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How New Illinois Drug Laws Could Impact Drug Charges
Almost every year, the state of Illinois updates and changes at least some areas of the criminal code. The changes are fairly minor in some years, while in other years, they can significantly impact how criminal offenses, including drug charges, are charged and punished. Some of these changes can significantly affect Illinois residents charged with specific drug crimes, both positively and negatively.
Criminal defense attorneys who handle drug charges keep up with the changes, so it is always beneficial to speak to a Joliet, IL drug crimes lawyer who can answer your questions, be a strong legal advocate in your corner, and defend your charges aggressively. Some of the drug crime laws that took effect in 2025 are detailed below.
More Defendants in 2025 Will Qualify for Diversionary Programs
The expansion of Second Chance Probation and amendments to 730 ILCS 5/5-6-3.4 will result in more defendants qualifying for diversionary programs like Treatment Alternatives for Safe Communities (TASC) and drug court under the Illinois Problem-Solving Courts framework. Diversionary and alternative programs are not automatic, nor are they guaranteed.
Can Workers’ Compensation Be Affected by a Positive Drug Test?
In 2020, the state of Illinois legalized the use of recreational marijuana under the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act. Since that time, many questions have arisen regarding the legal implications of using marijuana in their daily lives, including in the workplace. One such issue revolves around how – or whether – a positive drug test can impact a claim for workers’ compensation benefits.
If you are facing a situation in Illinois where your workers’ compensation claim for benefits is being denied because of a positive drug test, it is important that you speak to an experienced Joliet, IL workers’ compensation lawyer as soon as possible. The sooner your attorney can begin building a positive defense on your behalf, the more likely you are to receive the benefits you need and deserve.
Who is Liable for Injuries and Deaths from a Mass Shooting?
Unfortunately, mass shootings have become so commonplace that they barely warrant a few days in the news cycle. Since 2013, the number of annual mass shootings across the nation has increased by 65 percent. The use of an assault weapon makes mass shootings four times more lethal.
If you are injured by a shooter at a public place, such as a music event, in a nightclub, restaurant, or any other type of public event, who bears liability for your injuries? The answer to this question can be complex and depends on the circumstances. If you are the victim of a mass shooting, it can be extremely beneficial to speak to a knowledgeable Joliet, IL personal injury lawyer.
Businesses and Individuals That Could Be Targeted in a Personal Injury Claim
Which people or entities are responsible for the resulting injuries and deaths from a mass shooting will depend on the specific circumstances but may include:
Could the New Ohio "Liv’s Law" Influence Illinois DUI Laws?
Across the United States, state legislators are looking more seriously at impaired drivers. Ohio recently passed a new law, known as Liv’s Law, that significantly increases the penalties for repeat DUI offenders. While the law only applies to Ohio drivers, it is indicative of a larger nationwide move toward DUI policies that are designed to be harsh enough to prevent repeat DUI offenders. The new DUI policies in Ohio could potentially affect other states, including Illinois.
Liv’s Law was named after a 22-year-old Ohio woman killed in 2020 by a repeat DUI offender. Following the passage of this law, a first offense OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired) in Ohio that results in the death of another person now has a mandatory prison sentence of two to eight years. When there are no injuries or deaths involved, a first-time OVI offender now faces a driver’s license suspension of five years, while a third-time offender will have his or her driver’s license revoked for life.
Organized Theft Charged as a Felony in Illinois
Over the past few years, cities in Illinois – particularly Chicago – have seen an increase in "crash-and-grab" and "smash-and-grab" burglaries and thefts. A crash-and-grab occurs when people in a vehicle crash into a store to gain access and then grab as much money and merchandise as possible. Smash-and-grab crimes occur when people smash a window or door to gain access to the business, grabbing all the merchandise and money they can.
Recently, the Chicago police investigated a "crash-and-grab burglary at a South Loop Game Stop store. Police said the suspects crashed a Jeep SUV into the store and began stealing merchandise, fleeing in the Jeep, an Acura SUV, and a Dodge vehicle. If you have been charged with one of these smash-and-grab or crash-and-grab burglaries, the best thing you can do is to speak to a knowledgeable Joliet, IL criminal defense lawyer.
Can I Collect Workers’ Comp for a Company Event Accident?
Illinois workers’ compensation pays worker benefits when a worker is injured while at work. The fault for an accident or illness is unimportant in workers’ compensation situations; if you were at work when a work accident caused you injury, if a repetitive motion at work resulted in an injury, or if you developed an illness as a result of your workplace, you are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.
Virtually all Illinois business owners are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance if they have at least one part-time or full-time employee. There are certain employees who are excluded from state law, including corporate officers, limited liability company members, business partners, and sole proprietors (independent contractors). Part-time employees are not covered under workers’ compensation rules, and agricultural workers have specific requirements.
Construction Site Electrocution Injuries
Recently, a North Lawndale construction accident resulted in the death of one construction worker and injuries to another. The construction workers came into contact with an electrical current at a West Side construction site. ComEd crews worked to secure the area for more than seven hours after the incident occurred. It appears that the two workers were on a crane, working close to several power lines.
The site where the two construction workers were working at the time of the accident is a planned affordable housing development. The employer of the two workers was unknown at the time. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 20 percent of the 5,190 fatal work injuries that occurred in the U.S. in 2021 were in the construction industry.
There are four common construction injuries, known as the "fatal four," that are the leading causes of death. Falls, electrocutions, caught in or between equipment, and struck by an object make up the fatal four. Electrocution was responsible for about 8 percent of construction worker deaths in 2021, caused by lightning strikes, poorly maintained power tools and cords, contact with overhead power lines, and energized conductors or circuit parts.
4 Indirect Ways an Illinois DUI Conviction Can Damage Your Future
An Illinois DUI conviction can lead to jail time, fines, probation, and a suspended license, but those consequences are merely the beginning of the nightmare. There are indirect DUI effects that can damage your life for years. Fortunately, an experienced Illinois DUI defense attorney can aggressively defend your rights and fight for the best case outcome.
Employment Opportunities Vanish
The first significant collateral effect of an Illinois DUI conviction is employment problems. Most employers perform criminal background checks. A DUI conviction will likely appear on your permanent record, which may lead to an employer being reluctant to hire you.
DUI stigma can be challenging if you work in commercial transportation or delivery services. In these industries, a DUI conviction can disqualify you. If you are already employed, an Illinois drunk driving conviction may violate your employment contract, especially if driving is part of your job duties. Additionally, licensed professionals, such as teachers, attorneys, or physicians, may be disciplined or suspended from critical regulatory bodies like the Illinois State Medical Board.
Common Types of Work Injuries That May Affect Office Employees
When people think of workplace injuries, they often picture construction sites or industrial accidents. However, office employees can also suffer serious injuries while performing their jobs. Even in a seemingly safe environment, repetitive motion, slip and falls, or ergonomic issues can lead to significant health problems. If an office worker is injured on the job in Joliet, Illinois, they may be entitled to workers' compensation benefits. An experienced workers' compensation attorney can help ensure they receive the benefits they deserve.
Common Accidents and Injuries in Office Environments
Office workers are vulnerable to a range of injuries that may arise from everyday tasks and workplace conditions. Some of the most common accidents and injuries include:
- Slip, Trip, and Fall Accidents: Office environments can present various tripping and slipping hazards, including wet or slippery floors, loose carpeting, uneven flooring, electrical cords or cluttered walkways, and poor lighting in hallways or stairwells. Falls can result in serious injuries such as fractures, sprains, concussions, or back injuries.
6 Reasons Fall Injuries May Occur in Nursing Homes
Falls are a serious concern for nursing home residents. Elderly people may be unsteady on their feet, and they may need assistance as they move about a nursing home. When fall accidents occur, nursing home residents who are in frail condition may suffer severe injuries such as fractures, head trauma, back injuries, or serious strains and sprains. Many of these falls are preventable, and they may happen due to negligence by a nursing home or its staff.
When a nursing home fails to provide the proper care and supervision, it may be held liable for injuries sustained by residents. An experienced attorney can help a family take legal action to hold a facility accountable for the harm a person has suffered due to negligence.
Common Causes of Falls in Nursing Homes
Nursing home residents are often at a higher risk of falling due to age-related conditions and limitations on their mobility. Staff members should provide assistance when needed while addressing any safety concerns that could increase the risk of falls. When a nursing home fails to take the necessary measures, fall accidents may occur due to issues such as:
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