NO REFUSAL WEEKENDS

In Illinois, a driver has the right to refuse to submit to sobriety testing when pulled over for suspicion of DUI.  If a driver does this, law enforcement typically needs to follow the normal channels in order to obtain a warrant to perform a chemical test on the driver.  These channels obviously take additional time, however, that seems to be changing.  Illinois is one of nine states which enacted "No Refusal Weekends."  Essentially, on specified weekends, law enforcement will have judges available to quickly obtain warrants in order to conduct the chemical testing much sooner than normal.  This basically eliminates any benefit of a driver refusing to submit to testing.  Many people are challenging the legality of these checkpoints  and claiming that they take away rights and freedom.  I'm sure we are not done hearing the debates about this law, and we will let you know when and if these legal challenges are resolved.

http://www.westmontattorneys.com/Traffic-DUI/

WHAT IS THE LICENSE SUSPENSION PERIOD FOR A 2ND DUI?

If an individual receives a second DUI and is either convicted or pleads guilty to the charge, they are looking at a mandatory license suspension.  If the individual does not submit to the field sobriety tests when pulled over for the second DUI, they could be looking at a 3 year license suspension.  However, if an individual does complete the field sobriety tests, he/she may only face a one year license suspension.  This also assumes that neither of the charges are aggravated DUI's and there are no other extenuating circumstances.  If you are facing a second DUI, please contact a DUI attorney with our office immediately to protect your rights.  

http://www.westmontattorneys.com/Traffic-DUI/

VEHICLE FORFEITURE FOR DUI

In addition to fines and the revocation of driving privileges, your vehicle can also be forfeited, or seized, as the result of a DUI.  After the vehicle is seized, it can be sold as well, with the proceeds being retained by the state.  Although first time DUI offenders typically don't have to deal with this issue, it is always a possibility, and the more serious your offense the greater likelihood your vehicle can be sold.  If you have been charged with a DUI, contact an experienced DUI attorney immediately.

http://www.westmontattorneys.com/Traffic-DUI/

WHAT IS AN AGGRAVATED DUI?

In Illinois, an aggravated DUI results when a driver, while driving under the influence, does something or there are additional circumstances which make the situation more serious than a standard DUI.  Obviously, an aggravated DUI carries stiffer penalties and is considered a felony.  A list of aggravating circumstances can be found in the Illinois statute at 625 ILCS 5/11-501(a)(1).  If you are charged with an aggravated DUI, contact one of our experienced DUI attorneys immediately.

http://www.westmontattorneys.com/Traffic-DUI/

NEW ILLINOIS "SIGN AND DRIVE" LAW

A new law in Illinois no longer requires that drivers post their driver's license as bond for common traffic tickets.  Instead, drivers are allowed to simply sign the citation stating they agree to pay any fines and attend the court date if required.  Under this new law, the Illinois Secretary of State is still permitted to suspend the driving privileges of individuals who fail to comply with the citations.

http://www.westmontattorneys.com/Traffic-DUI/

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION APPS REDUCING DUI RATES

In a study published earlier this year, cities using public transportations apps, such as Uber, have seen DUI rates decrease by as much as 8%.  People surveyed stated that their intention to drink was the number two reason they utilized one of these public transportation apps after convenience.

http://www.westmontattorneys.com/Traffic-DUI/
 

WOMEN RECEIVING DUI'S ON THE RISE

For most of the last decade, the statistics have held steady that the vast majority of people receiving DUI's in Illinois are male, about 77%.  However, that trend is beginning to change.  In the 1980's, only about 10% of DUI's were given to women, however, in the last 18 months, statistics are showing that women received 31% of the DUI's, and that number is rising.  Researchers have begun investigating why that may be, but there are no solid answers yet.

http://www.westmontattorneys.com/Traffic-DUI/