DUI conviction

I got a DUI in Illinois and my license is suspended. Can I get a permit to drive during the suspension?

February 21, 2020
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Illinois law allows DUI offenders to obtain a permit to drive during the summary suspension of their driver’s licenses with a BAIID device.

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A Look at 625 ILCS 5/11-501: What is the Illinois Difference Between DUI & Aggravated DUI?

September 25, 2019
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In order to preserve safe roadways for all drivers, the State of Illinois prohibits any person from driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs. Contrary to popular belief, this applies even to being under the influence of legal or prescribed drugs. Any driver who violates these regulations can face criminal charges for DUI […]

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The police officer had me stand on one leg and count to 30. Did I pass this sobriety test?

August 1, 2010
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One of the field sobriety tests most commonly utilized by law enforcement in DUI investigations is the one-leg stand. This sobriety test was approved by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) as accurate and reliable in detecting drivers who are intoxicated on alcohol or drugs. The one-leg stand, also called one-legged stand or OLS, […]

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New Illinois Supreme Court ruling limits use of field sobriety test

July 24, 2010
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The Supreme Court of the state of Illinois issued a new ruling in 2010 concerning the use of the horizontal gaze nystagmus test (HGN). During an arrest for DUI, the police officer will ask the driver to stand still and follow a pen with his eyes, and keep his head motionless. The HGN test is […]

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What is the walk-and-turn test?

June 6, 2010
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The walk-and-turn test (WAT) is a field sobriety test that was approved by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for use in detecting intoxicated motorists. The WAT has been standardized and is used by all police and sheriff’s departments in DUI arrests. Field sobriety testing usually takes place roadside during the traffic stop. However, the […]

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The police officer asked me to follow a pen with my eyes. Is that a field sobriety test?

April 9, 2010
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During a traffic stop, if a police officer suspects that a driver is intoxicated, he will use special training to assist him in making the decision whether to arrest. The police officer will ask the motorist to participate in field sobriety tests (e.g. FSTs) to determine whether the driver is impaired. The National Highway Traffic […]

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If I get pulled over for DUI, should I take the breath test?

March 30, 2010
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An arrest for DUI is a serious matter. Generally, there are no easy answers about whether a person should take the breathalyzer test. But there are a few principles that may influence the decision. First, there are two opportunities to take a breath test. The first opportunity will occur on the side of the road […]

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How long will I lose my Illinois driver’s license for a DUI conviction?

March 9, 2010
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A conviction for violating 625 ILCS 5/11-501, the Illinois DUI law, will result in a mandatory driver’s license revocation by the Secretary of State. The law provides the following: Sec. 6-205. Mandatory revocation of license or permit; Hardship cases. (a) Except as provided in this Section, the Secretary of State shall immediately revoke the license, […]

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What are the penalties for a first-time DUI in Illinois?

March 6, 2010
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When a person is arrested for DUI, the police officer will provide him with a Uniform Traffic Ticket. The ticket is written by hand and specifies the section(s) of the DUI statute the defendant is accused of violating. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is set forth in 625 ILCS 5/11-501. There may […]

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What types of traffic tickets can cancel an Illinois commercial driver’s license?

February 22, 2010
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A commercial driver’s license (CDL) is put at risk with almost any traffic ticket. For starters, a ticket for a moving violation will appear on a driver’s abstract. Most employers will check a job applicant’s driving record for traffic offenses because the employer’s insurance will increase if the driver has numerous traffic tickets. Employers are […]

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