Chicago DUI Lawyer Comments on the Necessity of Slowing Down

This Chicago DUI Lawyer has commented here, here, and here on the criminalization of speeding.  I’m adamantly opposed to it.  I think it is a complete and utter waste of taxpayers time and of our precious and limited resources when it comes to prosecuting crimes throughout the state, but especially in the density of a major metropolis like Chicago.

Unfortunately, your state legislators often find these stories more compelling than a lot of the agenda items and Governor Quinn just signed another one.

From The Chicago Tribune:

Gov. Pat Quinn today signed four road safety measures into law including one that toughens penalties for extreme speeders and was inspired by a fatal car crash in southwest suburban Orland Park last summer.

Coined “Julie’s Law,” the legislation was written in response to a two-vehicle crash that killed  17-year-old Julie Gorczynski in June 2011 when a Mazda smashed into the passenger side of her friend’s Jeep. The 21-year-old Mazda driver, who had a history of speeding violations, was found to be traveling at least 76 mph in a 40 mph zone, police said.

The law, which takes effect July 1, 2013, bars judges from giving court supervision, a form of probation, to drivers found traveling more than 25 mph over the limit on a nonrural road or more than 30 mph on a highway. The previous law allowed the probation for drivers caught driving up to 40 mph over the limit.

I'm predicting that in the not-too-distant future driving 25 mph over the limit will result in a criminal charge.

Chicago DUI Lawyer Reminds You of Tonight's DUI Roadblock

This Chicago DUI attorney  wants you to know that even if you aren't drinking alcohol, you can be charged with Driving Under the Influence of Drugs, including marijuana. Tonight's roadside safety check starts at 8 pm.

From the Chicago Police Department:

The Chicago Police Department will conduct a DUI Strike Force Patrol in the Englewood(007th) District. The DUI Strike Force Patrol will commence at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 28, 2012 and end at 4:00 a.m. on Sunday, July 29, 2012.  

 The purpose of this program is to saturate a pre-designated area with roving police officers that continually monitor vehicular traffic for signs of impaired driving.  Patrols also place emphasis on speed, alcohol-related and safety belt violations.  Police vehicles equipped for speed detection are deployed to apprehend speeding violators. 

You can also be charged with any other traffic infraction that can be discovered in these  roadblocks including driving without a license, or an expired license,  or a suspended, or revoked license.  Additionally, you, and your passengers (including those in the back seat) can be charged with failure to wear seat belts, and the driver can be charged with driving without insurance (even if the car is not yours).

It's a lot easier for you to avoid being charged in the first place than to have to hire an attorney.