Chicago DUI Lawyer Blog

July 27, 2020

DUI Defense for Illinois CDL Holders

Illinois commercial driver’s license holders are subject to enhanced license penalties when they are charged with DUI. DUI cases in Illinois generally are broken down into 2 separate parts – the Statutory Summary Suspension (“SSS”) of a driver’s license based on chemical testing and the criminal charge for DUI. Either portion of the case can impact your CDL driving privileges.

These penalties are enforced regardless of whether you were driving your personal vehicle or a commercial vehicle at the time of the DUI. The legal limit while driving your personal vehicle is a blood alcohol content (“BAC”) of .08, while it is .04 while driving a commercial vehicle.

What will happen to my CDL privileges?

June 29, 2020

New Illinois Traffic Laws (Mid-Year 2020)

by The Davis Law Group, P.C.

There are several new Illinois traffic laws that have taken effect recently, which all drivers should be aware of:

Texting while Driving Resulting in Injuries

This law became effective on July 1st, 2020 and provides that drivers who text while driving resulting in great bodily harm, permanent disability of disfigurement to another person are subject to a license suspension of 12 months and a minimum fine of $1,000.00.

June 8, 2020

Should a CDL holder request court supervision for a traffic ticket?

by The Davis Law Group, P.C.

CDL holders are often misinformed about their options after receiving a traffic ticket in Illinois. As a result, they often request court supervision or traffic school in hopes that the offense will stay off of their public driving record, only to find out later that it did not. While an attorney may be able to remedy this situation by reopening the case, it is better to handle these situations properly from the outset.

For many years, Illinois has provided a type of sentencing in traffic and criminal cases known as court supervision. Court supervision is not considered a conviction under Illinois law, and typically avoids the consequences a conviction may bring with it.

In traffic cases, the advantage of receiving court supervision for the average driver is that it does not appear on the driver’s public record and, therefore, is not available to employers or insurance companies. Furthermore, it does not count towards a suspension or revocation of their driver’s license.

May 5, 2020

Secretary of State Closures Due to Covid-19

by The Davis Law Group, P.C.

All Illinois Secretary of State facilities are currently closed to the public. Emergency rules have been enacted to extend the expiration (in certain circumstances) of driver’s licenses, driving permits including Restricted Driving Permits, ID cards, vehicle registrations, and other transactions through the period of closure and for at least 90 days after the facilities have reopened.

To be eligible for the extension of your driver’s license or permit (including Restricted Driving Permits), your license or permit must have been valid as of March 17, 2020. If your driver’s license or permit expired before this date, this extension does not apply to you.

We do expect significant delays in assigning hearing dates, decisions from hearings, processing of permit requirements, and the issuance of driving relief when the Secretary of State eventually reopens.

April 20, 2020

DUI Defense Attorney Case Study: Wheaton Courthouse in DuPage County

by The Davis Law Group, P.C.

DuPage County DUI Defense Attorney Case Study

The DUI defense attorneys at The Davis Law Group, P.C. have an unmatched understanding of the Illinois Vehicle Code, especially DUI law. Our in-depth knowledge of the law, combined with our experience in both negotiation and litigation of DUI cases, allows us to achieve the most favorable results for our clients who have been charged with driving under the influence throughout Illinois including the Wheaton Courthouse in DuPage County.

DUI Defense Case Study – DuPage County, Illinois

April 1, 2020

Illinois Teen Driver’s License Laws & Traffic Ticket Penalties

by The Davis Law Group, P.C.

The Illinois laws governing teen driver’s licenses and traffic tickets can be confusing for teens and parents alike. The Illinois Secretary of State operates a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) Program for teen drivers. Different laws apply depending on the age of the driver. Below is a breakdown of the current laws that apply to teens drivers in Illinois and the consequences of traffic tickets.

Rules for Drivers Age 15 (Instruction Permit Stage)

During the instruction permit stage the teen driver:

March 26, 2020

Substance Abuse & Mental Health Consequences of ‘Shelter in Place’

by The Davis Law Group, P.C.

Although necessary for the greater good, the ‘Shelter in Place’ order imposed by Illinois, among other states, may have unintended effects on many of our clients and others with past drug or alcohol dependency.

The closure of bars, restaurants and other gathering places along with the social distancing recommendation encouraged by the government and media is resulting in a higher degree of isolation. The inability of the average person to socialize with others may result in the onset of anxiety, loneliness and depression. As a consequence, those individuals susceptible to such feelings may attempt to ‘self-medicate’ through the consumption of alcohol or drug-use. These feelings may make it even more difficult for those with pre-existing alcohol or drug problems who are in recovery to avoid relapse.

Recent media reports have indicated that there has been a substantial increase in alcohol and marijuana purchases during the current COVID-19 health crisis. Liquor stores and cannabis dispensaries are both deemed essential businesses and remain open. Bars and restaurants still have the ability to sell alcohol to customers through delivery as well as curbside pick-up.

March 25, 2020

COVID-19: How we are serving and protecting our clients

by The Davis Law Group, P.C.

We are closely tracking the rapidly evolving public health and community concerns related to the spread of COVID-19. Rest assured that The Davis Law Group, P.C. is taking all available steps to remain accessible to our clients as we continue to act in accordance with their best interests during this difficult time. Our clients’ well-being is our top priority, click here for additional information and resources.

Please see below for answers to some frequently asked questions, and feel free to reach out to us for assistance with your legal matter.

Is your office currently open?

March 23, 2020

Illinois Court Date Postponements Due to COVID-19

by The Davis Law Group, P.C.

Due to the health concerns surrounding the spread of COVID-19, many upcoming court appearance dates in Illinois have been postponed. This includes court dates scheduled throughout the primary geographic area of our legal practice: Cook County, Lake County and DuPage County. The details below are related to criminal and traffic cases. For the most up-to-date information, please review the information posted by the Clerk of the Circuit Court in the county where your case is pending.

Cook County Courthouses

Most court appearances scheduled from March 17, 2020 through April 15, 2020 will be rescheduled.

February 4, 2020

Alcohol-Related Offenses for Drivers Under 21

by The Davis Law Group, P.C.

If you are under the age of 21, you face stiff penalties for alcohol-related offenses under Illinois law. Aside from the possible criminal penalties, which may include jail time, community service, traffic safety school and/or high fines and court assessments, the Illinois Secretary of State may impose a driver’s license suspension or revocation for many of alcohol-related offenses as follows:

Illegal Transportation of Alcohol

Conviction – 12-month driver’s license suspension