Law enforcement commonly employs a “traffic safety” checkpoint strategy in an effort to identify drivers who might be in violation of one or more statutes while operating their motor vehicle. Such checkpoints frequently appear during holidays such as Memorial Day, New Years Eve, and 4th of July to find impaired drivers and issue tickets for other traffic violations.

Know Your Rights

Recent incidents have drawn greater attention to the need for police to obtain warrants in order to get a blood or urine sample from a driver who refuses or is unable to submit to standard breathalyzer testing. The No Refusal Checkpoint is a strategy law enforcement uses to obtain search warrants to test the blood alcohol content of drivers they suspect are impaired. During these events, prosecutors and judges make themselves available to expedite the process.

With greater availability of legalized medical marijuana and increased abuse of opioids and other illegal substances, law enforcement encounters with impaired drivers have taken on a new dynamic. In an attempt to better identified those driving vehicles while under the influence and make Illinois roadways safer, police are employing a new type of roadside sobriety test.

Swabbing Starts This Month

The tell-tale sign of alcohol on the breath or slurred speech was usually enough for police to reasonably suspect a driver was impaired. However, determining whether or not a driver is high on drugs presents new challenges, ones for which a newly employed roadside test is expected to help overcome. One west suburban Illinois police department is beginning to use a test that reveals the chemicals in a person’s system 

Over the years, a number of school teachers and coaches have faced vigorous prosecution for alleged sexual abuse or misconduct with students. Even when the alleged actions occurred several years in the past, victims have raised concerns that impact the lives and careers of those who may have been involved.

New Cases Emerge From Incidents That Occurred in the Past

Both current and former school employees are the targets of prosecution when it comes to allegations of sexual abuse or sexual misconduct. Even when the incident includes claims of a consensual relationship, a situation involving a person of authority over a student results in aggressive investigation by law enforcement. Two cases that came to light in Illinois last year demonstrate how claims of past incidents can result in charges against educators.

In the event you, a friend, or family member is detained for suspicion of theft, it is important to understand the variables that might impact how law enforcement and prosecution might consider proceeding. Having a basic understanding of theft laws in this state might be of an advantage.

Misdemeanors and Felonies

In general, grand theft is a more serious charge than petty theft—usually applicable when a person is alleged to have stolen money or property of a higher value.  In most states, grand theft is a felony and petty theft is a misdemeanor. In Illinois, a defendant can face an array of charges depending on the value of what is taken and the circumstances surrounding the incident. Classifications include:

Images from video cameras are often used to help identify criminal suspects. However, more and more law enforcement agencies are beginning to install cameras, sometimes voluntarily and sometimes due to public pressure, in vehicles and on the bodies of sworn officers. This video footage is often used by criminal defense attorneys to help their clients fight against criminal charges. 

Pros and Cons of the Police Body Camera

The common belief is that the presence of video cameras, whether on a law enforcement vehicle dashboard or on the vest of a police officer, would reduce complaints of police misconduct or abuse. Furthermore, it is expected that video recordings of arrests would provide courts with details on the interactions between police and the citizens they encounter. However, different sides continue debating the pros and cons of police using body cameras.