You are behind the wheel, your passengers are drinking on the way home after dinner. Everyone has had a drink except you. You feel fine, you are under the limit, and you are not worried. Then flashing lights appear in your rearview mirror. One of your friends still has an open beer can. Suddenly, the…
Speeding violations in Illinois are not always as simple as paying a fine and moving on. In some cases, they can lead to criminal charges, especially if you have prior offenses such as a DUI or reckless driving conviction. If you’ve recently resolved one case and now face a new speeding charge, the consequences can…
If you have been arrested for DUI in Chicago, you may be wondering whether your charge is a misdemeanor or a felony. While many driving under the influence arrests in Cook County begin as misdemeanors, certain circumstances can elevate the charge to a felony. Understanding what causes this escalation is critical, especially within the fast-moving…
You made the responsible decision not to drive after drinking. Instead, you chose to sleep it off in your car. While that might sound like the safer choice, many Illinois drivers are shocked to learn they can still be arrested and charged with DUI just for sleeping behind the wheel. Under Illinois law, the issue…
If you have a DUI on your record, you already know how far-reaching the consequences can be. From court penalties and license suspensions to employment concerns and insurance increases, a DUI conviction leaves a lasting impact. One common question that often comes up, especially for Illinois drivers planning a trip or business trip, is this:…
When most people think about the consequences of a DUI, they focus on the criminal penalties such as fines, jail time, license suspension, and mandatory education programs. But a DUI in Illinois can follow you in less obvious and longer-lasting ways, including your financial health. One of the most common questions is whether a DUI…
Illinois participates in the Interstate Driver’s License Compact (IDLC), an agreement among most U.S. states to share information about serious traffic offenses, including DUIs. When you are convicted of a DUI in Illinois, that information is reported to the National Driver Register (NDR), a federal database that tracks drivers with revoked or suspended licenses. When…
If you have been charged with a DUI in Illinois and noticed mistakes on your ticket, you may be wondering whether those errors could result in your case being thrown out. This is a common concern and a fair question. After all, when you are facing a charge that could affect your license, insurance rates,…
The Military’s Stance on DUI Convictions Each branch of the U.S. military—Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard—has its own policies regarding enlistment with a criminal record. Generally, a single DUI conviction is not an automatic disqualifier but will require a conduct waiver. Multiple DUI convictions, however, significantly diminish your chances of enlistment…
If you have just been arrested for DUI in Cook County, you are likely confused, overwhelmed, and uncertain about what happens next. A DUI arrest in Illinois immediately triggers two separate tracks. One is criminal and the other is administrative. Each comes with serious consequences that begin almost immediately after your arrest. Andy Sotiropoulos &…
