I got a ticket for transporting an open container of alcohol. What are the possible penalties?

March 3, 2010
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Transportation of an open container of alcohol in Illinois is a petty offense punishable by fine only. Most petty offenses in the Illinois Vehicle Code have a maximum fine of $1,000. The offense is governed by 625 ILCS 5/11-502. That statute provides that it is unlawful to transport, carry, or possess any alcoholic liquor within […]

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What types of traffic tickets can cancel an Illinois commercial driver’s license?

February 22, 2010
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A commercial driver’s license (CDL) is put at risk with almost any traffic ticket. For starters, a ticket for a moving violation will appear on a driver’s abstract. Most employers will check a job applicant’s driving record for traffic offenses because the employer’s insurance will increase if the driver has numerous traffic tickets. Employers are […]

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What is the definition of reckless driving in Illinois?

February 20, 2010
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The Illinois statute that defines reckless driving is 625 ILCS 5/11-503. It provides that reckless driving is driving any vehicle with a willful and wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property. Reckless driving is a Class A misdemeanor offense. The penalty can be up to one year in jail and a fine of […]

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What happens on a second offense of domestic battery in Illinois?

February 17, 2010
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Domestic battery enhanced is a Class 4 felony in Illinois. It is based on a prior domestic battery or violation of an order of protection.

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I got a DUI in Illinois. How can I win my summary suspension hearing?

February 9, 2010
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The issues on an Illinois summary suspension hearing are, generally: probable cause, reasonable grounds to believe the defendant was driving, improper warnings, and the driver was not under the influence.

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What happens if I have an MDDP and drive a vehicle without a BAIID?

February 7, 2010
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Driving a vehicle without a BAIID when you have an Illinois MDDP can subject you to a Class 4 felony charge.

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What does it mean to resist arrest or obstruct a peace officer?

February 5, 2010
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Under Illinois law, a person who is arrested by a police officer but does not cooperate runs the risk of getting charged with resisting or obstructing a peace officer.

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Can I get court supervision for a first-time DUI if I have a prior reckless driving charge on my record?

February 3, 2010
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If a driver has a prior reckless driving charge on his record (also called a driver’s abstract), then he is not eligible for supervision on his first Illinois DUI offense.

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What is the process for involuntary commitment as a sexually violent person?

February 1, 2010
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Illinois law provides a process for incarcerating sexually violent persons (SVPs) indefinitely in the Department of Corrections.

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