815-727-0100
Recent Blog Posts
Black Ice May Be a Factor in Illinois Winter Car Accidents
Winter is upon us, which means frigid air as well as snow, wind, ice, and sleet can be found covering the roads in Illinois. Venturing out can be treacherous, whether walking or driving. After significant snow accumulation, roadways should be plowed in order for drivers to travel safely. In addition, putting salt on icy roads can prevent slipping and sliding. If local streets or highways are not designed or maintained properly, black ice can form, which can cause a car accident. If you or your loved one suffer injuries in a crash that involved black ice, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages depending on the circumstances that led up to the accident.
What Is Black Ice?
Black ice, also known as clear ice, is a thin coating or glaze of ice on a hard surface, most often found on roads. Although the ice is not black, it appears transparent, which means the black road or pavement below can often be seen through it. Typically, snowflakes and even ice pellets or slush are visible on sidewalks or streets. However, black ice means that the surrounding areas are practically invisible to drivers or people walking on it. Therefore, pedestrians and motorists alike do not have the traction they normally would on dry surfaces.
What Factors Can Impact the Results of DUI Sobriety Tests?
Driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol is strictly prohibited in the United States. Research has shown the negative effect that controlled substances have on a motorist’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. In addition, studies prove the correlation between impaired driving and car accidents with serious injuries. In Illinois, the legal limit for intoxication is a .08 percent blood alcohol content (BAC). There are several factors that can affect the results of DUI testing, so that is why it is crucial to hire a criminal defense attorney who can provide the skilled representation needed when facing these serious charges.
Inaccuracies in Testing
When someone is pulled over for suspicion of DUI, the police typically ask the driver to submit to a series of tests. The standard field sobriety test (SFST) includes three tests performed during a traffic stop in order to determine if a driver is impaired. These tests involve evaluating a driver’s balance and coordination, and they are known as the horizontal gaze nystagmus (HGN), the walk-and-turn, and the one-leg stand.
Understanding Search Warrants in Illinois Criminal Cases
In order for a person to be convicted of a criminal offense, the prosecution typically must provide evidence that a crime was committed. A search warrant is a legal document that allows police officers to enter certain places to attempt to retrieve evidence. Recent news reports about police searching the wrong home have surfaced, shedding light on the use of search warrants. Specifically, “no-knock” search warrants have faced harsh criticism and scrutiny across the country. Common among drug crimes, weapons violations, and theft, search warrants are relied upon to establish a defendant’s guilt in most cases. However, it may not be as cut-and-dry as you might think. Depending on the circumstance, a criminal defense attorney may be able to contest the admission of evidence seized in the search and prevent it from being used in your case.
Are Theft and Property Crimes Committed More During the Holidays?
Many people look forward to the winter holidays for various reasons, including gathering with friends and family to exchange gifts and share a meal. However, this holiday season is unlike most others in our lifetime due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on society. In order to slow the spread of the contagious virus, many non-essential businesses have closed or reduced capacity and staff. This has put a significant strain on individuals who are struggling to pay their bills let alone buy Christmas gifts. According to national statistics, more theft crimes occur during the holidays even without a pandemic going on. For instance, larceny during the month of December is 22 percent higher than the average rate for larceny in all other months combined. If you or your loved one is facing charges for any kind of theft crime, it is essential to consult a skilled criminal defense attorney who can help reduce your sentence or have your case dismissed altogether.
What Are the Main Causes of a Snowmobile Accident Injury in Illinois?
Winter is a time for snow sports, including skiing, sledding, ice skating, and snowmobiling. The snowmobile was originally manufactured as a means of transportation for people and supplies in regions where heavy and deep snow prevented conventional vehicle use. Today, snowmobiling has become a popular winter sport enjoyed by more than 2 million people of all ages. Snowmobiling allows cold-weather fans to get outside and enjoy the winter landscape. However, the modern snowmobile can weigh more than 600 pounds and travel at speeds of 90 miles per hour or greater. Snowmobile accidents cause approximately 200 deaths and 14,000 injuries every year. There are several factors that can increase the likelihood of a crash, and in some cases, it may be caused by negligent parties. Through education and legislation, injury and death rates can be significantly reduced.
Are There More DUI Arrests in Illinois Over Thanksgiving Weekend?
Although this Thanksgiving may look a bit different as a result of the restrictions put in place to fight COVID-19, many people will still be celebrating the holiday. Small gatherings may still include alcoholic beverages, which can unfortunately lead to intoxicated driving. That is why local law enforcement agencies step up their patrols in anticipation of partygoers possibly getting behind the wheel after a few too many. Traffic-related fatalities usually increase during the long holiday weekends. The National Safety Council (NSC) has estimated that approximately 500 people will lose their lives between Wednesday and Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend. Police will be on the lookout for impaired drivers, and they can arrest those who are suspected of driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol.
How Do Pharmaceutical Errors Occur in Illinois?
You may not think they happen very often, but medication errors are more common than you might want to believe. In some cases, a patient may not even realize one has taken place if he or she does not have any adverse side effects. However, some medical mistakes can have devastating consequences. A 2016 Johns Hopkins study estimated that approximately 250,000 people die annually due to medical errors. These prescription drug errors can occur for various reasons. In certain situations, a physician, hospital, or pharmacy may be held liable for any injuries suffered as a result of this form of medical negligence.
Common Types of Medication Mistakes
Everyone makes mistakes, but sometimes the results can cause debilitating injuries or even fatalities. The most common types of pharmaceutical errors made by a physician or a pharmacist include:
What Are the Conditions of Posting Bail in Illinois?
One bad mistake can lead to a heap of trouble, including criminal charges if an illegal act was committed. If you have been arrested for a crime in Illinois, you may be wondering what to expect if you have not had any previous experience with the criminal justice system. Under Illinois law, an accused individual can be kept in custody, released on his or her own recognizance, or released on bail. If released on bail, a bond must be paid, which ensures the defendant’s appearance for future court dates and compliance with any other conditions of release. Typically, once a criminal case is over, 10 percent of the money posted is awarded to the clerk for the costs of posting bond. When someone posts bail, he or she must comply with certain restrictions or conditions of the bail bond. A violation of these rules can lead to further criminal charges.
What Are the Penalties for Drug Possession With Intent to Sell?
Criminal charges can take many forms based on the severity of the offense. Recent legislation made recreational marijuana use legal for those over the age of 21 in Illinois. However, most other controlled substances are illegal, and they can carry stiff punishments for those who commit a drug crime. Although the United States has been fighting the war on drugs for a long time, these types of offenses continue across the country. According to crime statistics from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), there were 1.6 million arrests made for drug crimes in 2018, a number that has increased every year since 2015, after declining in the prior decade. If you or someone you know is facing any type of drug charges, it can ruin your personal and professional life. Therefore, it is imperative that you hire a criminal defense attorney who is well-versed in Illinois drug laws to help you obtain a positive outcome.
Is Alternative Sentencing Available in an Illinois DUI Case?
Driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol can result in a multitude of consequences, including an accident with serious injuries, vehicle damage, driver’s license suspension, not to mention criminal charges in most cases. Illinois penalties for a DUI conviction are stiff and a misdemeanor crime can remain on your permanent driving record. The punishments are enhanced if you are under 21 or have a child passenger in the car at the time of the traffic stop. However, depending on the circumstances of your case, you may qualify for alternative sentencing, which is typically not as harsh. A skilled criminal defense attorney can explain your legal options and the best course of action to take following a DUI arrest.
Illinois Deferred Prosecution Programs
Whether a defendant is eligible for alternative sentencing in Illinois depends on prior criminal history and the severity of those convictions. Those who have a long criminal record are less likely than first-time offenders to receive probation, a lenient sentence, or alternative sentences to jail. Certain criminal offenses in Illinois require incarceration by statute, and probation is not an option. Aggravating factors are also taken into account, including whether a person was injured as a result of the crime, whether a weapon was used, and whether the crime was committed against a mentally disabled or elderly person.
|815-727-0100
Results listed are not a guarantee or indication of future case results.
Contact Our Firm
The use of the Internet or this form for communication with the firm or any individual member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form.
I have read and understand the Disclaimer and Privacy Policy.
