Category Archives: traffic offenses

CAN POLICE USE A DOG TO SNIFF YOUR CAR?

If police stop you for a traffic violation, they don’t need a reason to change the reason they stopped you. For example, they can stop you for speeding but then bring in a narcotics dog to sniff your car. However, … Continue reading

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EXTRADITION TO ILLINOIS: THE UNFINISHED CRIMINAL CASE

With ever-expanding access to information, police in one state can easily learn about any criminal charges you have open in another state. And that can lead to extradition. Extradition means you could be arrested in your current state and brought … Continue reading

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“I DIDN’T KNOW I’D HIT ANYONE”: LEAVING THE SCENE OF AN ACCIDENT IN ILLINOIS

Illinois law requires that any driver involved in a motor vehicle accident must stay at the scene, file a police report and/or call for assistance. The law further requires that you reasonably assist any injured person including carrying that person … Continue reading

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CAN THE POLICE ASK FOR MY DRIVER’S LICENSE DURING A TRAFFIC STOP?

The answer is yes. Recent U.S. and Illinois Supreme Court cases have held that a request for a driver’s license is reasonable regardless of the reason for the stop. Before 2005, police could not change the nature of a traffic … Continue reading

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COOK COUNTY JUDGE CHALLENGES ILLINOIS SPEEDING LAW

(UPDATE – June 16, 2016 – In People v Rizzo, the Illinois Supreme Court held that the law denying supervision to first-time excessive speeders does not violate the proportionate penalties clause of the Illinois Constitution.) A Cook County Circuit Court … Continue reading

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UPDATE TO ILLINOIS SPEEDING LAW: THE CRACKDOWN CONTINUES

As of January 1, 2016, Illinois is toughening its speeding laws once again. This time, the legislature has created the offense of aggravated special speed limit. Aggravated special speed limit applies to school and construction zones. If you drive 26 … Continue reading

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WHEN A TRAFFIC VIOLATION IS NOT A TRAFFIC VIOLATION

It’s not hard for police to justify a traffic stop. There are a host of potential traffic violations, and chances are, you’ve violated at least one of them. But not in every case. A recent Illinois Appellate case found that … Continue reading

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ILLINOIS GETS TOUGH ON TRAFFIC TICKETS WITH NEW LAW

A new Illinois law makes it tougher to ignore those routine traffic tickets. Before the new law, your ticket could be dismissed even if you didn’t show up for court. As long as the arresting officer or complaining witness were … Continue reading

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RECKLESS HOMICIDE IN ILLINOIS

You were just joyriding. You knew you were going way too fast in that neighborhood subdivision but it was late at night and you didn’t think anyone was around. But you hit a man walking his dog. Now you are … Continue reading

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2014 UPDATE TO ILLINOIS SPEEDING LAW

For the third time since 2011, Illinois has stiffened the laws against speeding. Now, you can be charged with a Class A Misdemeanor if you speed 35 miles or more above the limit. Speeding first became criminalized as a misdemeanor … Continue reading

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