Home » Travel Articles » New Illinois Law Aims to Increase DUI Arrests and Prosecution, Gov. Quinn Signs Bill Requiring Chemical Testing of Drivers
New Illinois Law Aims to Increase DUI Arrests and Prosecution, Gov. Quinn Signs Bill Requiring Chemical Testing of Drivers
Illinois drivers involved in auto accidents causing injury or death now face a higher risk of being tested for alcohol intoxication.
August 26, 2011 /Travel PR News/ -- Illinois drivers involved in auto accidents causing injury or death now face a higher risk of being tested for alcohol intoxication.
Earlier this week, Gov. Pat Quinn signed House Bill 1241 into law. As a result, Illinois now requires police officers to request chemical testing of alleged intoxicated motorists when they are involved in motor vehicle accidents that cause personal injury or death, as long as the officer has probable cause to believe alcohol was a factor. Prior law left chemical testing to the discretion of the officer.
The new law puts heightened scrutiny on drivers involved in car accidents causing injury, no matter how minor. For example, imagine a person responsibly consuming one alcoholic beverage with colleagues after work. The person does not feel intoxicated, so he or she drives home, but has a minor fender-bender along the way. When police arrive, the other motorist complains of neck pain resulting from the accident.
In this situation, the driver now faces a substantially greater risk of chemical testing than in the past. If the officer smells alcohol on the driver's breath or learns that the driver had a beer with colleagues, the officer may have probable cause to believe that the consumption of alcohol factored into the accident. The officer probably now feels compelled to request chemical testing, subjecting the driver to extremely severe DUI penalties.
While it has always been important to contact an experienced DUI defense lawyer when facing drunk driving charges, the new law helps prosecutors in obtaining convictions. If you are accused of driving under the influence, call a reputable criminal defense attorney to protect your rights and reputation.
Attorneys Michael T. Norris and John W. Callahan pride themselves on providing outstanding criminal defense to their clients. They represent people accused of a wide range of criminal charges, including DUI defense, reckless homicide, robbery, murder, internet crimes and white collar crimes. Norris and Callahan have offices in Schaumburg, Oak Brook, Chicago and Naperville.
For a free and confidential consultation, call 877-FELONY-3 or visit Michael T. Norris and John W. Callahan at www.dupagecountycriminallaw.com.
If you were arrested anywhere in DuPage County or Kane County, Illinois -- call 1-877-FELONY-3 or e-mail Michael T. Norris and John W. Callahan for a free and confidential consultation. Our phones are answered 24 hours a day.
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