Articles Posted in DUI

Driving under the influence remains a serious offense with significant consequences, especially for repeat offenders. A recent case out of Pennsylvania, where a man received a lengthy prison sentence after his twelfth DUI conviction, underscores the dangers associated with persistent impaired driving and highlights how courts address habitual violations. While this matter occurred in another jurisdiction, it carries important implications for Illinois drivers, particularly in light of the state’s stringent DUI laws and the potential for felony charges against repeat offenders. If you are facing a DUI in Illinois, especially with prior convictions, it is critical to seek the counsel of a skilled DUI defense attorney.

Reported Sentencing for Twelfth DUI Conviction

It is reported that a Pennsylvania man was sentenced to a prison term of five to eleven years following his twelfth conviction for driving under the influence. The sentencing arose from a 2023 crash in Westmoreland County in which the defendant allegedly drove his SUV across the center line and struck four motorcyclists traveling in the opposite direction. Three of the victims sustained injuries requiring multiple surgeries, and some now live with permanent, life-altering impairments.

It is alleged that the defendant was charged in November 2023 with DUI and related offenses stemming from the July 2023 incident on Laurel Mountain. According to the Westmoreland County District Attorney’s Office, the defendant had not possessed a valid driver’s license since 1976. He had also been previously designated a habitual offender, suggesting a long-standing pattern of driving violations and alcohol-related offenses. Continue reading →

DUI checkpoints are a common law enforcement tool used across the country to deter impaired driving and promote public safety. A recent report from California highlights the scope and impact of these operations. For Illinois drivers, this story highlights the importance of understanding how DUI checkpoints operate under state law, what rights motorists retain, and what obligations they must fulfill when stopped. If you are stopped at a DUI checkpoint or charged with a DUI in Illinois, speaking with a qualified DUI defense attorney can help you understand and protect your legal rights.

California DUI Checkpoint

It is reported that police in Redwood City, California, conducted a DUI checkpoint over the weekend. The operation led to two arrests for driving under the influence and resulted in 21 citations for various offenses. Among those cited, one individual was reportedly cited for an outstanding warrant.

Across the United States, lawmakers and public safety advocates continue to address the ongoing threat posed by impaired driving. A recent legislative initiative in South Carolina brings renewed attention to the complexity and urgency of reforming DUI laws. For Illinois residents, this effort highlights important parallels in policy, particularly in the use of ignition interlock devices, DUI sentencing, and pretrial sanctions. Understanding these issues in the context of Illinois law can help drivers navigate the legal consequences of DUI charges and assert their rights when accused.

South Carolina Is Seeking to Overhaul Its DUI Laws

It is reported that lawmakers in South Carolina are preparing to prioritize a comprehensive DUI reform bill in the upcoming 2026 legislative session. The bill, introduced by a state senator, is aimed at revising and strengthening the legal framework governing impaired driving offenses. Allegedly, the motivation behind the bill stems from South Carolina’s poor national ranking in DUI-related fatalities, reportedly fifth in the country.

According to statements made by the bill’s sponsor, the proposed legislation would increase penalties for DUI convictions and mandate the use of ignition interlock devices at earlier stages of the legal process. It is alleged that under the proposed bill, these devices could be required before a case is even contested, thereby altering the legal landscape for individuals facing DUI charges in the state. Continue reading →

Illinois law requires police officers to have reasonable suspicion before initiating a DUI investigation. While that standard generally involves direct observation of driving behavior or traffic violations, certain circumstances, such as a crash, can justify immediate investigation. A recent incident near Stockton demonstrates how modern technology and traffic collisions can intersect to initiate criminal charges for impaired driving. If you are charged with a DUI offense, it is important to understand your rights, and you should talk to a skilled Illinois DUI attorney.

The Stockton Crash

It is reported that a single-vehicle crash occurred near Stockton, Illinois, on a Sunday morning. Allegedly, the defendant was driving northbound on an Illinois road when she lost control of her vehicle. According to crash reports, the vehicle veered off the highway, struck a tree, and ultimately came to rest in a private driveway.

It is alleged that an iPhone crash alert, automatically generated by the defendant’s mobile device, prompted the dispatch of emergency responders to the scene. When deputies arrived, they observed that the vehicle had sustained significant damage. The driver, a 38-year-old Stockton resident, was reportedly treated at the scene by emergency medical personnel before being transported to a hospital in Freeport for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. Continue reading →

Illinois may soon take a more progressive approach to post-conviction driving restrictions for DUI offenders. A bill recently passed by the Illinois House of Representatives aims to grant individuals convicted of driving under the influence the ability to obtain restricted driving permits under clearly defined conditions. The bill, if enacted, would enable qualified drivers to maintain a limited degree of mobility, provided they submit to the use of alcohol-monitoring technology. If you are charged with a DUI crime in Illinois, it is critical to work with a seasoned Illinois DUI defense attorney who can explain how legislative changes may affect your rights. 

The Pending Bill

It is reported that House Bill 2658 would amend the Illinois Vehicle Code to enable the Secretary of State to issue restricted driving permits to individuals convicted of DUI offenses. The bill permits driving privileges up to six days a week, twelve hours per day, and within a 200-mile radius of the applicant’s residence. It is alleged that individuals must agree to install and maintain a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID) as a condition of receiving the permit. This device is an in-vehicle breathalyzer that prevents a car from starting if the driver’s blood alcohol content exceeds a preset threshold.

In Illinois, driving under the influence (DUI) of cannabis is prosecuted aggressively, particularly when accidents result in injury or death. However, these cases often involve complex legal and scientific issues that demand close scrutiny. A recent sentencing in Kane County involving a fatal crash and allegations of cannabis impairment demonstrates the life-altering consequences of a DUI conviction and the critical importance of mounting a strong legal defense. When faced with charges of cannabis-related DUI, especially those involving aggravating factors, defendants must have experienced counsel to ensure that the state’s evidence is properly challenged and that their rights are fully protected.

The Kane County Incident

It is reported that in October 2022, the defendant was driving a vehicle on Route 38 in Kane County when he allegedly lost control of it. According to reports, the vehicle entered the westbound lane and collided with an SUV, which was then pushed into a ditch and caught fire. A 4-year-old child in a car seat inside the SUV later died from injuries sustained in the crash. The child’s mother reportedly suffered serious injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital.

It is further reported that the defendant’s vehicle struck a second car following the SUV. After the crash, law enforcement collected blood and urine samples from the defendant, which allegedly revealed a Delta-9 THC concentration of 6.6 nanograms per milliliter in the blood. Continue reading →

In Illinois, driving under the influence (DUI) remains a serious criminal offense that carries both criminal and administrative penalties. While most DUI arrests arise out of collisions or erratic driving, people can face DUI charges even if they are not present at the scene of the alleged crime, as shown in a recent incident in Ogle County. If you are facing DUI charges in Illinois, it is imperative to seek legal advice from an experienced defense attorney who understands both the substantive and procedural aspects of DUI law.

Allegedly Abandoning a Damaged Vehicle After a Crash

It is reported that sheriff’s deputies in Ogle County responded to a late-night call in the village of Lindenwood on a Tuesday evening. Allegedly, at approximately 10:15 p.m., officers discovered a sedan that had been abandoned on a highway. The vehicle reportedly had sustained significant front-end damage from a collision with a guardrail on the east side of the road.

Allegedly, the vehicle was unoccupied when officers arrived, prompting an investigation into the identity of the driver and the circumstances surrounding the crash. It is reported that the investigation led deputies to identify the driver as a 33-year-old woman. She was later arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Failure to Reduce Speed to Avoid an Accident, Improper Lane Usage, Failure to Report Property Damage, Operating an Uninsured Motor Vehicle, and Unauthorized Parking on the Roadway. The defendant was taken into custody and processed at the Ogle County Jail before being released with a notice to appear in court on a future date. Continue reading →

For individuals convicted of DUI, the long-term consequences of a criminal record can be significant, affecting employment opportunities, housing, and other aspects of life. A proposed bill in Washington aims to offer certain individuals the opportunity to vacate their DUI convictions under specific conditions. If you are accused of committing a DUI offense in Illinois or seeking post-conviction relief, consulting with an experienced Illinois DUI defense attorney can help you understand your options.

Washington DUI Expungement Bill

It is reported that Washington state legislators have advanced a bill that would allow individuals with DUI convictions to petition for record expungement under certain circumstances. House Bill 1110, which recently cleared a key committee vote, is part of a broader effort by lawmakers to provide second chances for individuals with past criminal records while maintaining public safety.

It is alleged that the bill would permit individuals convicted of DUI or Actual Physical Control While Under the Influence (PC) to seek vacatur of their conviction if they meet specific criteria. A primary requirement is that the petitioner must not have committed another drug- or alcohol-related traffic offense for at least five years. Additionally, amendments to the bill introduced by lawmakers now require individuals to wait a minimum of five years from sentencing or three years from release before petitioning for expungement. Continue reading →

DUI laws are designed to keep roadways safe by penalizing individuals who operate vehicles while impaired by alcohol or drugs. However, recent investigations have uncovered concerns about DUI arrests involving individuals who were reportedly sober at the time of their arrests. A new legislative effort in Tennessee seeks to bring transparency to these cases and protect people from unwarranted prosecution. While the pending bill will not impact Illinois drivers directly, it may be a sign of changes to come. If you are facing a DUI charge in Illinois, you should speak with an experienced Illinois DUI defense attorney to understand your rights and possible defenses.

Tennessee’s “Sober DUI” Bill

It is reported that a new bill has been introduced in response to a series of cases in which individuals were arrested for DUI despite allegedly having no detectable impairment. Multiple individuals faced legal consequences after being charged with DUI based on law enforcement officers’ observations rather than verifiable toxicology results. These cases sparked concerns about the fairness and accuracy of DUI enforcement, particularly in situations where chemical tests did not confirm intoxication.

It is alleged that the proposed legislation aims to increase transparency in DUI cases by requiring law enforcement officers to document and disclose all evidence used to justify a DUI arrest. This includes ensuring that video footage from body cameras or dashcams is preserved and made available for review in legal proceedings. Advocates of the bill argue that this measure will help prevent wrongful DUI arrests and convictions while maintaining accountability among law enforcement officers. Continue reading →