DuPage County Driver Database

Regarding our previous blog posting about the dismissal of DUI charges against off-duty Chicago police officer John Ardelean, a recent article in the Chicago Tribune states that the case may be reopened. We’ll keep you apprised of any further developments.

Motorists with traffic cases pending in DuPage County take note-an enhanced database has been implemented in DuPage, giving judges and prosecutors information on a driver’s entire driving-violation history, including all prior convictions, supervisions and information on an increasing number of pending cases. The system has been touted as a method of keeping high-risk drivers off the road, as judges will have greater access to the driver’s prior driving history and can take this information into consideration when assessing the appropriate penalty.

Drivers in Illinois are often given court supervision as punishment for traffic offenses. Unfortunately, some drivers who have repeatedly been given court supervision have later gone on to seriously injure or kill others in traffic accidents. To quote DuPage’s State Attorney, Joe Birkett, “The days of automatic court supervision, regardless of your offense, are gone.”

The database currently only contains information for DuPage and DeKalb Counties, but Kane and Will Counties are also considering entering their pending cases, and the database is receiving strong support from Secretary of State Jesse White, judges and prosecutors.

If you have been accused of a traffic violation in the State of Illinois, you need the assistance of an attorney experienced in successfully defending against such charges, whether it be charges of speeding, reckless driving, eluding the police, or failure to yield. Failure to consult an attorney could result in a loss of driving privileges and/or increased insurance rates.

Thanks for reading. If you have a comment or question, feel free to post a reply, but keep in mind your response will not be confidential. If you need assistance with a traffic violation or offense in the State of Illinois, call our office or send us an e-mail for a confidential consultation.