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 ..read more

In response to a concerning trend of alcohol-related accidents, several states in the United States are deliberating over the possibility of reducing the legal blood alcohol limit for drivers. This movement gained traction when Hawaii’s state Senate recently passed a bill proposing to lower the limit from the current 0.08 percent to 0.05 percent. This initiative mirrors similar legislative efforts underway in Washington and has already been implemented in Utah. While there is currently no indication that Illinois intends to modify its DUI laws, initiatives in other states could be a sign of ch ..read more

In most states, it is unlawful for a person to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or any other intoxicating substance. While DUI arrests typically follow an officer stopping a person for suspicion of intoxication or a traffic offense, in some instances, the DUI suspect will no longer be in the vehicle when the police arrive on the scene. In such instances, the police will have to rely on circumstantial evidence to determine if an arrest is warranted, which can be complicated if one person states they were driving to cover up a crime. This was demonstrated recently in Minnes ..read more

St. Patrick’s day is a holiday that many people across the country associate with drinking. As such, it is not surprising that there is typically an increase in DUI arrests in the month of March when many cities hold St. Patrick’s Day parades and festivities. Many cities and states increase DUI checkpoints during those times, as evidenced by a recent announcement in Pennsylvania. While DUI checkpoints are lawful in most states, they must be conducted in a specific manner; otherwise, they may be unconstitutional. If you are charged with a DUI crime, it is important to talk to an Illinois DUI de ..read more

Most states impose significant penalties for fatal car accidents caused by intoxicated drivers. in hopes of reducing the likelihood of such collisions occurring, the Utah legislature is contemplating increasing the minimum mandatory penalties for DUI fatalities. DUI-related laws are nothing new to the Utah legislature, as they recently passed laws reducing the threshold for per se DUI crimes from 0.05% to 0.08%. If the Utah legislature increases the minimum sentence for DUI fatalities, it would not impact the status of Illinois’s law regarding DUI fatalities, but it could ultimately motivate I ..read more

It is not uncommon for DUI arrests to increase during the holiday season, in part due to an increased enforcement effort by law enforcement agencies to ensure road safety. For example, the Illinois State Police and Department of Transportation recently announced a holiday-related campaign that aims to reduce drunk driving and to prosecute people who violate Illinois’ drunk driving laws. However, it’s crucial to note that police must have reasonable cause to initiate a vehicle stop. Without a valid reason, any evidence obtained during such stops may be deemed inadmissible in court. If you are f ..read more

Individuals convicted of DUI offenses encounter a range of civil and criminal consequences. While the penalties imposed vary by state, they often include the mandatory installation of ignition interlock devices on their vehicles for repeat offenders. Recently, advocates and legislators have indicated that they intend to introduce bills that would require such devices to be installed in vehicles for first-time offenders as well. If you are faced with DUI charges in Illinois, seeking advice from an experienced Illinois DUI defense attorney is prudent, as they can provide insights into potential ..read more

It is generally understood that DUI arrests increase around the holiday season. In an effort to crack down on an increase in drunk driving, Arizona enacted a holiday DUI enforcement plan. In Arizona, as in Illinois, the police can only arrest people for DUI crimes in certain situations, however, and if a person is unjustly arrested, they may be able to effectively argue for the dismissal of charges against them. If you were arrested for a DUI offense, it is wise to meet with an Illinois DUI defense attorney to discuss your rights. Arizona’s Reduction in DUI Arrests It is reported that the Ariz ..read more

In the United States, DUI defendants have multiple rights, including the right to an attorney. When the right arises is not always clear, however, as demonstrated in a recent Kansas case in which the defendant argued his request was unjustly denied. While the Kansas ruling does not have implications in Illinois, it provides insight into how states throughout the country interpret the right. If an Illinois police department arrested you for a DUI crime in Illinois, it is smart to talk to an Illinois DUI defense lawyer as soon as possible. The Kansas Ruling It is reported that a Kansas police of ..read more

It is common knowledge that people involved in collisions while they are driving under the influence can be charged with DUI crimes. It is less clear in some cases, however, what constitutes a crash and, therefore, grounds for arresting a person for suspicion of DUI. A recent Florida case in which the court ruled that a single car accident highlights this issue and the implications it could have for people charged with DUI crimes. If you are charged with a DUI offense, it is smart to talk to an Illinois DUI defense lawyer to weigh your possible defenses. Florida Law Regarding DUI Crashes It is ..read more