Sunday, January 31, 2010
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
INFORMATION: BAID INTERLOCK DEVICE
Do You Know That Illinois May Order You to Install a Breath-Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device in Your Car?
On January 1, 2009, a new law went into effect that changed the driver's license suspension rules first-time DUI / DWI offenders in Illinois. If you are arrested for a drunk driving and want to be allowed to drive, you will be required to have a breath-alcohol ignition interlock device (BAIID) installed in every car you own — at your own expense.
If you have been arrested for drunk driving, call an accomplished DUI lawyer to protect your rights. I, Attorney Louis M. Pissios, and I have been practicing traffic and drunk-driving defense for 20 years.
For a free initial consultation, contact experienced DUI lawyer Louis M. Pissios online at lawyerpissios.com, or call toll free: 847 263-0001.
Getting a Breath-Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device to Keep Your LicenseThe requirement to get an ignition interlock device applies to people who have been arrested for a first drunk-driving offense, which is usually charged as misdemeanor DUI. Its purpose is to prevent alcohol abuse and multiple DUI offenses.
As in the past, if you arrested for a first drunk-driving offense, your driver's license is automatically suspended unless you challenge that suspension. Now, if you are allowed to retain your driver's license, it will be on the condition that you install an ignition interlock device in each of your cars at your own expense.
Before you can start your car, you will have to blow into the device, which performs a breath-alcohol test. If your blood-alcohol content registers at .05 or higher, the ignition interlock device will not allow your car to start.
Each ignition interlock device costs about $80 in monthly rent. There is an installation fee of about $100, and monthly monitoring costs about $30.
In order to drive with an ignition interlock device, you will need to request a Monitoring Device Driving Permit (MDDP) from the court. Your MDDP will not be valid until the 31st day of the statutory summary suspension period. Commercial truck drivers may also be eligible for an MDDP.
The ignition interlock device is required merely because you were arrested. There are additional penalties if you are convicted, including thousands of dollars in fines and possible prison time. A conviction may also affect future employment and insurance rates.
I Handle Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor (SCRAM) Monitoring Cases I also represent clients who are ordered by the court to wear a Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor or SCRAM. This device measures the amount of alcohol present in your perspiration, and must be worn all the time.
If you have been arrested for a first DUI offense or may be ordered to submit to an alcohol monitoring device, call my law firm in Waukegan, Illinois. I will make sure you get a chance to keep driving and protect your rights in court.
On January 1, 2009, a new law went into effect that changed the driver's license suspension rules first-time DUI / DWI offenders in Illinois. If you are arrested for a drunk driving and want to be allowed to drive, you will be required to have a breath-alcohol ignition interlock device (BAIID) installed in every car you own — at your own expense.
If you have been arrested for drunk driving, call an accomplished DUI lawyer to protect your rights. I, Attorney Louis M. Pissios, and I have been practicing traffic and drunk-driving defense for 20 years.
For a free initial consultation, contact experienced DUI lawyer Louis M. Pissios online at lawyerpissios.com, or call toll free: 847 263-0001.
Getting a Breath-Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device to Keep Your LicenseThe requirement to get an ignition interlock device applies to people who have been arrested for a first drunk-driving offense, which is usually charged as misdemeanor DUI. Its purpose is to prevent alcohol abuse and multiple DUI offenses.
As in the past, if you arrested for a first drunk-driving offense, your driver's license is automatically suspended unless you challenge that suspension. Now, if you are allowed to retain your driver's license, it will be on the condition that you install an ignition interlock device in each of your cars at your own expense.
Before you can start your car, you will have to blow into the device, which performs a breath-alcohol test. If your blood-alcohol content registers at .05 or higher, the ignition interlock device will not allow your car to start.
Each ignition interlock device costs about $80 in monthly rent. There is an installation fee of about $100, and monthly monitoring costs about $30.
In order to drive with an ignition interlock device, you will need to request a Monitoring Device Driving Permit (MDDP) from the court. Your MDDP will not be valid until the 31st day of the statutory summary suspension period. Commercial truck drivers may also be eligible for an MDDP.
The ignition interlock device is required merely because you were arrested. There are additional penalties if you are convicted, including thousands of dollars in fines and possible prison time. A conviction may also affect future employment and insurance rates.
I Handle Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor (SCRAM) Monitoring Cases I also represent clients who are ordered by the court to wear a Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor or SCRAM. This device measures the amount of alcohol present in your perspiration, and must be worn all the time.
If you have been arrested for a first DUI offense or may be ordered to submit to an alcohol monitoring device, call my law firm in Waukegan, Illinois. I will make sure you get a chance to keep driving and protect your rights in court.
Constitutional strip club client
This is a news story from 2007 when, after fight against Lake County's Adult Use Ordinance successfully for 9 years including up to the Illinois and United States Supreme Court we lost a round.
2 strip clubs ordered closed
June 29th, 2007 | Uncategorized | Comments Off
Chicago IL [Chicago Tribune] - A judge closed two Lake County strip clubs and an adult video store Thursday because they don’t have licenses to operate as adult businesses.
Circuit Judge Margaret Mullen’s order closed Dancers on U.S. Highway 12 and Lake-Cook Road near Lake Zurich, and Baby Dolls and Video Magic, both on U.S. Highway 41 near Wadsworth, said Assistant State’s Atty. Dan Jasica.
County officials have been battling the businesses since 1998 when the Lake County Board passed an ordinance requiring that adult businesses be licensed and follow regulations that include closing on Sunday and state holidays. In 2003 Circuit Judge Raymond McKoski upheld the ordinance after Baby Dolls, Dancers and Video Magic filed a lawsuit challenging it.
The verdict was appealed and upheld by an Illinois Appellate Court. In 2005 the Illinois Supreme Court declined to hear the case, and last year the U.S. Supreme Court refused the appeal. After the appeals were denied, the county filed for an injunction a year ago to force the businesses to be licensed, court records show. The businesses could be fined as much as $500 a day since 1998 for not complying with the ordinance, Jasica said.
After several delays, Mullen ruled against the businesses Thursday and scheduled a hearing Aug. 8 to decide how much to fine them. “We’ll certainly be asking for a $500 a day fine going back a considerable amount of time,” Jasica said.
Lou Pissios, a Waukegan attorney who represents the businesses, said they would close Thursday, and 100 to 125 employees would lose their jobs. “Those are families with children and households and mortgages,” Pissios said.
The businesses have been open about 25 years, he said. He doesn’t think the county’s adult-use ordinance is a true reflection of what the public wants.
Three employees at Video Magic had little to say Thursday afternoon, and a closed sign was placed on the business.
The strip club owners said the county’s ordinance will force them out of business because they would have to close by midnight and ban nude dancing, according to the Appellate Court ruling. Both clubs would have to build a stage that is at least 18 inches above the seating area. The audience also would have to be seated at least 8 feet from the stage.
The ordinance forbids dancers to receive tips directly from customers. All customers would have to be at least 21.
Neither Baby Dolls nor Dancers serves alcohol and both allow patrons 18 and up, according to court records. A sign at Baby Dolls said the business closes at 4 a.m. on weekends and is open from 3 to 11 p.m. Sunday.
Both Michael Christofalos, who owns Dancers, and Danny Christofalos, the owner of Baby Dolls, testified during the trial in Lake County Circuit Court that they make at least 70 percent of their money after midnight.
Both said the stage requirements would significantly hurt their businesses.
Neither owner could be reached for comment nor could George Stantopolous, who owns Video Magic.
Jasica said Lake County has two adult businesses that are licensed — 41 News, an adult bookstore on U.S. Highway 41 near Wadsworth, and Select Video on Russell
2 strip clubs ordered closed
June 29th, 2007 | Uncategorized | Comments Off
Chicago IL [Chicago Tribune] - A judge closed two Lake County strip clubs and an adult video store Thursday because they don’t have licenses to operate as adult businesses.
Circuit Judge Margaret Mullen’s order closed Dancers on U.S. Highway 12 and Lake-Cook Road near Lake Zurich, and Baby Dolls and Video Magic, both on U.S. Highway 41 near Wadsworth, said Assistant State’s Atty. Dan Jasica.
County officials have been battling the businesses since 1998 when the Lake County Board passed an ordinance requiring that adult businesses be licensed and follow regulations that include closing on Sunday and state holidays. In 2003 Circuit Judge Raymond McKoski upheld the ordinance after Baby Dolls, Dancers and Video Magic filed a lawsuit challenging it.
The verdict was appealed and upheld by an Illinois Appellate Court. In 2005 the Illinois Supreme Court declined to hear the case, and last year the U.S. Supreme Court refused the appeal. After the appeals were denied, the county filed for an injunction a year ago to force the businesses to be licensed, court records show. The businesses could be fined as much as $500 a day since 1998 for not complying with the ordinance, Jasica said.
After several delays, Mullen ruled against the businesses Thursday and scheduled a hearing Aug. 8 to decide how much to fine them. “We’ll certainly be asking for a $500 a day fine going back a considerable amount of time,” Jasica said.
Lou Pissios, a Waukegan attorney who represents the businesses, said they would close Thursday, and 100 to 125 employees would lose their jobs. “Those are families with children and households and mortgages,” Pissios said.
The businesses have been open about 25 years, he said. He doesn’t think the county’s adult-use ordinance is a true reflection of what the public wants.
Three employees at Video Magic had little to say Thursday afternoon, and a closed sign was placed on the business.
The strip club owners said the county’s ordinance will force them out of business because they would have to close by midnight and ban nude dancing, according to the Appellate Court ruling. Both clubs would have to build a stage that is at least 18 inches above the seating area. The audience also would have to be seated at least 8 feet from the stage.
The ordinance forbids dancers to receive tips directly from customers. All customers would have to be at least 21.
Neither Baby Dolls nor Dancers serves alcohol and both allow patrons 18 and up, according to court records. A sign at Baby Dolls said the business closes at 4 a.m. on weekends and is open from 3 to 11 p.m. Sunday.
Both Michael Christofalos, who owns Dancers, and Danny Christofalos, the owner of Baby Dolls, testified during the trial in Lake County Circuit Court that they make at least 70 percent of their money after midnight.
Both said the stage requirements would significantly hurt their businesses.
Neither owner could be reached for comment nor could George Stantopolous, who owns Video Magic.
Jasica said Lake County has two adult businesses that are licensed — 41 News, an adult bookstore on U.S. Highway 41 near Wadsworth, and Select Video on Russell
Monday, January 25, 2010
Drug Cases
Waukegan Drug Case Defense Attorney
Drug and narcotics crimes in Illinois can be either misdemeanors or felonies. The level of punishment that can be imposed for a drug offense generally depends on the type and amount of drug in question. While the possession of large amounts of controlled substances frequently carries a mandatory prison sentence, the penalties for most drug offenses allow for dispositions of probation and other lesser sentences.
If you have been charged with a drug offense, Louis M. Pissios is here to help. Attorney Louis M. Pissios knows the ins-and-outs of drug crime law, including the laws governing illegal search and seizure, warrant and warrantless arrests, the execution of search warrants, and other issues relevant to building your defense
Lake County Cannabis & Cocaine Defense Lawyer
Louis M. Pissios represents people charged in all types of misdemeanor and felony drug cases, including those involving cannabis (marijuana), cocaine, crack, heroin, methamphetamine (meth), mushrooms, peyote, LSD and ecstasy. Specific charges this office defends include:
Unlawful Possession of Cannabis
Unlawful Possession of Cannabis with the Intent to Deliver
Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance
Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance with the Intent to Deliver
Unlawful Delivery (of any substance)
Possession of a Look-Alike Substance
Prescription Fraud
Manufacturing
Controlled Substance Trafficking
Calculated Criminal Drug Conspiracy
Defending Small Amounts to Major Drug Busts
If you are charged with a drug offense, you could be facing serious penalties. Louis Pissios has significant prior experience handling all types of drug and narcotics charges. He has successfully handled cases ranging in seriousness from the possession of a small amount of marijuana, to the distribution of hundreds of thousands of dollars of cocaine by international drug cartels.
Pissios’ work in this area has repeatedly led to positive outcomes for his clients. This office has helped people avoid jail and prison time and misdemeanor and felony convictions that would have become permanent parts of their criminal records.
Pissios’ defense trials felony-level drug case frequently were followed and reported upon extensively by the press.
As an attorney, Pissios has handled an exceedingly-wide variety of Illinois drug cases. These include small pot and drug paraphernalia busts to complex, interstate narcotics investigations involving multiple charged defendants and investigating agencies. Pissios has worked on cases that involved HIDTA, DEA, LCMEG, DEA, Waukegan N.E.T., U.S. Marshals Service and local police investigation. Many such investigations employed court-approved wiretaps (overhears), search warrants and arrest warrants.
Drug and narcotics crimes in Illinois can be either misdemeanors or felonies. The level of punishment that can be imposed for a drug offense generally depends on the type and amount of drug in question. While the possession of large amounts of controlled substances frequently carries a mandatory prison sentence, the penalties for most drug offenses allow for dispositions of probation and other lesser sentences.
If you have been charged with a drug offense, Louis M. Pissios is here to help. Attorney Louis M. Pissios knows the ins-and-outs of drug crime law, including the laws governing illegal search and seizure, warrant and warrantless arrests, the execution of search warrants, and other issues relevant to building your defense
Lake County Cannabis & Cocaine Defense Lawyer
Louis M. Pissios represents people charged in all types of misdemeanor and felony drug cases, including those involving cannabis (marijuana), cocaine, crack, heroin, methamphetamine (meth), mushrooms, peyote, LSD and ecstasy. Specific charges this office defends include:
Unlawful Possession of Cannabis
Unlawful Possession of Cannabis with the Intent to Deliver
Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance
Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance with the Intent to Deliver
Unlawful Delivery (of any substance)
Possession of a Look-Alike Substance
Prescription Fraud
Manufacturing
Controlled Substance Trafficking
Calculated Criminal Drug Conspiracy
Defending Small Amounts to Major Drug Busts
If you are charged with a drug offense, you could be facing serious penalties. Louis Pissios has significant prior experience handling all types of drug and narcotics charges. He has successfully handled cases ranging in seriousness from the possession of a small amount of marijuana, to the distribution of hundreds of thousands of dollars of cocaine by international drug cartels.
Pissios’ work in this area has repeatedly led to positive outcomes for his clients. This office has helped people avoid jail and prison time and misdemeanor and felony convictions that would have become permanent parts of their criminal records.
Pissios’ defense trials felony-level drug case frequently were followed and reported upon extensively by the press.
As an attorney, Pissios has handled an exceedingly-wide variety of Illinois drug cases. These include small pot and drug paraphernalia busts to complex, interstate narcotics investigations involving multiple charged defendants and investigating agencies. Pissios has worked on cases that involved HIDTA, DEA, LCMEG, DEA, Waukegan N.E.T., U.S. Marshals Service and local police investigation. Many such investigations employed court-approved wiretaps (overhears), search warrants and arrest warrants.
Illinois Speedy Trial Case Law
Ill Sup Ct - Criminal - DUI / Speedy Trial Act People v. Sandoval , No. 106496 (2d Dist. Jan. 22, 2010) KARMEIER (DuPage Co.) Appellate court reversed in part.Defendant charged with multiple traffic offenses, including 3 DUI counts, from 3 separate traffic stops, and filed form document speedy trial demand, noting as charge pending "DuPage County DUI", but without specifying to which case demand applied. Defendant not brought to trial on any charge within 160 days, and then filed 2 motions to dismiss charges, which were granted. Under facts of case, this Defendant's demand was insufficient to commence running of speedy-trial term. Defendant demanding speedy trial under Section 3-8-10 must specify charges to which demand pertains, by case number or other adequate indicia of identification such as name of charge and date of offense, where multiple charges pending.
A little information about your drivers license
Suspended & Revoked Illinois Driver's License
The Office of the Illinois Secretary of State can suspend or revoke your driver’s license for many different reasons. Some of these are:
if you are over age 21, and are convicted of any 3 moving violations committed during a single year;
if you are under age 21, and are convicted of any 2 moving violations committed during two full years;
if you have repeatedly been involved in traffic accidents;
if you have been convicted of leaving the scene of an accident;
if you have been convicted of driving without insurance;
if you have failed to pay traffic fines you were previously ordered to pay by the courts;
if you have previously failed to appear in traffic court as required;
if you have been convicted of underage consumption or possession of alcohol; and
if you have been convicted of DUI.
These are just a few of the reasons your driver’s license can be suspended or revoked. If your license currently is suspended, or if you received notice from the Office of the Illinois Secretary of State that your license is going to be suspended soon I may be able to help. This office works with both residents and non-residents of Illinois in resolving license issues and will review your driving record with you and develop a strategy that could very quickly get you back on the road.
For more information check out the links in one of the blogs above.
The Office of the Illinois Secretary of State can suspend or revoke your driver’s license for many different reasons. Some of these are:
if you are over age 21, and are convicted of any 3 moving violations committed during a single year;
if you are under age 21, and are convicted of any 2 moving violations committed during two full years;
if you have repeatedly been involved in traffic accidents;
if you have been convicted of leaving the scene of an accident;
if you have been convicted of driving without insurance;
if you have failed to pay traffic fines you were previously ordered to pay by the courts;
if you have previously failed to appear in traffic court as required;
if you have been convicted of underage consumption or possession of alcohol; and
if you have been convicted of DUI.
These are just a few of the reasons your driver’s license can be suspended or revoked. If your license currently is suspended, or if you received notice from the Office of the Illinois Secretary of State that your license is going to be suspended soon I may be able to help. This office works with both residents and non-residents of Illinois in resolving license issues and will review your driving record with you and develop a strategy that could very quickly get you back on the road.
For more information check out the links in one of the blogs above.
Useful Lake County Illinois Law Links
Here are some law related links which readers might find useful:
Illinois Court Resources
Clerk of the Circuit Court of Lake County, Illinois
Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois
Circuit Court of Cook County
List of Illinois Circuit Court Websites
Illinois Supreme Court Rules
Illinois Supreme Court Opinions
Illinois Appellate Court Opinions
Illinois Legislature
Drivers' Resources
Illinois Secretary of State
Illinois Criminal and Traffic Laws
Illinois Criminal Code
Illinois DUI Statute
Illinois Vehicle Code
Illinois Controlled Substances Laws
Illinois Cannabis Control Act
Illinois Juvenile Court Act
Illinois Court Resources
Clerk of the Circuit Court of Lake County, Illinois
Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois
Circuit Court of Cook County
List of Illinois Circuit Court Websites
Illinois Supreme Court Rules
Illinois Supreme Court Opinions
Illinois Appellate Court Opinions
Illinois Legislature
Drivers' Resources
Illinois Secretary of State
Illinois Criminal and Traffic Laws
Illinois Criminal Code
Illinois DUI Statute
Illinois Vehicle Code
Illinois Controlled Substances Laws
Illinois Cannabis Control Act
Illinois Juvenile Court Act
New law from the courts:
Criminal - Search and SeizureU.S. v. Mitten, No. 09-1758 (1/20/10). Appeal, C.D. Ill. Affirmed.In prosecution on drug distribution charge, Dist. Ct. did not err in denying defendant's motion to suppress drugs seized from home of defendant's girlfriend, even though Dist. Ct. also found that affidavit supporting search warrant failed to establish probable cause. Dist. Ct. could properly rely on good faith exception to exclusionary rule where affidavit, which contained some evidence suggesting existence of drug sale activity at girlfriend's house, was not so lacking in probable cause that officer executing search warrant could not have believed that warrant was valid.
Criminal - Search and SeizureU.S. v. Mitten, No. 09-1758 (1/20/10). Appeal, C.D. Ill. Affirmed.In prosecution on drug distribution charge, Dist. Ct. did not err in denying defendant's motion to suppress drugs seized from home of defendant's girlfriend, even though Dist. Ct. also found that affidavit supporting search warrant failed to establish probable cause. Dist. Ct. could properly rely on good faith exception to exclusionary rule where affidavit, which contained some evidence suggesting existence of drug sale activity at girlfriend's house, was not so lacking in probable cause that officer executing search warrant could not have believed that warrant was valid.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)