If you are like most people, you probably know that the 0.08 is the “magic number” regarding drunk driving. A person with a blood-alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 or higher may face charges for driving under the influence (DUI), but many people do not really understand what that number actually represents. In addition, it may […]
Quantifying Alcohol Intoxication – .08 and the Law Read More »
Illinois legalized the concealed carry of firearms in 2014, which led to a large number of applications for concealed carry permits. Since then, the number of applications has tapered somewhat, but the initial surge by Illinois citizens to secure concealed carry permits was likely fueled by the belief that carrying a handgun is a good
Justifiable Force, Self Defense, and Weapons Charges Read More »
Hardly a day goes by when one does not see a video, whether online or on TV news broadcasts, of a crime being committed or a person in distress. With just about every single person now equipped with a video camera as part of their cell phone, the possibility of catching one of these incidents
Illinois Law Protects Good Samaritans Read More »
School is back in session, which means that many residential areas are suddenly much quieter during the day and homework clutters kitchen tables in the evening. As families with school-aged children get back into the swing of the school year, drivers throughout Illinois must take extra precautions when driving near school buildings as speeding in
Speeding in a School Zone Could Result in Jail Time Read More »
A revoked or suspended driver’s license can create a major inconvenience or hardship. It makes getting to work or school, caring for family members, and performing other daily tasks almost impossible to complete. Fortunately, the state of Illinois has a process in place that allows drivers an opportunity to pursue and gain driver’s license reinstatement.
Navigating Driver’s License Suspension and Reinstatement Read More »
The presumption of innocence is a cornerstone of the American legal system. When an individual has been charged with a crime, he or she is Innocent until proven guilty. Criminal defendants often face serious punitive consequences, including the death penalty. Therefore, the burden of proof is highest in criminal cases -higher than in any other
Beyond a Reasonable Doubt – The Standard in Criminal Proceedings Read More »
Footage from the body-cam of a Salt Lake City police officer recently went viral, causing a massive, national debate over the behavior of law enforcement in stressful situations. In the video, a nurse at a Salt Lake City hospital can be seen arguing with a police detective about his request to take blood from an
Nurse Arrested for Refusing to Allow Police to Take Patient’s Blood Read More »
Television shows and movies may create a false picture of what it is like when someone is served with a search warrant by law enforcement. Many citizens are left with the impression of a polite knock on the door, presentation of the warrant, and then entry by police. While, in reality, that may happen from
Understanding Probable Cause and 4th Amendment Searches Read More »
Earlier this summer, Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner signed the Bail Reform Act. The new statute, which went into effect immediately after the signing, is said to be an attempt at alleviating overcrowding in county jails, and a form of relief for those unable to afford the bail amount for minor and nonviolent offenses. Opponents of
Illinois Bail Reform Enacted Read More »
Around the country, ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have become immensely popular, especially among younger adults. It is very easy to open a smartphone app, tap a few times, and have a car arrive to pick you up exactly where you are. These services have proven to be extremely convenient, even in cities with
Is Uber Really Preventing Drunk Driving? Read More »
In 2014, Illinois became the last state to allow gun owners the right to carry concealed firearms, and while a large number of concealed carry permits were issued that year, applications statewide for these permits have been on a steady decline, aside from a slight increase in 2016. The exception to this trend, however, is
Concealed Carry Applications on the Decline in Illinois Read More »
Recent news reports about the rate of traffic fatalities presented mixed results for drivers in the state of Illinois. While fatalities involving drunk drivers fatalities involving drunk drivers continue to decrease, the overall number of deaths due to traffic accidents is on the rise in Illinois and across the country. Drunk Drivers and Drunk Driving
Illinois Traffic Fatalities are on the Rise Read More »
