Chicago DUI Lawyer Blog

Authorities announced today that a former McHenry County police officer, Ryszard Kopacz, of Wauconda, faces new felony charges for selling drugs while on duty. Kopacz, 30, was arrested days after beginning his job with the Richmond Police Department. He was charged with official misconduct, burglary, and possession of stolen guns. When Kopacz was first charged…

A new Illinois law eliminates the requirement that drivers post their license as bail for certain traffic tickets. The “Sign and Drive” law (Senate Bill 2583) permits the driver’s signature on the traffic citation to guarantee their appearance in court or payment of required fines. Under the new law, the Secretary of State may still…

A Highland Park doctor faces allegations of issuing a fake medical cannabis eligibility form to a 79-year old patient. According to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Dr. Joseph Starkman met with the patient for 35 minutes and promised to mail him a certificate for use at an Illinois licensed cannabis dispensary based…

ABC 7’s I-Team investigated the TVDL application process whereby undocumented immigrants can apply for an Illinois driver’s license. According to the story, there are reports of “appointments-for-sale” schemes targeting these individuals. All applicants are required to schedule an appointment with the Secretary of State. Due to extremely high demand, appointments are not readily available. Applicants…

The Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR) meets today in Chicago to discuss the rules governing the Illinois Medical Cannabis Pilot Program. The law has been passed, but patients are still unable to legally use the drug. If JCAR has no objections to the proposed rules, growers, retailers and patients will be able to begin…

On Sunday, Governor Pat Quinn signed a bill into law restricting police departments from imposing ticket quotas on officers in Illinois. The Governor stated that officers should “not be forced to ticket motorists to satisfy a quota system” and explained that the new law will “prevent motorists from facing unnecessary anxiety when they encounter a…

On Wednesday, the Illinois House unanimously passed legislation out of committee that would allow those with a lifetime revocation based on DUI to apply for a restricted driving permit (RDP) before the Illinois Secretary of State. Those offenders with four DUI convictions would be eligible five years after losing their license or their release from…

Illinois passed a bill in August legalizing medical marijuana and dispensaries are expected to open in 2015. Illinois will issue permits for 60 dispensaries throughout the state, a relatively low number of permits compared to other states. Aside from heavy competition, strict regulations and high costs are going to make it extremely difficult to survive…

A Louisiana media outlet discusses the increasing use of social media to raise immediate awareness anytime a new DUI checkpoint is set up. The article describes the notification of roadblocks as ‘Cheating Checkpoints’. While the Supreme Court has upheld such roadblocks (despite the lack of reasonable suspicion or probable cause to believe a crime has…

Democratic Illinois lawmakers are calling for the creation of a task force to pursue decriminalizing and regulating marijuana in the state. The proponents of the task force highlight the burden on the criminal justice system and the high costs of enforcing drug laws. John Fritchey, Cook County Commissioner, says he will introduce a resolution on…