Winning a DUI Trial in Illinois

To win a DUI trial in Illinois you have to understand the basics of trial law. Specifically, who has the burden of proof. At all times from your arrest for DUI through to the end of the trial, you are presumed innocent of the charge. This means the State has the burden (requirement) to prove…

What should I expect on my first Court date?

First Court Date: On the first court date in a DUI or criminal case several events happen.  First, your attorney will file an Appearance.  You may have an arraignment.  Further your attorney will enter a plea of not guilty and request discovery.  Lastly, the case will be continued for further proceedings.   What is an…

Discovery and How to Get It

What is Discovery? Discovery is the evidence in a DUI or criminal case.  It includes materials such as police reports, pictures of physical evidence, and sometimes video.   How do you get Discovery? The prosecutor (state’s attorney) gives Discovery to your defense attorney.  However, there is an Illinois Supreme Court rule that specifically states that attorneys…

Police Will Lie to You on a DUI Stop / Investigation

During a traffic stop a police officer may tell you that he has to have you perform the Field Sobriety Tests, (walk and turn, one leg stand, etc) because it is his department’s police and that it is routine and you can be on your way in a few minutes. During the tests, the officer…

DUI Motions have two Purposes

DUI Motions: When I represent a client on a DUI charge I usually file certain motions to challenge the police officer’s reason for stopping the client and a motion to challenge the police officer’s belief that the client was intoxicated. These motions are called a Motion to Quash the Arrest and Supress the Evidence.  …

Driving on a Revoked License Dismissed

On June 5, 2014, I represented a client at the Bridgeview Courthouse for driving on a suspended license (2-6303), no valid insurance and having his registration suspended for no insurance. I was able to have all of the charged dismissed. My Client saved approximately $1,100 in court fines, fees and another $1,000.00 in not having…