Recent Blog Posts
What Are the Penalties for DUI Convictions in Illinois?
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is always dangerous, and it can lead to victims being injured or killed in car accidents. Drunk driving can lead to many serious punishments, even for a first offense, including loss of driving privileges, prison time, and costly fines. Drivers who are convicted of multiple DUIs may face felony charges. The state of Illinois has a "Zero Tolerance" law for minors -- those under the legal drinking age of 21 years -- who drive impaired. This means that an underage driver who is caught driving with any trace of alcohol in his or her system can be charged with DUI, even if his or her BAC is less than .08 percent. As for adults, multiple DUI convictions carry even harsher criminal penalties.
What Are the New Illinois Laws Regarding DCFS and Child Abuse?
In response to news about several children who were killed by family members in 2019, the state of Illinois has made several updates to the laws that went into effect on January 1, 2020. These new rules address situations involving child abuse, and they are intended to make children safer when they are returned to the custody of a parent or guardian from foster care.
Child abuse is automatically considered aggravated battery in Illinois, a criminal offense that can be punished as a Class X felony. Abusers can face up to 30 years in prison, making aggravated battery of children one of the most severe crimes in Illinois.
Child Abuse Prevention in Illinois
Illinois classifies both child abuse and neglect as domestic violence. Most commonly, abuse is physical violence against a child, but it can also mean:
Illinois Amends Restrictions to Student Medical Marijuana Usage
Two years ago, Illinois passed legislation called "Ashley’s Law," which made it legal for minors to take doses of medical marijuana on a school campus or during after-school activities. Of course, a doctor’s prescription is necessary in these cases to avoid any drug charges. Along with the many new Illinois laws that took effect at the start of 2020, Ashley’s Law was amended to have fewer restrictions. This was done to make it easier for sick children to get their medicine during school hours.
How Was Ashley’s Law Amended?
Illinois passed Ashley’s Law after a young Schaumburg student and her parents fought in federal court for her right to take medical marijuana in school to combat a seizure-related condition. Thanks to her, minor students are able to receive on-campus treatment for a variety of medical conditions, including:
What Are the Amendments to Illinois Traffic Laws For the New Decade?
Ringing in the new year meant saying “hello” to a brand-new decade, as well as several new laws and amendments to current laws. In total, Illinois welcomed over 250 new laws and tax adjustments starting January 1, 2020. Roadway safety was not immune to the new legislation, and some changes have been made in an effort to reduce the number of accidents and injuries in the state. Illinois increased the penalties for several traffic violations and made a few existing laws more specific to cover different types of traffic-related crimes.
Higher Fines for Breaking Traffic Laws
According to Illinois State Police, a total of 27 squad cars were hit by other vehicles during traffic stops in 2019. In two of these 27 collisions, two troopers were killed. This is why Illinois has increased the penalty for violators of Scott’s Law. This rule states that drivers must move over and give enough room to police vehicles that are stopped on the side of the road with their blue and red emergency lights flashing. The law also applies to other emergency vehicles, and if drivers cannot give at least one lane of room to a vehicle on the side of the road, they should slow down, provide as much space as possible, and proceed with caution.
What Are the Penalties for Driving Without a Valid License in Illinois?
It is an exciting right of passage for minors who are 15 years old to begin their journey to earn a driver’s license. All states require drivers to legally obtain a driver’s license or learner's permit before getting behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. A license is proof that a motorist completed the necessary coursework and tests for driving. It is also a useful tool for identification purposes. In case a driver is stopped by the police, he or she must show his or her license to the officer. However, if a license becomes invalid, or if a person decides to drive without the required identification, he or she can face misdemeanor punishments for a traffic violation.
Why Is a License So Important?
It is an automatic penalty if anyone is pulled over and cannot produce a driver’s license. Even if a driver has a license, but it is not physically on him or her at the time of the traffic stop, he or she can be fined $500. This charge can be taken to court, and the fine can be dropped if the driver provides the license. In addition, drivers who refuse to produce a license at the time of a traffic stop will also be fined $500 and charged with a petty offense.
What Are the Penalties for Sexual Assault and Abuse in Illinois?
Any type of sex crime is taken seriously throughout the United States. The Illinois Criminal Sexual Assault Act addresses multiple types of crimes, including sexual assault and sexual abuse. While the terms may seem similar in nature, assault and abuse are considered separate crimes in Illinois based on the circumstances of the offense. Both crimes can result in felony charges as well as mandatory inclusion on the sex offender registry. However, the details of the alleged crime will determine what further punishments -- such as the length of a prison sentence -- will be given out.
Sexual Assault Versus Sexual Abuse
The crime of sexual abuse results in less severe punishments than sexual assault because the crime is considered less extreme. Sexual abuse can be alleged if there is any unwelcome sexual behavior by a person against a victim. Typically, there does not need to be actual sexual penetration for the crime to be charged.
What Are the Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Illinois?
Obtaining a driver’s license is a rite of passage. However, there is an additional requirement before a motorist can get behind the wheel. The state of Illinois requires all vehicles to be insured before they are driven on public roadways. Insurance is an important tool that helps protect drivers from having to pay a lot of money for damages if they are involved in a car accident. Some people are turned off by the idea of paying for car insurance, because it can be expensive. However, not having mandatory coverage in Illinois can result in a traffic violation and more costly penalties.
What Is Mandatory Insurance in Illinois?
Insurance policies can be customized for each driver’s needs, but the state of Illinois does require a minimum amount of vehicle liability to be included with each policy:
How Is Drug Trafficking Punished in Illinois?
There is still over one month until recreational marijuana becomes legal in the state of Illinois. Even when the new year comes around, "hard drugs" including cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamines will still be illegal. It is unlawful for a person to possess, manufacture, sell, and traffic drugs in the state of Illinois, and offenders can face serious criminal charges if they are caught. That is why it is important to understand the new legislation for cannabis and how it could affect you.
What Is Drug Trafficking?
The act of bringing any illegal substance across Illinois borders is considered “trafficking.” Whether it is marijuana or a more harmful drug, traffickers can face felony charges, which can result in jail time and hefty fines.
Can “Street Racing” Result in Felony Charges in Illinois?
Roadways can generally be a dangerous place, but they become more unsafe when people decide to participate in “street racing.” This act can be defined as two or more cars racing down portions of a public road at speeds that surpass the legal limit. It is common for drivers to participate in street racing as a sport off of public roads. However, those drivers who take the competition to public streets -- where other drivers are not expecting it -- can face severe traffic violations if caught.
What Is Considered Street Racing?
The state of Illinois has a law against drivers who race their vehicles down public roadways. The law states that drivers on Illinois streets and highways are not permitted to:
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Allow their vehicle to be used in a street race
Can Failure to Signal Result in Reckless Driving Charges in Illinois?
It is a simple thing to do, but most drivers have been guilty of not using a turn signal while driving at least once in their lifetime. A recent study from the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) revealed that approximately 2 billion occurrences of drivers failing to signal happen every day. On average, 48 percent of drivers fail to signal while changing lanes, while 25 percent fail to signal when turning. Not only is failing to use a turn signal considered a traffic violation in Illinois, but it can also lead to reckless driving charges, because it could lead to collisions. The study from SAE concluded that 2 million car collisions occur annually as a result of failing to signal.
How Does Illinois Enforce Turn Signal Usage?
It is against Illinois law to neglect to use a turn signal while driving. A turn signal should be given at least 200 feet before a turn, and the signal should be used before every lane change. There are other guidelines for drivers to follow in order to keep the road safe for all drivers and pedestrians:
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