The drinking age is 21 in the United States. However, this does not stop many teenagers and young adults from drinking before they are old enough to do so legally. Whether due to peer pressure, curiosity, or a desire to look “cool,” underage drinking is not uncommon.

If your child was caught with alcohol or charged with an alcohol-related offense, it is important to understand your rights and options under Illinois law.

Alcohol Possession by Minors is a Criminal Offense

In Illinois, underage people in possession of alcohol can be charged with a Class A misdemeanor criminal offense. While jail time can often be avoided for a first-time offender, it is possible for an underage offender to face up to a year in jail and a maximum fine of $2,500 for alcohol possession. A teen or young adult caught with alcohol may also have his or her driver’s license suspended for six months for a first offense. If a young person uses a fake ID to buy alcohol, he or she may face additional criminal penalties for possession of a fraudulent ID.

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In Illinois, the criminal and administrative penalties associated with drunk driving charges increase with each subsequent DUI offense. For example, many first-time DUI offenders are eligible for court supervision. However, individuals accused of drunk driving for the second time are not typically eligible for supervision. There are mandatory minimum penalties for second-time DUI offenders, including five days in jail or 240 hours of community service.

Defending yourself against DUI charges is especially important if you received a DUI in the past. If you or a loved one were arrested for drunk driving for the second time, make sure to contact an experienced DUI defense lawyer for help.

Second DUI Defense Options

When you are facing DUI charges, it is important to know that you have options. An experienced lawyer will be able to review the facts of your case and help you develop the best possible defense strategy for your situation. Some common defenses to DUI charges include:

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Accusations of domestic violence have the potential to be life-changing. In Illinois, domestic battery, assault, and related offenses are punishable by fines and jail time. However, the damage to an individual's personal and professional reputation caused by a domestic violence conviction is often irreversible. 

If you were accused of abusing a romantic partner or family member, you need to take swift action to protect your rights and safeguard your future. 

Speak With a Domestic Violence Criminal Defense Lawyer 

The first step is to contact a criminal defense attorney who has experience defending against domestic violence accusations. An experienced lawyer can review the details of your case and develop a strategic defense. Your lawyer will also be able to advise you on the best way to communicate with law enforcement and the prosecutor assigned to your case. Do not work with just any attorney. You need a lawyer who knows how to navigate the complexities of a domestic violence case and has a proven track record of success. 

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Everyone makes mistakes, even good people like yourself. In order to erase your criminal records, you must discover which aspects of your criminal history are eligible for expungement (to remove the records) and which are eligible for sealing once you have obtained all the relevant data (to hide the records from the public). 

Read the basics of record sealing and expungement to learn more about your rights and how a Will County Lawyer criminal defense lawyer can help you get the best results. 

How to Seal A Criminal Record

The circuit clerk in the county where the arrests took place or the charges were filed must first receive your petition and payment. You must submit a petition in each county where you were charged or where you were arrested. You might be eligible for a fee waiver if your income is below the federal poverty level.

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Commercial driver's license (CDL) holders need their licenses to make a living. When a CDL violation threatens a person's commercial driver's license, it can be anxiety-provoking, to say the least. If you drive a commercial vehicle for your job and you have been accused of a weight violation, a CDL license defense lawyer can help you understand your rights and options. You may be able to mitigate or even eliminate the financial and administrative consequences you face.

Overweight Truck Violations in Illinois

In Illinois, as in every other state, it is against the law to operate a commercial vehicle that exceeds the posted weight limit. The fines for overweight truck violations can be significant, and may increase if the weight exceedance is more than 10 percent. If you are cited for an overweight truck violation, you may be required to appear in court. 

At the court hearing, the judge will consider the evidence and may find you guilty of the overweight truck violation. If you are found guilty, you will be required to pay a fine. The amount of the fine will depend on how much your vehicle weighs over the posted limit. For example, a truck that is up to 2000 pounds overweight can incur a fine of $100. However, if the truck is between 4500 and 5000 pounds overweight, the fine is $950. A truck more than 5000 pounds overweight can result in a $1500 fine at a minimum. In addition to these fines, a truck driver may also be cited for failing to properly notate a wide load. Refusing to stop for law enforcement and get your vehicle weighed can also result in heavy fines as well as charges for failure to yield. 

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