815-727-0100
Recent Blog Posts
Increased Fines for Certain Illinois Traffic Violations for 2020
Federal and state laws are constantly changing for various reasons. In some cases, new legislation reflects an update to the punishment, definition, or statute of limitations for a criminal act. In Illinois, there are 250 new laws set to go into effect on January 1, 2020. These regulations cover a range of crimes, including drug sale or possession, sexual offenses, and traffic violations. Depending on the type of offense, traffic crimes may be classified as “moving or nonmoving violations.” Moving violations are more serious in nature, which could potentially lead to injury or even wrongful death. Although many people view traffic citations as an annoyance, they are meant to deter poor driving habits by motorists. Any changes to traffic laws are generally made to increase the safety of everyone on the roadways.
What Are the Illinois Laws Regarding Underage Possession of Firearms?
The Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution has been in the news a lot over the past few decades. Mass shootings at schools, synagogues, shopping malls, and theaters have put the issue of gun control at the forefront of public consciousness. Many people want to ban firearms except for the military and law enforcement. However, the Second Amendment protects an individual’s right to keep and bear arms.
With this in mind, you should know that Illinois state laws regarding the concealed carry of a weapon are some of the strictest in the country. But how do they apply to minors who are in possession of a firearm? It is important to understand the gun laws in Illinois since the punishments vary depending on the age of the offender.
Criminal Charges Involving Firearms
In Illinois, a person must obtain a Firearm Owner’s Identification card (FOID) from the state police before purchasing a gun or any ammunition. However, a FOID is only available for adults who do not have a criminal record or history of mental illness.
How Do I Reinstate My Driver’s License After an Illinois DUI?
Learning how to drive is a rite of passage for most people. A driver’s license comes with the responsibility to uphold the rules of the road and drive safely. However, that is not always the case, and a driver can face serious consequences for breaking the law. There are several reasons why a motorist may have his or her driver’s license taken away. Actions such as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol (DUI) or reckless driving can lead to a license suspension or revocation depending on the circumstances. Unfortunately, driver’s license reinstatement can be a long and complicated process. That is why it is best to seek professional legal counsel to represent you.
Steps to Take to Get Your License Back
Reinstating your driver’s license after it was revoked is not as simple as paying a fine. The process for license reinstatement depends on why your license was revoked in the first place, in addition to other factors, such as your driving history. In Illinois, the Secretary of State’s office oversees vehicle registration and driver licensing authority, including reinstatements. The SOS Office will assess your case, and you will need to attend an SOS hearing and prove that you are not a danger to others on the road.
What Are the Consequences of Theft Crimes in Illinois?
Criminal offenses such as theft, robbery, and burglary are often misunderstood crimes because they are frequently lumped together. However, they are different offenses. Under Illinois law, theft occurs any time a person’s actions result in the intentional and unauthorized taking of property or services.
Theft offenses are typically classified according to the dollar amount value of the item or service stolen and can range from misdemeanors to felonies depending on the circumstances. It is important to know the distinctions between them in case you are ever facing prosecution for theft in Illinois.
What Constitutes Theft?
Illinois law defines theft as occurring when a person knowingly:
- Takes unauthorized control over property of another
How Can OSHA Violations Lead to a Workplace Injury?
There is no doubt that certain jobs are more dangerous than others are. For example, a police officer faces the potential for physical injury on a daily basis, while an office or factory worker would not experience the same kinds of risks. However, workplace accidents can occur in any field of work. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) establishes standards and rules that detail the methods that employers must use to protect their employees from dangers and hazardous conditions. OSHA standards regulate construction work, maritime operations, and general industries. Regardless of the type of industry or injury, Illinois employees are generally entitled to workers’ compensation benefits if they are hurt on the job.
Common OSHA Violations
Even though OSHA falls under the U.S. Department of Labor, which is a federally regulated agency, employers or workers sometimes ignore or cut corners on safety standards. According to OSHA and the National Safety Council’s Safety + Health magazine, a few examples of commonly cited OSHA violations include failures related to:
What Are the Consequences of a Weapons Violation in Illinois?
The sheer number of homicides in the news over the past few years has put a spotlight on Chicago’s gun violence. Illinois statutes regulate the use, possession, and carrying of a firearm, but the law can be confusing, and even gun owners can sometimes misunderstand it. Illinois residents are allowed to possess a gun or ammunition if they qualify for a Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) card, which is issued by the Illinois State Police.
Any criminal charge involving a weapon is taken seriously in the state of Illinois. When a person is arrested for unlawful possession of a firearm, it can impact the rest of his or her life. In some cases, a criminal record can be hard to erase. Interviewing for a job or trying to secure a home loan can be difficult when a criminal charge comes up on a background check.
Unlawful Use of a Weapon Penalties
Tips for Avoiding Car Accidents During an Illinois Winter
Certain parts of the country are notorious for extreme weather as the seasons change. For example, winter made an early entrance in Illinois with a snowstorm on Halloween this year. When roads become slick with ice and snow, drivers need to adjust their driving habits accordingly. It takes motorists longer to stop with any precipitation on the pavement. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, severe weather is a factor in almost 500,000 crashes and more than 2,000 road deaths each winter.
If drivers are distracted or choose to speed despite the conditions, this behavior can have significant consequences, including serious car accidents. These crashes can involve minor to fatal injuries. In some cases, the collision could have been avoided if it were not for another driver’s negligent behavior.
Steps to Take Behind the Wheel in Bad Weather
What You Need to Know About Field Sobriety Tests During an Illinois DUI Stop
According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 10,497 people died in alcohol-impaired driving crashes in 2016, accounting for 28 percent of all traffic-related deaths in the United States that year. One way of trying to prevent drunk driving crashes is by performing DUI stops. During this type of traffic stop, a police officer may ask an alleged drunk driver to submit to a series of tests to determine his or her level of impairment. A field sobriety test is used by police officers when a motorist is stopped for suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. However, the accuracy of these tests is often questioned. Consequently, it is important to note that a driver can refuse to submit to a field sobriety test without penalty in Illinois.
What Do the Tests Involve?
The Standard Field Sobriety Test (SFST) is a series of three tests that judge a person’s ability to perform certain tasks that require specific motor skills. Statistics show that these tests have been proven to confirm legal intoxication (.08 or higher BAC) in motorists suspected of drunk driving in 90 percent of cases if conducted properly by a law enforcement officer.
Tips for Preventing Construction Site Accident Injuries in Illinois
Workers in the construction industry face certain risks that employees who work in an office or corporate setting do not. Whether it is building a new house or a skyscraper, the labor can be physical and often dangerous. Construction jobs also involve heavy equipment and power tools so it is important to follow proper safety procedures.
Statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show that approximately 150,000 construction site injuries occur each year. The BLS also reported that even though falls make up the majority of these accidents, equipment malfunctions also significantly contributed to causing injuries to employees. Unfortunately, construction site accidents can happen and they can cause serious injuries and deaths.
Safety First
Filing a Permanent Partial Disability Workers’ Compensation Claim
Illinois is one of many states that require companies to carry insurance benefits for their employees to cover them in the unfortunate event of a workplace injury. Even if all the required safety measures are taken, accidents can and do happen on the job. Depending on the type of industry, injuries suffered can range from minor sprains or bruises to spinal cord damage. In some circumstances, a worker may never fully recover and is therefore entitled to permanent partial disability (PPD). Understanding the workers’ compensation process is integral to receiving benefits and moving on with your life.
Illinois Workers’ Comp Laws
According to Illinois employment law, employers (or their insurers) are obligated to pay permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits to an injured employee who sustained disfigurement or impairment but can still work up to a certain capacity. Permanent total disability (PTD) benefits are paid to an employee who is totally and permanently unable to work.
|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.
