Drivers normally face driving under the influence (DUI) charges for operating a vehicle while drunk on alcohol. But officers can also hand out DUIs to drivers under the effect of any intoxicating drug or substance, such as cannabis. By Illinois law, it’s illegal for a...
Criminal Defense
Reinstating your driver’s license after a DUI in Illinois
In 2022, the Illinois Secretary of State reported that there were over 27,000 DUI arrests across the state. In Illinois, one of the punishments for receiving a DUI is that you will lose your driving privileges. Losing your driver's license due to a DUI can be a...
3 factors that can affect a field sobriety test
Have you ever failed a sobriety test, but, you have not had a drop to drink? It might seem improbable, but there are actually several reasons why you might fail a field sobriety test, even if you are not drunk. Police officers have designed field sobriety tests to...
Distinguishing between battery and self-defense in Illinois
If you are ever involved in an altercation with another person, you might be unclear whether the law considers it battery or self-defense. Understanding the difference between battery and self-defense in Illinois can be instrumental in legal situations. This article...
What are the open container laws in Illinois?
Drinking and driving is an obvious criminal act in Illinois. But there are adjacent crimes that could land you in hot water as well. Having an open container of alcohol in your vehicle while driving is also an illegal act. Illinois open container laws state that no...
When are you most vulnerable to a DUI stop?
Some drivers are willing to risk driving under the influence of alcohol. In fact, according to Safe Home Research, nearly 23% of surveyed drivers in 2021 claimed to have driven drunk during the previous year. While some of these drivers make it home without incident,...
What should you know about your Miranda rights?
Most people have at least heard of the Miranda rights, especially thanks to shows focused on crime or police work. However, a majority of people do not actually understand how Miranda rights work or what protections they offer. What are Miranda rights? Miranda Warning...
When do authorities have the right to search your vehicle?
During an Illinois traffic stop, you may find that the law enforcement officer who stopped you wants to take a look around your car. Depending on the specifics of the situation, it may be within your right to refuse such a request. Understanding when you do and do not...
Is lying allowed during police interrogation?
An interrogation by law enforcement can be scary. You may be upset or even defiant. The officers may tell you things that you do not believe. In some cases, you may be right. The Innocence Project explains officers can lie to you during an interrogation, but the...
What makes fentanyl dangerous?
Synthetic opioids are responsible for over 150 overdose deaths in the United States on a daily basis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fentanyl is a major contributor to non-fatal overdoses as well as those that result in death. Because of...