Picnics, barbeques, family and friends are staples throughout the summer season. Illinois residents often spend weekends and holidays enjoying the warm weather and socializing. For some, part of the enjoyment is indulging in a drink or two with friends. However, as one decides to partake, he or she will want to be aware that Illinois law enforcement has announced increased vigilance in looking for those who may be drunk driving.
This increase in law enforcement activity is slated to begin with Memorial Day weekend, continue through Independence Day, and finally conclude with Labor Day. Throughout the summer months, law enforcement officers will be actively seeking those whom they believe have gotten behind the wheel of a vehicle after having too much to drink and drive. State troopers and local agencies are adding patrols in an effort to put this plan into action.
Research indicates that an average of 110 lives are lost each day due to traffic accidents on each of these summer holidays. Law enforcement officers are charged with changing this statistic. As a result, a number of Illinois residents will find themselves facing drunk driving charges. In answering such charges one will want to look at the evidence that law enforcement officers have, how they collected it and what led them to stop the individual in the first place.
Drunk driving charges can result in significant fines, possible loss of employment and possible jail time. Making sure that one’s rights are protected is critical. When one finds himself or herself facing such charges, he or she will want experienced legal counsel providing guidance in how to best answer these charges before an Illinois judge.
Source: Chicago Tribune, “Police will be ‘actively enforcing’ roadways, waterways over Memorial Day weekend“, Frank Abderholden, May 24, 2018
