I had an accident and now I have a traffic court date. Is a guilty plea going to affect my insurance?

April 8, 2010
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A driver who is ticketed after a motor vehicle accident is confronted with two important issues: How will the ticket affect the person’s driver’s license? Will the ticket have consequences for that person’s insurance? The issue of whether the traffic ticket will result in a suspended or revoked license is addressed in other articles in […]

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If I get pulled over for DUI, should I take the breath test?

March 30, 2010
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An arrest for DUI is a serious matter. Generally, there are no easy answers about whether a person should take the breathalyzer test. But there are a few principles that may influence the decision. First, there are two opportunities to take a breath test. The first opportunity will occur on the side of the road […]

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What is the law on failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident in Illinois?

March 28, 2010
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After a traffic accident, the person who the police officer believes is at fault will get a ticket for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident. Failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident is a petty offense. A petty offense in Illinois is punishable by fine only, with a maximum fine of $1,000. […]

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What is the law in Illinois on assault?

March 28, 2010
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Assault is a criminal offense in Illinois that can result in imprisonment. The offense is codified at 720 ILCS 5/12-1 in Illinois criminal code. The statute provides that assault is a Class C misdemeanor offense. All Class C misdemeanor offenses in Illinois have a punishment of up to 30 days in jail and a fine […]

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What is Illinois law on speeding in a work zone?

March 13, 2010
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A speeding ticket in a work zone (e.g., construction zone) is an expensive offense under Illinois traffic law, and can result in a suspended driver’s license. The law is set out in the state vehicle code at 625 ILCS 5/11-605.1. The law provides that a ticket for speeding in a work zone has a mandatory […]

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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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Illinois State Police can deny Firearm Owner’s Identification Card to persons convicted of domestic offenses

March 6, 2010
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Illinois requires all persons who own or purchase firearms to register for a Firearm Owner’s Identification Card (FOID card). It is a criminal offense to possess a weapon without a FOID card. The firearms owner must submit the application to the Illinois State Police, who will conduct a thorough background check to see if the […]

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What are the penalties in Illinois for being charged with possession of cannabis with intent to deliver?

March 5, 2010
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The law that makes it a criminal offense in the state of Illinois to possess cannabis (e.g., marijuana) with intent to deliver is the Illinois Cannabis Control Act, found at 720 ILCS 550/1 et seq. Section 550/5 provides that it is illegal to manufacture, deliver, or possess with intent to deliver cannabis. To manufacture is […]

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What is the law in Illinois on possession of cannabis?

March 3, 2010
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Possession of cannabis, generally referred to a marijuana, is a criminal offense in Illinois. The criminal charge of possession of cannabis is set forth in 720 ILCS 550/1 et seq, the Illinois Cannabis Control Act. While other states have decriminalized cannabis, Illinois has not. To decriminalize possession of cannabis is to say that it is […]

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