In the state of Illinois, DUI charges are taken very seriously. Prosecutors and law enforcement typically punish offenders to the fullest extent of the law due to the risk drunk drivers pose to the public. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 10,874 deaths resulting from car crashes involving drivers with a blood-alcohol level of .08 or higher in 2017. This means 29 percent of all fatal traffic accidents were caused by drivers who were under the influence of alcohol. 

Repeat offenders are punished even more harshly, which does not bode well for an Illinois man who is accused of committing his third DUI and his 12th offense of driving with a suspended driver’s license.

In casual conversation, robbery, theft, and burglary may seem synonymous, but in the criminal justice system, they are not. Robbery, theft, and burglary are three different charges that have very different consequences. 

Most people know these crimes all involve taking property that belongs to someone else, but there are various behaviors that constitute each offense. If you face robbery, theft, or burglary charges, it is important to understand the differences.

When you see flashing red and blue lights in your rearview mirror and you realize they are flashing for you, it can be a sickening, sinking feeling. Being pulled over by police can be an intimidating experience, even if you have no reason to be worried. It has been proven that most people will do what a police officer tells them for the sole reason that the officer is wearing a uniform, even if they do not believe it is the right thing to do. It is extremely important to remember you do have rights when you are pulled over by a police officer.

Rights When Speaking to Police

Most people have heard about the right to remain silent, but is that always your best option? Sometimes, if a police officer is asking you questions, it is not in your best interest to keep quiet. The right to remain silent is intended to keep you from self-incrimination, but there are other ways to do that. If an officer begins to question you, try answering their question with a question, such as, “Did I do something wrong?,” or, “Am I free to leave?” 

For decades, various organizations in the United States have attempted to lower the number of DUI incidents and drunk driving deaths through a variety of methods. Despite many gains, fatalities continue. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 11,000 people died in alcohol-related traffic crashes nationwide in 2017. Because DUI deaths remain common, DUI laws have become more strict and judges have sentenced offenders harshly. 

One of the methods Illinois uses to deter DUI offenders from becoming repeat violators is by imposing driver’s license suspensions and revocations on those convicted of DUI. Still, many are given a chance to drive as needed to support themselves and their families.

Though the most common way people have their driver’s license revoked or suspended is through a DUI conviction, there are multiple other ways this can occur. In Illinois, if you fail to appear in court when you are summoned, if you have unpaid parking tickets, if you have not paid court-imposed fines or child support, you could lose your license. 

While it may be difficult to go through your daily routine without driving privileges, it is never a good idea to drive with a suspended or revoked driver’s license. Doing so can make a difficult situation significantly tougher, including mandatory incarceration or substantial community service.