Posted on June 13, 2019 in Traffic Violations

Every single year, thousands of Americans suffer serious injuries in collisions involving commercial trucks. Given the sheer size of most commercial trucks, these collisions often times result in fatalities. Because of this, commercial truck drivers are held to strict regulatory standards. Violation of these standards can result in loss of your commercial driver’s license. In some instances though, the violation that the truck driver was cited for was not the fault of the driver. Below we will examine some of the most common instances in which commercial trucking companies violate these standards. If you are cited for a CDL violation, seek out legal representation immediately.

Common Company Caused Violations

While some CDL violations are directly related to driver error, such as a DUI or reckless driving charge, many other violations are the direct fault of the trucking company. If a driver is cited for violating a driver out-of-service order regarding the transportation of hazardous materials, it is possible that they were not educated on the order by their company. If a driver is cited for driving an overweight truck, it is likely that the company overloaded the vehicle to minimize delivery time, putting their bottom line ahead of the safety and wellbeing of the driver.

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 Posted on May 28, 2019 in Traffic Violations

Driving is a way of life. The average American drives approximately 37 miles per day. Loss of your driving privileges can significantly impact your quality of life and your livelihood. Here in the state of Illinois, there are a number of traffic violations that can result in license suspension or revocation. Below, we will examine some of the most common violations that could cost you your license. In the event of a traffic violation, it is critically important to seek out the assistance of a qualified legal professional.

Driving Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol: Here in the state of Illinois, local law enforcement are constantly on the lookout for signs of inebriated driving. Throughout 2017 alone, more than 27,000 people were arrested statewide for intoxicated driving. Due to the inherent dangers of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, a conviction can result in loss of driving privileges. A first DUI conviction will result in a one-year license revocation. Subsequent convictions come with lengthier revocation periods. If you have been charged with a DUI, you need to speak with a legal representative.

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 Posted on May 18, 2019 in DUI

Despite the best wishes of parents, the vast majority of teenagers will experiment with alcohol at some point in their high school career. All parents can really hope for, is the fact that their child will remain safe while drinking, avoid over-consumption and not get behind the wheel of a car. Unfortunately, many young people that take part in underage drinking, do ultimately make the decision to drive. Below, we will examine the many ways in which driving under the influence can impact a teenager’s future.

The Consequences of a Conviction

When a person is convicted of a DUI, their life can be altered forever. The implications of a conviction can go far beyond the initial criminal punishment. Listed below, are the most notable ways in which a DUI conviction can impact a teenager’s future.

The Legal Ramifications: Here in the state of Illinois, a first DUI offense can come with significant legal ramifications. If convicted, a person will face Class A misdemeanor charges. Outside of the implications of having a misdemeanor on your criminal record (which we will explore below), the charge can come with other punishments. Most notably, a first-time DUI offender may be sentenced to up to one year in prison, depending on the circumstances. The person is likely to also face substantial fines, as high as $2,500. Significant time spent in jail can drastically impact a young person’s mental and emotional wellbeing.

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 Posted on April 28, 2019 in DUI

When a person is charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, it is important for them to understand the potential legal ramifications. Due to the manner in which drunk driving can endanger other travelers, it is not a simple traffic violation, but a serious criminal offense. According to Illinois state law, a DUI charge constitutes a Class A misdemeanor. Yet there are a number of factors that elevate a standard DUI to an aggravated DUI. Below, we will explore the offenses that can lead to an aggravated DUI charge, as well as the ways in which a conviction can ultimately impact your life. If you have been charged with an aggravated DUI, seek out legal assistance immediately.

Common Aggravating Factors

According to Illinois state law, an aggravated DUI conviction automatically constitutes a Class 4 felony. If convicted, the offender could face more than one year in prison, fines as high as $25,000, and a serious mark on their permanent record. It should be noted, that as of January 1, 2019, driving your vehicle the wrong way down a one-way street while under the influence of alcohol constitutes an aggravated DUI. Listed below are other common aggravating factors.

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 Posted on April 15, 2019 in DUI

Here in the state of Illinois, there are a number of violations that could result in a driver’s license suspension. A driver can lose their driving privileges for three or more traffic violations within a 12-month period, accumulating 10 or more parking tickets and refusing payment, or for non-payment of court-ordered child support. The most noteworthy reason for a driver’s license suspension is a DUI offense.

According to the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office, more than 27,000 Illinoisans were charged with driving under the influence, throughout 2017 alone. Fortunately, a person facing either a license suspension or revocation may be eligible for reinstatement. If you have lost your driving privileges, and are hoping to have your license reinstated, you need to hire an attorney that you can believe in.

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 Posted on March 29, 2019 in Traffic Violations

Here in the United States, commercial truckers are an integral part of our economy. Commercial trucking continues to be the No. 1 form of shipping. According to the American Trucking Association, there are an estimated 3.5 million truckers with a commercial driver’s license (CDL) nationwide. With so many truckers on the road, truck accidents are common.

Due to the severity of many commercial trucking collisions, law enforcement is always on the lookout for commercial drivers in violation of state or federal laws. If you are cited for a CDL violation, it is critical to seek experienced legal guidance right away. 

Common CDL Violations 

According to statistics compiled by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association (FMCSA), 4,213 commercial trucks were involved in fatal accidents in 2016. Many of these accidents occur when truck drivers are negligent or in violation of regulatory standards. 

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 Posted on March 14, 2019 in DUI

According to the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office, Illinois police arrested 27,046 people on DUI charges throughout 2017. Law enforcement is always looking for signs of inebriated driving, from driving at erratic speeds to swerving from lane to lane. The consequences of a DUI conviction can be life-changing, with possible incarceration, substantial fines, and difficulty securing employment or housing. 

If you have been charged with DUI, it is important to speak with a knowledgeable legal team as soon as possible. 

Consequences of a DUI Conviction 

In Illinois, DUI convictions come with severe legal ramifications. Even a first-time DUI offender can be harshly punished for a conviction. A first-time DUI conviction is typically charged as a Class A misdemeanor, which carries up to one year in jail and potential fines up to $2,500. 

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 Posted on February 22, 2019 in Traffic Violations

All humans have a physiological reaction to things that frighten them. It is called the fight or flight response. When someone comes across something that scares them or stresses them out, their body prepares to either fight the threat or flee from it. When you hear police sirens and you see flashing blue and red lights behind you, fleeing is the worst possible thing you can do. Stopping for police officers is crucial, but what you do during the traffic stop is just as important. Here are a few important tips for how you should act when you are pulled over by a police officer:

Find a Safe Spot to Pull Over 

Once you see a police officer is trying to pull you over, immediately look for a safe place to pull off the roadway. You should try to pull over on the right side of the road. If there is no safe spot to pull over immediately, turn on your hazard lights so the officer knows you recognize their presence.

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 Posted on February 08, 2019 in DUI

All DUI charges are extremely serious and carry severe consequences, but the more DUI convictions you have, the worse it will be. Escalating punishments are a way of trying to prevent people from becoming repeat DUI offenders. Eventually, charges go from misdemeanor to felony. Illinois judges do not show much leniency toward repeat DUI offenders and commonly punish to the full extent of the law. 

A Recent Multiple DUI Case

A 38-year-old Plano, Ill. woman was recently indicted on felony charges for a DUI after she crashed her vehicle last October. If convicted, this would be the woman’s fifth DUI conviction. She was arrested and charged with a DUI, along with being ticketed for driving too fast for conditions, and failure to reduce speed after she crashed her car. Police say the woman was slurring her speech, smelled of alcohol, and had unsteady balance, although she refused to submit to field sobriety testing.

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 Posted on January 29, 2019 in License Reinstatement

The United States Constitution guarantees many rights for American citizens, such as the right to free speech, to protest, and to bear arms. Though many people think driving is a right, it is not. It is a privilege. There is nothing that guarantees your right to drive a vehicle. 

In Illinois, there are multiple ways you can lose your license, some that have nothing to do with moving violations. Before a driver’s license suspension, the Illinois Secretary of State will send you a written notice in the mail. 

Here are a few ways you can lose your driving privileges in Illinois:

Driving While Intoxicated

The most common way Illinois residents lose their driving privileges is through a DUI arrest. As a first-time offender in Illinois, if you fail a chemical test or fail to complete a test, you will have your driving privileges suspended for six months by the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office. If you refuse to take a chemical test, your license will be suspended for 12 months. These are penalties for statutory summary suspensions, but being convicted of DUI can carry increased penalties.

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