Secretary of State

What will the sentence be for an Illinois DUI that is reduced to reckless driving?

May 11, 2020
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NOTE: The following content was refreshed to demonstrate 2020 changes to Illinois law with passage of Public Act 101-027. On the first day of the year, this Act officially legalized the use and possession of marijuana for recreational use and updated intoxication standards accordingly. Defendants who are charged with driving under the influence (DUI) under […]

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Illinois Traffic Ticket Points & Driver’s License Suspension Rules

January 29, 2020
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How many traffic tickets can I get before my Illinois driver’s license is suspended? Note: This article has been updated as of January 2020 to include all changes in Illinois traffic law. Too many traffic tickets in one year will cause the Illinois Secretary of State to suspend your driver’s license. The rule is, 3 […]

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The Secretary of State can suspend a person’s driver’s license for certain offenses

May 13, 2010
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The law in Illinois says that the Secretary of State has authority to suspend a person’s driver’s license upon a report of a conviction for certain offenses. The information is reported to the Secretary of State by the Circuit Clerk for each county courthouse. The clerk’s computer system is linked with the Secretary of State […]

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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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I got a ticket for transporting an open container of alcohol. What are the possible penalties?

March 3, 2010
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Transportation of an open container of alcohol in Illinois is a petty offense punishable by fine only. Most petty offenses in the Illinois Vehicle Code have a maximum fine of $1,000. The offense is governed by 625 ILCS 5/11-502. That statute provides that it is unlawful to transport, carry, or possess any alcoholic liquor within […]

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