The new year will bring some pretty significant changes to the Illinois DUI laws. The changes have the support of anti-DUI activists and criminal defense attorneys.  But to get everybody on board, the law contains things that make everyone happy.  First, let’s talk about the changes which will affect the fewest number of drivers.  Here’s the changes: – If you have been convicted of 2 or more DUI’s, you will be required to have a Restrictive Driving Permit for five years before you can have a full license reinstatement. – In order to have your license reinstated, you must have a Restrictive Driving Permit (RDP) and a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAID) for five continuous years. – If you have four or more DUI convictions you can apply for a RDP with the Illinois Secretary of State five years after your most recent revocation began or your most recent prison sentence ended (whichever is latest).  In order to get a Restrictive Driving Permit you must request a formal h...

How Illinois Classifies Illegal Drugs In Illinois, it is against the law to possess any amount of cocaine.   Cocaine is a powerful stimulant that is derived from the South American coca plant.  Illinois classifies illegal drugs according to schedules.  The penalties for possession of drugs vary based on what schedule those drugs are in.  Here’s a breakdown of the drug schedules in Illinois: –Schedule I – This is for the common street drugs like cocaine, heroin, marijuana, crack.  These are drugs that have a high potential for abuse, no accepted medical use, or are unsafe for medical use even under medical supervision.–Schedule II – This is for drugs such as cocoa leaves and opium.  These are drugs that have a high potential for abuse, have an accepted medical use, and can result in severe physical and psychological dependence if abused.–Schedule III-This is for drugs such as steroids.  These are drugs that have a potential for abuse less ...

Today, the United States Supreme Court refused to hear the appeal of a case which upheld the banning of semiautomatic assault weapons in Highland Park, Illinois.  Two Justices, Alito and Thomas, disagreed with the decision to not review the case.  The case had been closely watched but gun rights activists and is of significant 2nd Amendment importance. In 2013 the city of Highland Park Illinois enacted a local ordinance banning high capacity magazines with more than 10 bullets and also banned assault weapons.  The Highland Park ordinance was in response to a Federal Court of Appeals decision which ordered the State of Illinois to enact a conceal and carry mechanism.  The Illinois legislature gave municipalities 10 days to enact restrictions.  Highland Park was one of only 20 municipalities in Illinois, all around the Chicago area, to actually impose restrictions on guns.  A Highland Park resident, along with the Illinois State Rifle Association, filed suit allegi...

What is Possession of a Controlled Substance? In Illinois it is illegal to be in the possession of illegal drugs.  Cases like this are commonly referred to as a PCS.  Illinois classifies drugs according to Schedules from Class 1  to Class 5.  Which class a particular drug is placed depends on who addictive the drug is and whether it has any medical value. Generally, the common street drugs like Cocaine, Crack, Heroin, Ecstasy and Marijuana are considered highly addictive and have no medical value.  Those drugs are classified as Class 1 drugs and the Possession of Schedule 1 drugs is treated more severely than the possession of lower class drugs.  People that are charged with the Possession of Schedule 2 to 5 drugs are usually facing Prescription Drug Fraud charges.  Even when it comes to the Possession of Schedule 1 drugs, the Possession of Marijuana is treated differently than the Possession of other Schedule 1 drugs.  What you can be charged...