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Recent Blog Posts
Decriminalized Marijuana Leaves Open Questions About Drug Paraphernalia
By now, you probably know that low-level possession of marijuana is no longer a criminal offense in Illinois. The possession of less than 10 grams is a civil offense punishable by a fine of up to $200—similar in most regards to a traffic violation. Illinois, however, has maintained its statute regarding the possession of drug paraphernalia. While the law was amended to account for the new guidelines on marijuana possession, loopholes still exist that could land a person in serious trouble.
What the Law Says
The Illinois Drug Paraphernalia Control Act makes it illegal to possess products, equipment, or materials that are intended to be used in producing, preparing, testing, hiding, or using controlled substances, including marijuana. (Technically, equipment for making methamphetamine is covered under a separate statute but is still illegal.) The drug paraphernalia law covers a wide variety of products, including but not limited to:
DUI Checkpoints: What Are Your Rights?
According to the National Highway Safety Administration, a person dies in a drunk driving-related accident every 50 minutes in the United States. In order to catch those who drink and drive, Illinois police sometimes use DUI checkpoints. These checkpoints usually involve some sort of roadblock which prevents motorists from passing. Police may stop vehicles and ask drivers to perform field sobriety tests or submit to chemical testing, such as a Breathalyzer test. Many individuals are unsure of what their rights are at a DUI checkpoint. Read on to learn what is expected of both motorists and police at these stops.
Probable Cause for Stopping Vehicles
If you are someone with a basic understanding of the law, you may have wondered how police checkpoints are even legal. After all, the U.S Constitution does have rules which prevent police from unreasonable search and seizure. The Fourth Amendment says that "The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue but upon probable cause..." This right to be free from arbitrary seizure of property includes being pulled over while driving. Technically, a police officer does need probable cause to pull someone over and ask them to perform a sobriety test. However, in the case of DUI checkpoints, an exception has been made. The U.S. Supreme Court has determined that the intrusiveness of DUI checkpoints is outweighed by the benefit of decreasing the number of drunk drivers on the road.
You Have Been Charged with Reckless Driving; Now What?
Generally, traffic violations are considered only civil offenses. Things like driving a few miles above the speed limit, a rolling stop at a stop sign, or failing to use your turn signal can result in a ticket and associated fines but are not considered actual crimes. Motorists should know that some traffic violations are considered much more dangerous and therefore come with a much harsher penalty. If you have been charged with reckless driving, you may be facing a misdemeanor conviction and even jail time.
What is Considered Reckless Driving?
You have probably heard the phrase "reckless driving" before but may be unsure of its exact meaning. According to Illinois law, someone is reckless driving if they
- Drive a vehicle with deliberate disregard for property and others’ safety; or
- Intentionally use an incline in the roadway to cause a car to become airborne.
Why You Should Not Consent to a Vehicle Search
It can be hard to know exactly what your rights are when it comes to police searches. Under federal law, police may only search homes and vehicles under certain circumstances. If a police officer wishes to search your home, he or she will usually need to acquire a search warrant before entering the property. Cars, trucks, motorcycles, and other motor vehicles do not always necessitate a search warrant. One way police may legally search a person’s vehicle is if the driver gives them permission to do so. Most legal experts believe that citizens should never give police permission to search their vehicle—even if they have nothing to hide.
When Police May Search Your Car
The Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution protects American citizens from unreasonable searches and seizure of personal property. In order to legally search a vehicle, police must have a valid reason, a search warrant, or the driver’s permission. More specifically, police may lawfully search a vehicle only if:
Can I Still Get a DUI If My BAC is Under the Legal Limit?
Being found guilty of driving under the influence (DUI) can have devastating effects on an individual’s life. Those found guilty of drunk driving can face steep fines, loss of driving privileges, community service, and even jail time. Most people have heard that 0.08 is the magic number when it comes to being legally intoxicated behind the wheel. However, there are several circumstances where a person can be in violation of the law when driving a car with a blood alcohol content which is under the legal limit.
Illinois Per Se DUI Laws
The reason it seems that 0.08 is the magic number when it comes to DUIs is because driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 or more is considered "per se intoxicated." "Per se" laws establish that if someone is operating a vehicle and is found to have a BAC over the 0.08 limit, that no other evidence is necessary to prove a driver’s intoxication. However, a BAC at or above the legal limit is not always necessary for a DUI conviction.
What You Need to Know About Refusing to Take a Breathalyzer
When a police officer has a reason to suspect that you are driving under the influence of alcohol, the officer may ask to submit to a blood alcohol content (BAC) test. These tests are usually conducted during a traffic stop. The stop may have been initiated based on a minor traffic violation or erratic driving, but if something during the stop triggers the officer’s suspicion, the request for a BAC will usually follow.
The most common type of BAC test—and the easiest to conduct—is a breath test. BAC breath tests are usually known simply as "breathalyzer" because of a particular brand of testing machine that has become synonymous with the test. You probably know that if you blow a 0.08 or higher on your breathalyzer, you are considered to be statutorily intoxicated and can be charged with driving under the influence (DUI). But, do you have to take the test when you are asked to do so?
Supreme Court Rules Warrants Needed for Cell Phone Location Data
In today’s digitally connected world, information is everywhere. If you need an answer to a question, a few taps on your smartphone can allow you to run a Google search. If you want to contact your friend, you can send him or her an instant message or even connect through video chat instantaneously. The stream of data, however, goes in both directions. Any time that your phone is turned on, it is sending signals to nearby cell towers about your location and whether you are available to receive a call.
Over the last few years, law enforcement agencies have been able to gather information from these signals with little more than a request to the wireless service providers, but a new ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court says that a warrant must be obtained first.
The Case in Question
In 2013, a Detroit man was convicted on several charges related to armed robberies that had taken place in and around the city. The prosecution’s case was helped by cell phone evidence gathered by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) from the defendant’s cell phone service carrier. Using the Stored Communication Act, government agents needed only to show the wireless carrier that the information they were requesting was relevant to an ongoing investigation. The government did not believe that a warrant was necessary because they were not pulling the content of calls or messages. Instead, they were looking for location points.
What Is a Hate Crime?
The phrase "hate crime" is often used by the media and in casual conversation about certain types of criminal acts. Under state and federal law, however, "hate crime" has a specific meaning. Hate crimes are unique in that punishment for the crimes may be enhanced as a direct result of perpetrator’s motives for committing the crime.
How Illinois Defines a "Hate Crime"
A person commits a hate crime in Illinois when he or she commit one of the specifically listed acts because of "an actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, or national origin of a person or group." This means that you can commit a hate crime even if you are mistaken about someone’s characteristics. It also means that not just any crime can be a hate crime. The crime must be one of the crimes listed in the law. For example, rape and murder are not listed as possible hate crimes in the Illinois statute.
Defense Lawyers Group Raises Questions About the Trial Penalty
Nearly every person or entity involved with the American criminal justice system is aware of the existence of the so-called "trial penalty." This penalty refers to the harsher sentences imposed on criminal defendants who exercise their right to a trial compared to those who accept plea bargains. There is little question that some form of a trial penalty is acceptable, but a new report from a national organization of defense attorneys suggests that the differences in sentences have become so severe that the penalty is threatening the right to a trial guaranteed by the Constitution’s Sixth Amendment.
The Sixth Amendment
The Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution promises, "In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury…" The amendment also guarantees a defendant the right to face the witnesses against him or her, as well that the right to legal counsel.
Illinois Governor Signs "Red Flag" Gun Law
Over the last several years, there has been no shortage of tragedies involving gun violence. Mass shootings in Connecticut, Colorado, Florida, and Nevada have raised the public consciousness regarding the availability of firearms and the associated rights promised by the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
In the wake of these terrible events, many states have passed so-called "red flag" laws that allow authorities to temporarily seize guns from individuals whom the courts have determined pose a threat to themselves or others. Earlier this month, Illinois became the 13th state to pass such a measure as Governor Bruce Rauner signed House Bill 2353 into law.
Firearms Restraining Order Act
The new law is called the Firearms Restraining Order Act, and it created a new type of specific restraining order for preventing a person from possessing, purchasing, or handling a firearm. The law also established a process for those who fear that a loved one may present a danger to themselves or others to take action.
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