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Questions Answered by Alan E. Jones
2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for Illinois on
Q: what happens at an arraignment
Alan E. Jones
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Alan E. Jones
answered on Aug 31, 2022

At an arraignment, several things will happen in court. The judge advises the defendant of the charges - including exactly what is alleged, what the maximum possible penalty is within the law and then the judge will enter the defendant's initial plea of not guilty. Then the judge will order... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in DUI / DWI for Illinois on
Q: I have 2 DUIs in the Illinois. The last one occurred over 20 years ago. What steps do I need to get my license back?

Both of the DUIs occurred over 20 years ago and I completed all required treatment. I don’t drink and I would like to get my license back now that I have children and a new job that I need to be able to drive for. Does the fact that it was over 20 years ago have any impact.

Alan E. Jones
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Alan E. Jones
answered on Aug 5, 2022

Hello. The process you need to get reinstated depends on several key factors: Where you live; If you've had recent infractions for driving on revoked; What level of treatment you completed, etc. Most attorneys that practice in this area offer a free consultation. A good attorney can really... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI for Illinois on
Q: Why Did I Receive 2 DUI Tickets for One DUI?

The first ticket is a DUI ticket with a handwritten 4 next to the marked "driving under the influence and the 2nd DUI ticket has a handwritten 6 next to driving under the influence.

Any help is much appreciated!

Alan E. Jones
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Alan E. Jones
answered on Jul 28, 2022

In Illinois there a numerous ways a DUI can be charged. Typically, there's a DUI charge for generally diving under the influence & another more specific DUI charge for having a blood-alcohol content above the legal limit (.08bac). Remember, doctrine of merger says: one act / one crime -... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Illinois on
Q: Accused of non consensual relationship but no charges are filed or will be. Do I need to speak with the police?

They also said that I can voluntarily choose to speak with them or not. They also said no charges were filed or will be filed.

Alan E. Jones
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Alan E. Jones
answered on Mar 8, 2022

It's your right to remain silent. From a criminal defense perspective, that's almost always the best idea. When in doubt, don't say anything.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for Illinois on
Q: I have false charges against me that were put on me strictly to shush me as a witness in my girlfriend's burglar. Help?

My girlfriend was advised by her jailhouse lawyer brother to somehow get or stage a domestic charge against me so that I couldn't be called as a witness in her now closed burglary case or come forward and she did a good job and I'm afraid the courts won't face the embarrassment of... View More

Alan E. Jones
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Alan E. Jones
answered on Feb 7, 2022

Definitely hire a criminal defense attorney in the county/town where your case is pending. Good luck!!

3 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for Illinois on
Q: False arrest

My fiance was arrested on November 25th for Domestic Battery and unlawful restraint and he is not guilty

Alan E. Jones
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Alan E. Jones
answered on Jan 5, 2022

I recommend finding a good local defense attorney from the county where the case is being prosecuted to handle his case. Best of luck. Al Jones

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1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Illinois on
Q: Will my license be suspended

I’m 17, I got a ticket that I plead guilty too and paid without supervision then i got another ticket that I got supervision for but while on supervision I another ticket will my License be suspended?

Alan E. Jones
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Alan E. Jones
answered on Oct 13, 2021

Yes, at your age - two convictions within 24 months will cause a suspension. It would be wise to get a local attorney to help you.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Illinois on
Q: First misdemeanor for conversion in lake county set for bench trial if convicted do I get jail time
Alan E. Jones
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Alan E. Jones
answered on Aug 10, 2021

I've practiced criminal law here for over 30 years and in my experience people rarely get jail time for first offense misdemeanors in Lake County, but it is possible. You should discuss this with your attorney who will know the facts and circumstances of your case and your record and thus, be... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Illinois on
Q: First ticket did not understand supervision, just said guilty. 2nd ticket can I get supervision?

June 2020 I got a ticket for operating an electronic device while moving, I didn't understand what supervision was, so I just sent the guilty and waiver portion back. April 2021 I got a speeding ticket, now I'm understanding I want supervision, but the legal speak says "I have not... View More

Alan E. Jones
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Alan E. Jones
answered on Jun 4, 2021

Good question. Yes, for now you are NOT eligible for supervision by mail. However, you may be able to do a 'Motion To Vacate Judgement' on your first ticket and ask for supervision on that one. Either have an attorney do it or talk directly to the clerk of court asap. Good luck. Al

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3 Answers | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Illinois on
Q: Will the judge dismiss my speeding ticket, for a first time offense?

I am a WI resident, and got a ticket for going 15 over in IL. The cop even said my record is pristine. I don’t want to just pay the fine, or go to traffic school. If I show up to my court date - could the judge just dismiss it since it’s a first time offense? I don’t want points added to my... View More

Alan E. Jones
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Alan E. Jones
answered on May 26, 2021

I've practiced in Lake County Illinois (Just South of Wisconsin) for over 30 years and our judges do not just dismiss tickets for people with good records. Sorry. On the other hand, a good driving record is a factor in mitigation that judges will take into consideration in sentencing. So,... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Illinois on
Q: speeding ticket in IL for going 20 mph over my license is in MO If I file a supervision will it effect my insurance?

Drivers license in Missouri

Ticket in Illinois

20 over mph x

Only ticket in 2 years

Alan E. Jones
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Alan E. Jones
answered on May 18, 2021

Supervision is a disposition of guilt that is not a conviction. The Secretary of State keeps track of supervision internally, therefore your insurance company should not find out about it. Good luck. Al

2 Answers | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Illinois on
Q: How long does it take for my license to get suspended after getting three tickets?

Last summer I was in an accident where I got a ticket for “driving too fast for conditions.” In hindsight I should’ve fought it because I fell asleep at the wheel so my speed had nothing to do with it, but whatever. Since then, I’ve gotten two speeding tickets. I’m aware that three... View More

Alan E. Jones
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Alan E. Jones
answered on Apr 24, 2021

It depends on the disposition of each ticket, your age and the offense dates. If you want to pull your ‘court purposes driving record’ from the Secretary of State, I’ll read it for you at no charge. In the meantime, a good rule of thumb is to always try for court supervision to avoid... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Illinois on
Q: Would you recommend going to trial? Fighting aggravated battery to a peace officer

On July 4 2019 I was charged with an Aggravated to a police officer in the most surveillanced part of Chicago (Navy pier). First, I ordered a copy of my FOIA police report, and it stated the detective showed up to get the videos. The person who was in charge of handling the videos said he was able... View More

Alan E. Jones
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Alan E. Jones
answered on Apr 23, 2021

I recommend reviewing this issue with your attorney to determine the best answer. If you don't have a good local Chicago-area criminal defense attorney, then you should get one for this case. Good luck.

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Illinois on
Q: I was cited a speeding ticket on the 31st and the officer put my fathers drivers license info instead of mine can get i

Can this ticket be dismissed? or will they just amend it to my info

Alan E. Jones
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Alan E. Jones
answered on Apr 21, 2021

The prosecutor has the discretion to amend the information anytime prior to trial. It's always a good idea to seek local counsel - especially for misdemeanor & felony charges. Good luck! Al Jones

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Illinois on
Q: got a ticket for driving on a suspended license. My license was suspended because I did not get the SR22 insurance.

My license was also expired. I need to know if I need a lawyer or not? It's traffic court, but I don't know if I should get one or not.

Alan E. Jones
PREMIUM
Alan E. Jones
answered on Apr 21, 2021

It's always a smart move to seek good counsel when you have any court cases, especially for Misdemeanor & Felony cases. In the meantime, get your SR-22 certificate on file and then renew your license so by the time you get to court you'll have a valid license - that will mitigate the... View More

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