I am handling a case right now where my client was stopped for DUI. The Woodridge Police Officer asked my client to perform both the alphabet test and the count down test. Although the alphabet test, (saying the alphabet from the letter “E” to “P” or any other variation, e.g., “B” to “Q”, “F” to…
A “Confirmation of Statutory Summary Suspension” is the notice the Secretary of State will send to you to notify you that your license will be suspended. The confirmation also gives the Judge on your case jurisdiction (authority) to hear a Petition to Rescind the Statutory Summary Suspension. This document is important because it informs you…
In a DUI arrest the police officer is required to inform you what will happen to your driver’s license if you submit to a breath test, (or other chemical test) and what will happen if you refuse to submit. The information is contained in the “Warnings to Motorist” form that the police officer is required…
The Illinois Secretary of State Office is proposing changing the steps necessary to have a driver’s license reinstated after a person receives two or more DUI convictions. Currently a revoked driver has to obtain a drug and alcohol evaluation from a licensed treatment provider and then present themselves at a hearing before the Illinois Secretary…
In Illinois you can be convicted for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) when your sleeping in your car or sitting in your car without the engine running. It is possible because Illinois law requires that you have “actual physical control” of your vehicle to be guilty of DUI. “Actual physical control” is defined as simply…
A “Drug and Alcohol Evaluation” is a review of your consumption of drug and alcohol use. The evaluation consists of two parts: 1) interview and 2) multiple choice questions. A urine test is not a standard part of the evaluation, however, can be requested if the evaluator has a suspicion that you may be under…
Cook County has available a “theft school” for a person who is charged with Retail Theft. A person is not automatically entitled to attend theft school. Theft school is a disposition that is negotiated by your attorney. If your attorney is able to come to an agreement with the prosecutor (state prosecutor or city prosecutor)…
A Statutory Summary Suspension is an automatic suspension of a person’s Illinois driver’s license if they are charged with a DUI in Illinois. The suspension takes effect on the 46th day after the DUI arrest date. The suspension is between 6 months and three years, depending on whether it is a persons first or subsequent…
A public defender is a court appointed attorney. To qualify for a public defender you have to fill out a financial affidavit and show that you have no real assets to pay for an attorney. Even if you do qualify for the services of the public defender many courts require you to pay the public…
An out of state conviction for DUI will cause your Illinois driver’s license to become revoked for a period of 1 year if it is your first DUI. If your DUI was in Illinois you generally receive a sentence of Court Supervision which is not a conviction, so your license is not revoked for 1…