Naperville Legal Issues Blog

Penalties for Illinois' repeat DUI offenders

On behalf of Law Office of Philip R. Nathe posted in blog on Monday, March 19, 2018.

If you consume alcohol before getting behind the wheel and an Illinois law enforcement official stops you and believes you have consumed more than the law allows, he or she will likely charge you with drunk driving. Ultimately, the penalties you can expect to face will vary based on several factors, among them the details of your offense and whether you have any similar convictions on your record.

Even first-time driving under the influence offenders face harsh penalties, and they might include a revocation of driving privileges, a suspension of vehicle registration and steep fines, among others. Additionally, penalties become increasingly severe if your blood alcohol content surpasses 0.16 percent, or if you have a child under the age of 16 in your vehicle when authorities stop and arrest you. However, as you might expect, the penalties tend to increase in severity if your drunk driving conviction is your second or third offense.

Clearing your criminal record in Illinois

On behalf of Law Office of Philip R. Nathe posted in blog on Wednesday, February 7, 2018.

If you live in Illinois and are arrested or charged with a criminal offense, a criminal record automatically gets created in your name, even if you never actually receive a criminal conviction. Your criminal record then becomes available to the public, meaning anyone from prospective employers to prospective life partners can get their hands on it with relative ease – unless you do something about it.

If you wish to erase or conceal your Illinois criminal record, the first step involves filing a request with the court. You can attempt to utilize one of three different methods when you want to clear your criminal record. You can work to have it expunged or sealed, but if you are unable to do either, you may be able to pursue executive clemency.

How Illinois drug courts work

On behalf of Law Office of Philip R. Nathe posted in blog on Thursday, January 4, 2018.

Over the years, judicial systems throughout the United States have undergone a growing recognition that normal criminal penalties may not be the best way to address drug crimes stemming from addiction. As a result, many states, including Illinois, have implemented a system of treatment courts.

Drug court can offer benefits to some, but they are not for everyone. An experienced defense attorney can give you more information and advise you as to the best course to take in your individual situation.

Risk factors for drug addiction in young adults

On behalf of Law Office of Philip R. Nathe posted in blog on Wednesday, November 15, 2017.

When you think of a typical drug addict, does a stereotypical image of a homeless, jobless person come to mind? While there are certainly drug users who fit that description, addiction actually affects a wide range of people.

You may think your teen is safe because of your financially stable lifestyle, but there are more risk factors than just income level and education. In fact, according to one study, high socioeconomic status correlated with higher use of alcohol and marijuana in young adults. Become familiar with these relevant factors from DualDiagnosis.org to help you evaluate the risk of your teen or college-aged child becoming involved with drugs.

What to expect from heroin withdrawal

On behalf of Law Office of Philip R. Nathe posted in blog on Wednesday, October 4, 2017.

Deciding to withdraw from heroin use is brave, but for many people, it is far from easy. In fact, because the severity of symptoms varies, some people may think it is easier than it is.

Here is a look at common heroin withdrawal experiences:

Driving while using prescription marijuana could result in DUI

On behalf of Law Office of Philip R. Nathe posted in blog on Tuesday, August 29, 2017.

Medical marijuana can be a lifesaver for peoples suffering from certain conditions. But with its use comes certain legal issues to be aware of.

You may already be aware that driving while under the influence of narcotics is illegal in Illinois. But you may not realize that you can still receive a DUI charge even if you have a medical marijuana card. Such a card is not a legal license for you to drive while high or impaired.

3 ways drugs are more accessible than you may think

On behalf of Law Office of Philip R. Nathe posted in blog on Monday, July 17, 2017.

Nobody wants to think that their own child would make the mistake of getting involved in drugs. Unfortunately, however, parents’ naiveté may only allow the problem to persist and worsen before it turns into a legal issue. According to DoSomething.org, as many as half of all high school seniors view drugs such as cocaine and crack as potentially harmless.

The truth is that drugs are far more accessible to teens than ever before. It is easier than ever for kids — even good ones who follow rules and otherwise behave well — to get in trouble with controlled substances. The following are three ways your teen might be able to get access to drugs.

How marijuana use affects your driving

On behalf of Law Office of Philip R. Nathe posted in blog on Sunday, June 4, 2017.

Many states have changed their laws regarding marijuana use, whether medical, recreational or both. Illinois has not yet legalized cannabis, however, so you need to be aware of the current consequences of using it.

One of the effects marijuana has is weakening your psychomotor skills, which impairs your ability to drive. The extent of impairment depends on many factors, but regardless of your usage, you may face the same severe penalties as a traditional DUI.

3 addictive substances to be aware of

On behalf of Law Office of Philip R. Nathe posted in Drug Offenses on Tuesday, April 25, 2017.

Many young people are first introduced to drugs at a party, at school or by trusted friends. When illegal substances appear in an otherwise familiar context, they may not seem as threatening as they truly are.

It is imperative that parents and young adults alike be aware of the risks associated with the following substances. They are surprisingly addictive, and addiction is one surprise you never want to encounter.

Determining whether or not a warrant is required for drug dogs

On behalf of Law Office of Philip R. Nathe posted in Drug Offenses on Tuesday, March 14, 2017.

Drug dogs are trained to sniff their surroundings and signal to law enforcement if they detect the presence of an illegal substance. These canines are an asset to police who are on the hunt for potential arrests to be made, but you may rightfully wonder about the legality of these practices. It all comes down to whether or not a warrant is required, and this varies based on the situation. Read on for more details on instances where warrants are and are not required for drug dog searches.