When a police officer issues a traffic ticket, they accuse the driver involved of violating Illinois state law. Traffic violations are usually civil infractions unless they are more serious offenses like impaired driving or reckless driving. For the most part, traffic...
Joliet Criminal Defense Blog
Why do police officers make you perform field sobriety tests?
If you admit to having something to drink during a traffic stop or if a police officer suspects you of impairment because of your recent maneuver, they may ask you to perform a field sobriety test. You have to get out of the vehicle and follow the officer's...
Get to know the points-based traffic offense system
Plenty of people make mistakes on the road that lead to citations and tickets. Most people don’t assume that those tickets or citations are very serious, but the reality is that even something as simple as a speeding ticket can have a negative impact on your life. In...
Is there ever a time when speeding is reasonable?
There are plenty of people who have been stopped by the police after being accused of speeding. Those individuals, if they pay their tickets and accept the penalties, will most likely see an increase in their insurance rates and could even lose their licenses if this...
Did the police actually have a reason to pull you over?
If the police pull you over, one of the first things you should ask yourself is if they had a reason to do it. If not, it may be an illegal stop -- even if you were breaking the law. The reason for this is that probable cause is needed for traffic stops. They cannot...
Are DUI checkpoints illegal?
Just because the police choose to do something does not mean that it is legal. For instance, if they search your home without consent or a warrant, that’s an illegal search in all but rare cases -- such as an active crime. If they racially profile you and arrest you...
How often do Breathalyzer tests need to be recalibrated?
Calibration should be a hot topic if you’ve been accused of a DUI after taking a Breathalyzer test. All Breathalyzer tests used in a legal capacity should be calibrated in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications. If a Breathalyzer has not been calibrated,...
What impact does a DUI have on your driving rights?
When you get pulled over by police for unusual driving and then arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in Illinois, your first and strongest concerns may relate to whether or not you will face jail time. However, incarceration is only one of many negative...
What’s the difference between speeding and super speeding?
Different roads across the state of Illinois have different speed limits, and drivers who break those speed limits likely know that they could face tickets if they get caught by police. After all, speeding is a common infraction that mostly goes undetected and...
Nurses facing DUI charges: Avoid a conviction at all costs
You worked hard to obtain your nursing license. Along with plenty of nights cramming for tests and clinicals, you have a significant student loan debt load to pay off as a result.So, it only makes sense that you want to protect your nursing license. After all, you...
