If you live in the Chicago area, you know that road construction is a constant concern. Because the chances of accidents are so much higher in construction zones, these areas are often subject to reduced speed limits. Illinois penalizes speeding in construction zones especially harshly. If you or a loved one were cited for speeding in a construction zone, a traffic law attorney may be able to help.

Driving Above the Speed Limit When There is a Construction Project

Construction projects may force drivers to drive in narrow lanes and dodge cones, construction workers, and machinery. Consequently, the maximum speed at which drivers can drive is often reduced in these areas. The penalties for speeding are also enhanced. In Illinois, speeding in a construction zone is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000. However, if you are caught speeding in a construction zone a second time within a two-year period and construction workers are present, you face a 90-day driver’s license suspension in addition to fines.

Driving 26-35 mph over the speed limit in a construction zone is considered aggravated speeding. This is a Class B misdemeanor criminal offense punishable by up to six months in jail and heavy fines. If the driver is driving more than 35 mph above the speed limit in a construction zone, this can lead to Class A misdemeanor charges and up to a year in jail.

If you were convicted of a criminal offense, you know just how much a criminal conviction can influence your life. Criminal records are often available to the general public, which means that your friends, family members, and neighbors can view the record if they want to. Furthermore, potential landlords and apartment complexes may review criminal records before leasing a house or apartment to someone. If you have a felony conviction on your record, this may prevent you from securing suitable housing. Employers may also review candidates’ criminal records through a background check before offering a job. It can be difficult to impossible to be hired if you have certain convictions on your record.

Fortunately, some people are able to hide their criminal records from most employers, landlords, lenders, and the general public by sealing their criminal records.

Record Sealing and Expungement in Illinois

Record expungement is the process of erasing a criminal record completely. If you were arrested but never criminally charged, found “not guilty” of the charges, or the charges were dismissed, you may qualify for expungement.

Being accused of drunk driving already results in automatic administrative consequences, including suspension of your driver’s license. However, a drunk driving conviction has consequences that can threaten your freedom and significantly impact your future. Criminal and administrative penalties for driving under the influence depend on your past criminal history, driving record, and the circumstances of the drunk driving arrest. You could face heavy fines and substantial jail time.

If you or a loved one were arrested for DUI, it is important to understand your defense options. One potential DUI defense strategy is to question the veracity of the blood alcohol test results. Various problems can interfere with the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) testing process. If a blood test is not verifiable, it may be difficult to impossible for the prosecution to secure a conviction.

Blood Test Results Can Be Incorrect If These Issues are Present

There are two main ways of testing a person’s intoxication level. The first is to use a breath testing device commonly called a breathalyzer. The second is to directly test the person’s blood for alcohol. Blood tests may yield inaccurate results due to problems such as:

Sex offenses are considered especially morally reprehensible. Allegations of sexual assault, sex abuse, rape, or a related crime can destroy a person’s life. Criminal penalties for sex crimes are harsh, and many people find that being convicted of a sex offense has irreparable personal and professional consequences.

If you or someone you care about have been accused of a sex crime, do not wait to take action. Even if the accusation is unsubstantiated, being charged with a sex offense can have serious consequences. Contact a lawyer right away.

Avoid Contact With Your Accuser

Being accused of a sex crime can come as a shock. If you are like many people facing such a situation, you probably want to confront the person who levied the allegations against you. You may be confused about what is happening and are filled with questions. You may be eager to stand up for yourself, tell your side of the story, and clear your name. However, confronting your accuser can be disastrous. Even if you approach the person in a reasonable, non-threatening way, he or she may accuse you of further abuse, stalking, or harassment. You could even be subject to an emergency order of protection or other protective order and not realize it. Consequently, it is best to avoid the accuser and only discuss the situation with your attorney.  

Driving while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol puts both the driver and other individuals in danger. Consequently, Illinois punishes driving under the influence (DUI) with both criminal consequences and driver’s license suspension or revocation. If you were arrested for drunk driving in Illinois, it is important to know what to expect. Automatic license suspension follows a DUI arrest and if someone is convicted of DUI, they face driver’s license revocation.

It may be possible to reinstate your driver’s license and regain driving privileges after a DUI. However, you will need to complete several steps to do so. The exact requirements a DUI offender must take are largely determined by the driver’s risk classification.

Alcohol Dependency and DUI Cases in Illinois

Individuals who are arrested for DUI are required to participate in an alcohol and drug evaluation. Many people facing drunk driving charges suffer from alcoholism or addiction. The evaluation is used to determine the extent of any addiction or substance abuse problems and the chances that a DUI offender will reoffend.