Note: This article was updated to reflect 2020 changes in Illinois law regarding statutory summary suspensions and driving under the influence of alcohol. The changes are effective as of January 1, 2020. A statutory summary suspension is an administrative action taken by the Secretary of State on a person’s Illinois driving privileges. If, during an […]
Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device
Most people with multiple drunk driving offenses do not assume they will be (legally) behind the wheel for quite a while following their arrest. Illinois has strict mandatory driver’s license suspension laws that make it difficult for even first time offenders to start driving again. For those with more than two or three convictions, they […]
For years, DUI offenders have had to worry about their driver’s licenses and the possibility of incarceration. But recently, prosecutors have given defendants another cause for concern. The government can seize a DUI offender’s vehicle, and after a process called civil forfeiture, sell the vehicle at auction and keep the proceeds. The process takes place […]
We return in 2012 for an update on the law against driving under the influence in the state of Illinois. While crimes such as domestic battery, theft, and murder have not changed in decades, the laws on DUI are changing every year. The statute that prohibits driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs remains […]
The Chicago Tribune ran a story on drunk driving arrests on December 19, 2011. The article discusses how the numbers of arrests for driving under the influence statewide have decreased over several years. A few points from the article should be examined. First, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) reports that from 2007 through 2010, […]
A Monitoring Device Driving Permit (MDDP) is available to first offenders during the summary suspension. Generally, the qualifications for an MDDP are that the person has had no DUIs or summary suspensions in the last 5 years, did not cause great bodily harm in the commission of the present offense, has never been convicted of […]
A violation of the rules for the Monitoring Device Driving Permit (MDDP) can cause the Secretary of State to take adverse action against that person’s driving privileges. The Secretary of State can extend the summary suspension, cancel the permit all together, and even require the driver to obtain a restricted driving permit after the summary […]
The Monitoring Device Driving Permit (MDDP) that is available for first offenders is subject to certain terms and conditions. These rules apply to all permitees, regardless of the individual circumstances of their case. For example, a person whose driver’s license is suspended for a positive urine test for cannabis or a controlled substance must used […]
During a period of statutory summary suspension, some defendants may qualify for a driving permit. The permit is called a Monitoring Device Driving Permit. The permit is referred to as an MDDP by attorneys and the courts. The statute is 625 ILCS 5/6-206.1 of the vehicle code. The MDDP is a permit allowing the defendant […]
