A conviction for driving under the influence (DUI) can lead to significant administrative and criminal penalties. These penalties are especially harsh if you are convicted of aggravated DUI or you have been convicted of drunk driving one or more times in the past. DUI can lead to the loss of your driver’s license, heavy fines, and even jail time. However, being charged with DUI is not the same thing as being convicted of DUI. If you or a loved one were recently arrested for allegedly drunk driving, it is important to understand the potential defenses to this serious charge.  

The Results of Your Blood or Breath Alcohol Test Were Wrong

In 49 out of 50 U.S. states, the blood alcohol limit is 0.08 percent. This means that a person is automatically considered to be intoxicated if his or her BAC is above this limit. Usually, BAC is determined by a breath test such as a breathalyzer. These tests can be inaccurate for several reasons, including:

Parents who get divorced have a much greater number of issues to contend with than non-parents. In addition to dividing marital property, figuring out who will keep the marital home, addressing spousal maintenance, and other divorce concerns, parents must also address child custody issues.

If you are getting a divorce in Illinois and you share children with your soon-to-be-ex-spouse, it is important to understand exactly what is expected of you. Parents are asked to create a parenting plan that divides parenting time and parental responsibilities. The plan also addresses important parental rights and obligations. Read on to learn about parenting plans in Illinois and what you should do if you need help with your Illinois parenting plan.

According to Illinois law, there are many traffic violations that are not considered criminal offenses, and as such, it is easy to view a traffic ticket as more of a nusance than a serious concern. However, there are circumstances in which the penalties for a traffic violation can be quite a bit more serious than a fine. If you have been charged with multiple traffic violations in a short time, it is a good idea to consult with an attorney to determine whether your driver’s license may be at risk, and to develop a defense strategy that may help you avoid conviction.

Driver’s License Points and Suspensions in Illinois

Illinois has a system that allows for the suspension of a driver’s license when the driver has a certain number of traffic offense convictions within a specified time period. For drivers over the age of 21, a license suspension is possible when the driver has three or more convictions within a period of 12 months. Drivers under the age of 21 are subject to more strict conditions, as they can have their license suspended if they are convicted of two or more offenses within 24 months.

In many Illinois divorce cases, especially those in which the couple has a high net worth, business assets are divided along with the rest of the spouses’ marital property. However, there are often complications when it comes to business property division, starting with the determination of whether a business is, in fact, a marital asset. If you are a business owner, it is important to understand the difference between non-marital and marital business assets as you prepare for your divorce.

Non-Marital Business Assets

In a divorce case, non-marital assets are those that are owned by each spouse individually. These assets do not have to be divided; rather, they will remain with the spouse who owns them. A business will likely qualify as a non-marital asset if one of the following is true:

While most people recognize that shoplifting is wrong, there is a common perception that it is a fairly minor criminal offense with few serious consequences. However, according to Illinois law, shoplifting or retail theft can sometimes be charged as a felony, with penalties that can be quite serious. If you are facing theft charges, it is important to understand how severe they may be and to work with an experienced attorney who can help you build a strong defense.

When is Retail Theft a Felony?

The Illinois Criminal Code defines the severity of theft offenses in large part based on the value of the property stolen. Most shoplifting or retail theft offenses involve property worth less than $300, and as such, they are charged as Class A misdemeanors. Even this is a serious offense that could result in a sentence of imprisonment for less than one year.