also affected their families and communities. The delays in receiving test results further exacerbated their ordeal, with some waiting months to prove their innocence. Despite assurances of improvements in processing tests, the consequences endured by individuals wrongfully charged with DUI highlight the need for systemic reforms to prevent such injustices in the future. Continue reading →

In many states, people convicted of certain DUI offenses will often be required to install ignition interlock devices on their vehicles. While generally, this requirement is reserved for DUI offenses that are considered more serious or repeat offenders, the California legislature recently proposed a bill seeking to mandate ignition interlock devices for all people convicted of DUI. While the bill is still pending, it could suggest a potential shift in DUI legislation within California and potentially other states. If you are facing DUI charges in Illinois, it is advisable to seek guidance from an Illinois DUI defense attorney regarding your available defenses.

The Proposed California Law

It is reported that California Assembly Bill 2210 (AB 2210) proposes to mandate the installation of interlock ignition devices in vehicles of individuals convicted of driving under the influence in California. AB 2210 builds upon existing legislation by extending the requirement of IIDs to first-time DUI offenders, with varying durations of installation depending on the number of offenses. Under the proposed law, first-time offenders would be required to have an interlock ignition device for up to six months, while repeat offenders would face longer installation periods.

Allegedly, proponents of the bill argue that interlock ignition devices are effective in reducing recidivism in drunk driving incidents, with a study by the California Department of Motor Vehicles indicating a 74% reduction compared to license suspensions. However, groups like the ACLU oppose AB 2210 due to concerns about the financial burden it may impose, particularly on low-income drivers. Despite opposition, the bill passed the Assembly Public Safety Committee, signaling potential progress toward implementation. Continue reading →

DUI arrests frequently arise out of traffic stops police officers conduct due to erratic driving. In some instances, an arrest will be made after the police investigate a collision and determine one of the motorists is impaired due to the consumption of alcohol. While it is not probable for multiple drivers who are intoxicated to be involved in a collision, it is probable. This was illustrated recently in Florida when a rare collision occurred in which both of the drivers involved were arrested and charged with DUI crimes. If you are faced with DUI charges, it would benefit you to speak to an Illinois DUI defense lawyer about what steps you can take to protect your rights.

Florida’s Double DUI Crash

It is alleged that two motorcyclists were involved in a crash in March 2024 at around 10:40 p.m. Florida Highway Patrol responded to the scene, revealing that both motorcycles were traveling on a highway when a car abruptly entered their path and then fled. The first motorcyclist attempted to avoid the car but ended up colliding with the second motorcyclist. Both riders were ejected from their motorcycles and sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

It is reported that one of the drivers refused medical attention at the scene and was subsequently treated and released. The other motorcyclist was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Upon investigation, troopers gathered enough evidence to initiate a DUI investigation against the first motorcyclist, leading to swift arrest after receiving medical treatment. The second motorcyclist allegedly refused to undergo sobriety testing by the responding trooper and later declined further medical treatment at the hospital. Consequently, the second motorcyclist was arrested for DUI refusal. Both individuals were then taken into custody and transported to jail. Continue reading →