Illinois DUI Field Sobriety Tests

Being asked to step out the vehicle and perform field sobriety tests is nerve-wracking for any driver, even those not under the influence. Knowing a little bit more about what you are asked to do and what the officers are looking for can help ease that anxiety. What are Field Sobriety Tests? Field Sobriety Tests…

Drug Screens for Expungement and Sealing in Illinois: What about cannabis?

In Illinois, cannabis became legal for adult purchase, possession, and consumption within certain guidelines set by law on January 1, 2020. 410 ILCS 705/1-1. However, many laws previously enacted still treated cannabis as a controlled substance, which lead to an unexpected consequence for those who chose to begin possessing and consuming cannabis once it was…

Illinois Traffic Tickets: To Appear or Not to Appear?

If you’ve been pulled over in Illinois and given a traffic ticket, the process can seem daunting, especially if it is your first ticket. Luckily, there is no need to fear. The first question you should ask yourself is: Do I need to appear in court? “Must Appear” Tickets In Illinois, you are typically only…

DUI Statutory Summary Suspensions 

Source Blog Post 1: https://www.herzberglawfirm.com/blog/2023/01/illinois-statutory-summary-suspension-first-offender/ Source Blog Post 2: https://www.herzberglawfirm.com/blog/2023/01/illinois-statutory-summary-suspension-second-or-multiple-offender/ Source Blog Post 3: https://www.illinoisdriverslicensereinstatementlawyer.com/illinois-restricted-driving-permit-rdp.html In Illinois, if you are arrested for a DUI that results in a Statutory Summary Suspension (SSS) of your driver’s license. The clock starts when you are served with the Notice of Statutory Summary Suspension, and the SSS begins on the 46th day after…

Penalties for Paying Your Illinois Traffic Ticket Late

Starting July 1, 2021, in Illinois, licenses will no longer be suspended or revoked when a driver fails to pay traffic tickets or fines. Unfortunately, that does not mean you can ignore your tickets and hope they go away; there are still significant penalties in Illinois for failing to pay your traffic ticket in a…

Driving on a Suspended or Revoked License in Illinois

The Attorneys at Finegan Rinker & Ghrist have defended hundreds of Driving on Suspended and Driving on Revoked cases throughout Central Illinois and would be happy to discuss your case with you for free. Potential Penalties The potential consequences for driving on a suspended or revoked license in Illinois depend on a variety of factors.…

Illinois Expungements and Sealing

llinois Expungements and Sealing How do I clear up my criminal record?  This is a common question that clients ask before, during, and especially after being charged with a criminal offense.  The attorneys at Finegan Rinker & Ghrist know how important it is to you to clear your good name and avoid potential employers from disqualifying you…

New Methods to Detect Marijuana-Impaired DUIs

There is a growing national trend to legalize medical and recreational use of marijuana. Currently thirty-four states allow for medical marijuana and cannabis programs, while ten states permit recreational marijuana use. Illinois joined the trend when it passed the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act in 2013, making medical marijuana use legal for…

Traffic Violations that Can Threaten Your CDL

If you have a commercial driver’s license (CDL), it is important to be familiar with Illinois laws concerning your CDL privileges. Illinois law imposes more severe penalties for driving violations on CDL holders than regular driver’s license holders, and your CDL can be disqualified for a variety of traffic violations.              Under the Illinois Vehicle Code,…

Misdemeanor Speeding Tickets in Illinois

Misdemeanor Speeding in the State of Illinois A traffic citation that all drivers know about is speeding.  However, what most drivers don’t know is that in the state of Illinois speeding can be either a petty or a misdemeanor offense.  While a petty offense may not require a court appearance, a misdemeanor offense does. In Illinois the…