Driving under the influence of cannabis is a serious offense with significant consequences in Illinois. Even though Illinois legalized recreational cannabis for adult use in January 2020, it is still illegal to operate a vehicle while under the influence of the drug. Being accused of driving under the influence of cannabis can result in severe legal penalties. If a police officer suspects a driver is impaired, they can conduct chemical testing to measure the level of THC (the psychoactive component of cannabis) in the driver's blood. If the THC concentration exceeds the legal limit, the driver will be arrested and face serious consequences. If you have been charged with DUI, it is important to consult with an Illinois defense attorney.

Consequences of a Cannabis DUI Conviction

The legal limit for THC in the blood in Illinois is five nanograms per milliliter in whole blood and 10 nanograms per milliliter for THC metabolites in other bodily substances. If a driver's THC level exceeds these limits, they can be charged with a DUI offense. A DUI conviction can result in fines, mandatory community service, probation, and potential imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offense and whether the driver has any prior DUI convictions.

Penalties for a first-time DUI offense in Illinois may include a suspension of your driver's license for one year, along with a minimum $500 fine. If you are caught driving high with a child in the vehicle, you can face even stiffer penalties, including a six-month jail sentence and minimum $1,000 fine.

Hate crimes are criminal acts committed against individuals or groups because of their race, religion, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics. A new report reveals that Illinois is seeing a significant increase in the number of antisemitic acts, hate crimes, and white supremacist activities. Under Illinois law, hate crimes are treated with the utmost severity to combat prejudice and discrimination, and being charged with a hate crime is a serious legal matter that carries significant consequences if convicted. If you have been charged with a hate crime, it is imperative to contact an Illinois criminal defense lawyer right away.

Hate in the Prairie State

The report, Hate in the Prairie State, was compiled by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and reveals that Illinois has had an 80 percent increase in attacks, hate speech, and extremism over the past two years. Incidents of antisemitism increased 128 percent in 2022 from the previous year. The number of white supremacist propaganda incidents increased 111 percent during that same time period. In the past two years, the ADL has documented four white supremacist extremist events, including protests and marches.

Some of the incidents cited in the report include:

Facing DUI charges can be a stressful – even frightening – experience. Whether this is your first offense, or you have prior convictions, navigating Illinois' DUI legal landscape requires legal knowledge and strategy. The following are some common FAQs about drunk driving charges in Illinois, including what the legal limits are, what the potential consequences are, and the importance of seeking legal assistance from a qualified Illinois defense attorney.

What Are the Legal Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limits in Illinois?

Under Illinois law, a driver who is aged 21 years of age or older is considered legally intoxicated if their BAC is 0.08 percent or more. If a driver is under the age of 21, the legal limit is 0.04 percent. Commercial drivers are also considered over the legal limit if their BAC is 0.04 percent or higher.

What If a Driver Refuses a Breathalyzer or Chemical Test in Illinois?

Illinois has an implied consent law, which means that by obtaining a driver's license, you agree to submit to chemical testing if a law enforcement officer suspects you of DUI. Refusing a breathalyzer or chemical test can lead to an automatic license suspension and other legal consequences.

Juvenile criminal law is a sensitive and specialized branch of the criminal justice system that protects and rehabilitates children and minors charged with an offense. Unlike the adult criminal justice system, the juvenile criminal justice system aims to balance protection, deterrence, rehabilitation, and accountability. If you are the parent of a juvenile involved in a criminal situation, contact an attorney immediately to ensure your son or daughter has the legal guidance and protection they need. 

Four Important Principles of Juvenile Criminal Law

The following are four essential principles that act as the crucial foundation of juvenile criminal law, including:

• Protecting rights and interests of juveniles – One of the most important aspects of juvenile law is protecting the rights of minors and children. Consequences may include fines, probation, and community service, depending on the seriousness of the juveniles’ conduct. In especially rare cases, the juvenile may be detained at a detention center for juveniles. 

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