Throughout 2018, over 26,000 DUI arrests were made throughout the state of Illinois. A DUI conviction can come with serious legal ramifications, including loss of driving privileges. In the state of Illinois, a first-time DUI conviction constitutes a Class A Misdemeanor as well as a one-year license revocation period. In 2018, 90% of all drivers arrested on DUI charges, that were eligible for a suspension, lost their driving privileges. If you have been charged with a DUI, you need to seek out the help of a qualified legal professional.

Driving after a DUI

In the state of Illinois, a first-time offender can lose their driving privileges due to a DUI conviction or simply refusing to submit to chemical testing. In both instances, the driver is eligible for a Monitoring Device Driving Permit (MDDP). An MDDP will allow drivers to operate their registered personal vehicles, at all times. In order to receive an MDDP, one must submit an MDDP program application. After receiving your application, the Secretary of State’s Office will review your driving record and ultimately decide whether or not you are eligible for an MDDP. Drivers with previous serious violations such as a reckless homicide charge or an aggravated DUI resulting in death will be deemed ineligible. It should be noted that drivers under the age of 18 are not eligible for MDDP consideration.

We are all feeling an impact from COVID-19 and the many safety precautions currently in place. One impact has been seen through court delays and limited court access for the next 30 days or so…

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), approximately 1 in 4 American women face some form of domestic abuse. Domestic violence can come in the form of verbal threats, non-consensual sexual activities, or physical violence. Regardless of the form of domestic violence, you need to get you and your family out of the violent situation before the level of physical harm escalates. Fortunately obtaining an order of protection is a fairly straight forward process in the state of Illinois, and can protect you from your violent spouse.

What Is an Order of Protection?

In short, an order of protection is a court order that protects the holder of the order from an abuser in their family. The judge can order that the abuser maintain a safe distance from the victim and other people protected on the order (primarily children), cease to contact the victim via phone call or social media, move out of a shared dwelling, and attend counseling. For families, it is important to note that an order of protection can restrict an abuser from seeing or contacting any minor child in the victim’s custody.

Every single year thousands of drivers in the state of Illinois are charged with driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. With so many annual arrests, many people assume that a DUI conviction is a fairly minor charge. In all reality, a DUI conviction can impact your life in a significant and long-term way. If you have been charged with driving under the influence, it is time to speak with a qualified legal professional.

The Consequences of a DUI Conviction

In the state of Illinois, a DUI conviction constitutes a Class A misdemeanor. If convicted, an offender can face fines up to $2,500 as well as a one-year license suspension. It should be noted that there are a number of factors that can lead to a DUI being classified as an aggravated DUI charge. If your DUI is considered aggravated, the charges will be elevated to a felony. An aggravated DUI conviction can result in fines as high as $25,000 and the potential of jail time, depending on the aggravating factor. For instance, if a driver causes great bodily harm to someone while driving under the influence, they can face up to 12 years in prison, and a minimum one-year prison sentence.

The divorce process is a stressful time for all parties, especially when children are involved. In the state of Illinois, the court will carefully examine various criteria, including the living situations of both parents, to determine how parental responsibilities will be allocated. The revised language of Illinois’ child custody law is written in the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, the allocation of parental responsibilities will determine who makes decisions about the child’s enrollment in schools, engagement in extracurricular activities, and of course parenting time. In order to ensure that you maintain a significant relationship with your child, the first step you should take is hiring a skilled legal professional. Your attorney will then guide you through the steps you can take to secure the parental responsibilities you deserve.

Prepare for Independent Parenting: As you prepare for your custody hearing, it is time for you to begin focusing on how you will adjust to life as an independent parent. If you left your shared home with your spouse, finding a place that is safe and suitable for children will play a major role in the court’s decision. If you were working long hours, you may need to make changes to your work schedule to meet the needs of your child. Proving to the court that you are ready to make the sacrifices that come with independent parenting, can go a long way in impacting their decision.