Category Archives: probable cause

CAN POLICE SEARCH MY CAR AFTER THEY IMPOUND IT?

After you were arrested for DUI, the officers impounded and searched your car. The search yielded several capsules of an illegal narcotic. The officers did not have a warrant. You are now charged with possession with intent to deliver as … Continue reading

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CAN I BE STOPPED BY POLICE FOR TINTED CAR WINDOWS?

You binge-watched your favorite season of CSI, downing the last of your favorite craft beer. Making a run to the store, the police stopped you. They said your new car’s tinted windows were too dark. The smell of alcohol then … Continue reading

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CAN I BE ARRESTED FOR DUI FOR SLEEPING IN MY CAR?

One night, you went out with colleagues after work. The drinking ran a bit late, and it had been an especially stressful day. As you drove home, you could barely keep your eyes open, so you pulled over and fell … Continue reading

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CAN I DRINK IN THE ALLEY? THE OFFENSE OF DRINKING IN PUBLIC WAYS

You and your friends were hanging out in the alley with a bottle of Grey Goose vodka. A police cruiser spotted you with the booze. As a result, you were all arrested for drinking in public ways. The police then … Continue reading

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HOW MUCH TIME DOES AN OFFICER HAVE TO INVESTIGATE ME AT A TRAFFIC STOP?

The officer pulled you over for speeding. He ran a check of your license and issued the ticket. But the officer asked you to not to leave quite yet. You were forced to wait while the officer ran some checks … Continue reading

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CAN POLICE SEARCH YOUR CAR? IT DEPENDS ON THE FACTS

A police officer can stop you if he or she has probable cause. An unlit headlight may be cause enough. But once stopped, an officer needs either your consent or a reasonable suspicion of wrongdoing to search your car. What … Continue reading

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DO POLICE HAVE PROBABLE CAUSE TO SEARCH YOUR CAR?

You know you blew a stop sign, so you were not surprised when the officer pulled you over. But then the officer searched your car and found an open bottle of whiskey under the passenger seat. You are now under … Continue reading

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WHAT IS IMPROPER LANE USAGE UNDER ILLINOIS LAW?

You may enjoy hearing the song “The Long and Winding Road,” but you don’t exactly like driving on one. Because you had trouble staying in your lane, an officer pulled you over for Improper Lane Usage. Having smelled alcohol on … Continue reading

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WHAT IS PROBABLE CAUSE FOR DRUNK DRIVING IN ILLINOIS?

Before a police officer can arrest you for DUI, he or she must have probable cause. But what does that really mean? According to People v. Williams, probable cause exists when “the totality of the facts known to the officer … Continue reading

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CAN YOU BE STOPPED FOR MAKING A LEFT TURN INTO THE FAR LANE?

You noticed the officer’s car behind you. You’d had a few drinks but your driving was really spot on. Then you made a left turn into the far lane of an intersection. The officer signals you to pull over. He … Continue reading

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