DUI Drugs

The offense of driving under the influence, or DUI, typically relates to alcohol intoxication. But alcohol is just one of countless substances that can impair one's ability to operate a motor vehicle. Driving under the influence of drugs -- including prescription medications as well as illegal drugs -- can also result in DUI charges.

Mixing drugs and driving, whether it's medicinal marijuana or legally prescribed muscle relaxers, is just as illegal as driving drunk and can also constitute a DUI offense. Doctor's orders are no defense to drugged driving charges.#duidrugs, 

Escrow

Escrow is a legal arrangement in which a third party temporarily holds large sums of money or property until a particular condition has been met (such as the fulfillment of a purchase agreement). It is used in real estate transactions to protect both the buyer and the seller throughout the home buying process. #escrow, #realestateescrow,

Prenuptial Agreements

In Illinois, prenuptial agreements are governed by the Illinois Uniform Premarital Agreement Act (750 ILCS 10/1-10/11). A prenup must be created in writing, and it must be signed by both spouses. A prenuptial agreement will not become effective until a couple becomes legally married. If a couple chooses not to get married, any prenuptial agreement they have made will become void. A prenup can also be amended or revoked after a couple's marriage if these changes are made in writing and signed by both spouses.

Before signing a prenuptial agreement, both parties should make a full financial disclosure to each other, including the income they earn, the property they own, and the debts they owe. A party may choose to waive their right to receive financial disclosure, but they must do so in writing.#prenuptialagreements,

Joint Custody

When couples with children divorce or split up, they encounter new legal terminology such as "joint custody." But what exactly does that mean in legal and practical terms? Joint custody involves a sharing of parental responsibility for the child. Unlike sole custody where one parent has the entire say, with joint custody both parents are actively involved in the child's upbringing. Joint custody can be joint physical custody, joint legal custody, or both.

Most people understand that physical custody has to do with where the child will live. If one parent is granted sole physical custody, the child will reside with that parent. If the parents are granted joint physical custody, the child typically will move back and forth between their residences.

Less familiar is the concept of legal custody. It determines who will make major decisions affecting the child, including religious education, choice of schools, extracurricular activities, health care, and more. If you have joint legal custody and don't allow the other parent to participate in the decision-making process, you could be found in contempt of court. #jointcustody, #legalcustody,

Penalties for DUI in Illinois

Penalties for DUI in Illinois vary depending on the circumstances of the arrest and conviction. These circumstances may include the driver's age, the driver's BAC level, whether the driver was transporting a child under age 16, and whether the driver has previous DUI convictions. Any DUI offense resulting in felony charges is classified as Aggravated DUI.First Conviction Class A misdemeanor (possible imprisonment of up to 1 year; fines of up to $2,500); minimum revocation of driving privileges for 1 year (2 years if driver is under age 21); suspension of vehicle registration. If committed with a BAC of .16 or more. In addition to any penalties or fines, mandatory minimum fine of $500 and mandatory minimum 100 hours of community service. If committed while transporting a child under age 16. In addition to any penalties or fines, possible imprisonment of up to 6 months, mandatory minimum fine of $1,000 and 25 days of community service in a program benefiting children. If committed while transporting a child under age 16 and involved in a crash that resulted in bodily harm to the child (Aggravated DUI); Class 4 felony (possible imprisonment of 1-3 years, fines of up to $25,000) In addition to any other criminal or administrative sanctions, mandatory fine of $2,500 and 25 days of community service in a program benefiting children.#drivingundertheinfluence, #DUI, #DWI,

Home-to-Market Act

Gov. JB Pritzker signed the Home-to-Market Act (SB2007) into law late Friday, effectively opening the door for small farms and home bakers to sell their products directly to customers through fairs and festivals, home sales, pickup, delivery and shipping. The new law goes into effect Jan. 1, 2022. #hometomarketact,

Emergency Order of Protection

An Emergency Order of Protection (EOP) is a court order that protects its holder - called the petitioner- from harm by a person named in the order - called the respondent. An EOP takes effect as soon as the judge approves it.

Because of the risk of harm, the law does not require the respondent to know about the hearing. This is known as an 'ex parte' hearing. 

Because of this, an Emergency Order only lasts for 14 to 21 days. When the court issues an EOP, it sets a hearing date for a Plenary Order. #emergencyorderofprotection, #plenaryorder, #expartehearing,