Due in large part to the publicity of high-profile cases, laws pertaining to the statute of limitations and handling of sexual assault and harassment claims are undergoing change or review. Officials maintain these efforts are necessary to protect victims. However, consideration is now being given to the way the registry of sexual offenders is maintained in Illinois.

Task Force Makes Recommendations

At the end of last year, a specially named task force published a report that proposed certain changes to the way Illinois handles sex offenders and the state’s registration list. The panel included public advocates, victims, members of law enforcement, defense attorneys and prosecutors.

When an individual is charged with a crime or issued a traffic citation, he or she will most likely have to make a court appearance. It is important that defendants make those appearances to avoid exacerbating the situation with the addition of new penalties. Retaining a competent traffic ticket defense lawyer is a good way to help you keep those scheduled court appearance and steer clear of new charges.

Fine-Only Violations

Failing to appear in court after receiving a traffic citation can result in a hefty fine and possibly impact one’s ability to maintain their driving privileges. If a person ignores a ticket or skips a court date:

Victims of sexual assault and sexual harassment have begun stepping forward with allegations of events that occurred both recently and in the past. With this increased awareness comes a renewed scrutiny of how both alleged victims and those accused of sexual crimes are treated under the law.  

In Illinois and Across the Country

Last summer, Illinois officials passed legislation removing the statute of limitations on cases of sexual abuse crimes against children. The bill was quickly signed into law. However, renewed attention is being placed on the issue of sex crimes in large part due to the revelations of past actions by entertainment industry professionals, high profile physicians, and even elected officials.

Many drivers consider road construction a major inconvenience because it slows traffic and makes getting around much more difficult for them. However, it is important to drive with great care when entering and traveling through construction areas as penalties for speeding and other infractions in work zones are much more severe.

Know the Rules of the Road … That Are under Construction

Illinois added more severe penalties to construction zone traffic violations in response to an increase in accidents that resulted in injuries to and the deaths of construction workers. Drivers should be aware of the following to ensure they understand the all that construction zone driving requires.

When police initiate a traffic stop, the motorist may feel compelled to submit to a breathalyzer test or some other form of field sobriety testing due to a little understood law known as implied consent.

Implied consent is often applied during a traffic stop when police suspect a motorist is driving under the influence of alcohol, and is attached to the issuance of a driver’s license in most states.

When Did I Give Consent?