When the Machine Says You’re Guilty On a cold Chicago night, a driver is pulled over near Wrigleyville after an officer claims he rolled through a stop sign. The streets are wet, visibility is low, and he’s just leaving a friend’s birthday dinner. A few minutes later, after field sobriety…
The Stakes Are Higher Than You Think In Chicago, shoplifting is not just a matter of paying a fine and moving on. Illinois law treats retail theft as a serious offense that can lead to jail time, a criminal record, and lasting damage to your reputation. Whether you were accused…
Chicago’s Strict DUI Laws and What They Mean for First-Time Offenders Chicago’s streets are always busy, from morning rush hour on the Kennedy Expressway to late-night traffic along Lake Shore Drive. Police patrol these areas heavily, especially during weekends and holidays. Under 625 ILCS 5/11-501, a first DUI offense occurs…
You might think a first-time DUI in Illinois is a simple matter—a few fines, maybe some court supervision, and you’re back to normal. But as criminal defense attorneys practicing throughout the Chicago area, we can tell you that the hidden costs of a first DUI conviction are often worse than…
DUI arrests in Illinois happen every day, but not all charges are created equal. Some drivers walk away with a misdemeanor that, while serious, can be resolved with supervision or probation. Others face felony charges that carry prison time, long-term license revocation, and permanent damage to their record. The difference…
If you live in Chicago or anywhere in Cook County, you’ve likely seen it or done it—park the car safely, crack the window, and decide to sleep off a night of drinking. It seems like a responsible decision. But under Illinois law, that seemingly safe choice can land you in…
Here’s What Really Happens Cannabis may be legal in Illinois, but that doesn’t mean you can drive high. Law enforcement across Chicago and the state has cracked down hard on cannabis-impaired driving since legalization took effect in 2020. And make no mistake—being charged with a marijuana DUI is not a…
Arrested for DUI in Illinois Without a Failed Breath Test? Here’s What You Need to Know In Chicago, many drivers are surprised to learn that a failed breath test isn’t required to be arrested or charged with driving under the influence (DUI). You could blow under the legal limit or…
DUI arrests happen every day in Chicago, but not all cases are treated equally under Illinois law. While many first-time DUI offenses are misdemeanors, repeat arrests or certain aggravating factors can turn a DUI into a felony, dramatically increasing the penalties you face. If you’re charged with a felony DUI,…
Here’s What You Need to Know Police Claims of Odor Leading to DUI Arrests Drivers in Chicago are frequently stopped for routine traffic issues that escalate into DUI investigations. Often, the first thing an officer says is that they “smell alcohol” inside your vehicle. Many people don’t realize that this…