It is a crime in every state to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and if you are caught driving under the influence, chances are you will receive a DUI. However, a DUI conviction varies from state to state. In some states, a first-time DUI offense comes with attached jail time and a hefty fine. In others, drivers may just have to pay a fine. There are many costs associated with DUI, both on your wallet and your record. It is also important to know your options after receiving a DUI.
If you have been charged with a DUI for the first time, you might be feeling overwhelmed. You probably are worried about what will happen, and what effect a DUI will have on your future. A DUI can impact your life both personally and professionally, so it's important to understand the legal process you're facing. That's why it's a good idea to speak with a DUI attorney as soon as possible. If you are facing DUI charges, it's important to know the court process. Learn everything you need to know about your first DUI court date and what to expect.
A DUI charge does not necessarily mean you were drinking and driving. It can include driving while under the influence of prescription medications, or even over-the-counter ones. However, the penalties are usually the same for each infraction. Whenever you have been charged with DUI, whether it is for alcohol or for medications, trying to have the charges reduced is a good idea for your criminal record. While it's possible to have the charge reduced on your own, you will see far more success with the help of an attorney.
In 1990, the US Supreme Court decided that despite the Fourth Amendment, which protects citizens from searches and seizures, sobriety checkpoints are completely legal. The argument is that checkpoints are ways to protect the innocent from drunk drivers. If you are living in Illinois, and encounter a sobriety checkpoint, it's vitally important that you understand what rights you have during these searches.
While there are no verifiable stats, there are many more unlicensed drivers on the road than you think. The reasons people choose to drive without driver's license might vary, however one thing remains true. Unlicensed drivers make the roads a safety hazard for themselves and everyone around them. In an effort to keep our roads safe, learn why driving without a valid driver's license in Illinois is a bad idea.
Your driver's license can be suspended or revoked for a number of reasons, these include unpaid traffic tickets or a DUI. As we all know, people make mistakes, and sometimes these mistakes can lead to major hardships in our lives. A suspended license can mean not being able to drive to work, drive your children to school, or even to go get groceries. Learning how to reinstate your Illinois driver's license can seem overwhelming, but there are things you can do to get the ball rolling.
Handling the aftermath of a DUI charges can take weeks, or even months. When you're faced with steep fines, the possible loss of your license, and even jail time, you want to look into any way you can make things better for yourself in the long run. DUI counseling may sound extreme and not a very desirable way to spend your free time, but it could be what you need to turn things around. Sometimes attendance of DUI counseling is optional but, in other cases, you may not have a choice. Here is some more information on what to expect from DUI counseling classes.
You already know that a DUI could land you in jail, and costs thousands of dollars in legal fees, but did you know that car insurance for DUI offenders can spike anywhere from 30-200 percent? If you have already been involved in a DUI and you are wondering what to expect from your car insurance in Illinois, then you are in the right place. Let's discuss how a DUI impacts your car insurace rates and policy.
In 2016, the state of Illinois arrested nearly 30,000 drivers for a DUI or Driving Under the Influence. Those who ahve received DUIs may wonder, "Can you get fired for a DUI?" In many cases, companies are well within their legal right to let you go for driving under the influence, let's examine this further.
One of the hot button issues in the country is the dangers of driving drunk, but did you know that driving while tired or drowsy can be just as dangerous? Drinking alcohol has harmful effects, at the same time heavy fatigue can be just as detrimental. Making sure you handle both situations properly is the key to safe driving. How bad is driving tired vs driving drunk? The following article shows important statistics about the dangers of driving while tired or while under the influence of alcohol.
In 2018, a nurse in Utah was arrested and found herself between the rights of an unconscious man and law enforcement. Months later, the nurse got compensation for her wrongful arrest, and the officer who areested her lost his job. This was an extreme case but it showcases the stringent DUI laws now on the books, and the precarious position of health officials. They become responsible for enforcing the law and argue those who critize the rules. Illinois is no differemt. Earlier this year, the rules for those refusing a breathalyzer test became stricter. Here's what you need to know.
Have you recently lost your Illinois driver's license? Do you know how long it takes to reinstate a license? Every year in Illinois, nearly 40,000 drivers are charged with a DUI. Whether they were driving just a few blocks in Chicago, or across the state, driving under the influence is dangerous behavior. Once you have lost your license, you may be wondering how long it takes to reinstate a license in Illinois. In general, police, prosecutors, and families take the charge very seriously, so it is important that you show remorse for your actions. In the meantime, while you're trying to reinstate your license in Illinois, follow these important steps.
In Illinois, the Secretary of State (SOS) can revoke or suspend your driver's license for several reasons. This can be having too many traffic violations, failing to pay your traffic tickets, getting DUIs, or failing to make child support payments. These cases can lead to a suspension or revocation. A suspension means there's an end date, while a revocation is usually indefinite and requires a hearing to reinstate. Whatever the case, losing your driving privileges can be quite frustrating. For that reason, you need to know how to get a hardship license.
Is your license suspended/revoked in another state, or just the state of origin? Matters can get confusing quickly. If you are confused as to what to do if you have moved to Illinois with a suspended/revoked license from another state, follow these guidelines. It is tempting to believe that if you switch states, you may be able to wipe the slate clean and begin driving again. This is unfortunately not true.
The reinstatement of an Illinois Driver License is a long road. Depending on your situation and charges, there are many steps in the process, and most people are unprepared for what to do next. It takes time and knowledge to understand all the laws, let alone navigate them. As with any legal proceeding, citizens who consult a lawyer are able to understand what lies ahead for them. Avoiding myths and advice from those who have no legal training avoids small mistakes that cause big problems. Learn more about why hiring a lawyer would be in your best interest.
Do you have a Suspended or a Revoked Driver's License? Counting down the days until you can legally drive again? Wondering about the conditions of your infraction? Learning the difference between the two is key to knowing what actions you need to take. Don't give up hope if your license has been suspended, which can be reinstated after paying fines or meeting other conditions. However, revocation entails a larger amount of work. Read more here about the difference between the two.