Author: Anisa Jordan

Traffic tickets can be an unforeseen burden for drivers everywhere. In Illinois, traffic tickets fines, court costs, and surcharges vary by violation and location and may additionally cost you points on your driving record. In the worst cases, you could have your license suspended or revoked all together, making life difficult for anyone who needs to commute. Although traffic tickets can be tough to tackle, having The Jordan Law Firm by your side will help you to sort your options and know your rights.

Remember, getting a traffic ticket doesn’t just mean you can pay a fine and forget about the whole thing. Traffic tickets can affect your auto insurance, can prevent you from parking and living in your community, and, in serious cases like a DUI, can hinder you from finding employment. But with a little help, you can make sure that your recent ticket bears the least consequences possible by hiring an experienced, knowledgeable attorney familiar with all Illinois traffic laws.

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The worst part about getting a traffic ticket is not knowing what’s next. Can you drive the next day? How much will the total costs be? Can you dispute the violation? If so, how? Whether you want to be sure the least amount of points is issued to your license, want to dispute the violation in court, or are unsure about the necessity of traffic school, The Jordan Law Firm can help. The kind of experience we bring to the table means that you’ll get the best advice possible and that we’ll do everything we can to help you beat a ticket or avoid serious consequences.

Whatever your situation, we’re here to make sure you know all your options. Get the process started with a free consultation today and let us work with you to get to the best outcome possible.

The 2016 presidential election has had so much media attention, but very little substance. Even the debates resorted more to mudslinging than political stances on issues. Being a law firm, we thought it would be helpful to provide a list of each candidate on hot legal issues. Pulled from several sources (CNBC, BBC, ProCon.org, USA Today and the Washington Post), we hope this can be a clean, non-partisan breakdown of the issues.

Police/Community Issues:

Hillary Clinton has spoken out against “mass incarceration” and mandatory minimum sentences and said that there is still racial bias in police departments that must be addressed. She supports laws prohibiting racial profiling and wants to emphasize rehabilitation over long prison sentences for non-violent drug offenders. She says policies allowing police to “stop and frisk” those they suspect of illegal activity have proven ineffective.

Donald Trump says law enforcement agencies are unable to fight crime because of runaway “political correctness” and says they should be allowed to get tough on offenders. He says police profiling is necessary to prevent terrorist attacks on US soil. He supports “stop and frisk”, claiming the policy was highly successful in New York, even though many experts disagree.

Capital Punishment:

Both candidates support the death penalty.

Freedom of Religion:

Clinton is unclear on whether churches should continue to be tax-exempt. Trump supports the tax exemption.

Drugs:

Both candidates support marijuana as a medical option. Neither have clearly stated their stance on its use recreationally.

Gun Control:

Hillary Clinton has responded to mass shootings by repeating her support for tighter background checks and a ban on assault weapons. She denies the Second Amendment is in peril if she is in the White House.

Donald Trump has blamed some shootings on lax gun laws, saying armed people could have intervened and saved lives. He accuses his opponent of wanting to eliminate gun rights and promises his supporters that the Second Amendment would be safe.

Immigration:

Clinton is against raids to enforce existing immigration laws. Trump is for the practice. Trump is also for verification as a mandatory practice for employers. Clinton is unclear on this issue.

Trump believes that Muslims should face extra immigration hurdles while Clinton does not.

Abortion:

Hillary Clinton takes the standard Democratic Party line on abortion. She is against efforts to ban the procedure after 20 weeks of pregnancy. She opposes state legislation that increases regulation of abortion providers and is in favor of allowing the federal government to provide funding for non-profit organizations that provide abortion services. She has criticized conservative efforts to cut off government funding for Planned Parenthood’s women’s health efforts because they also provide abortion services.

Donald Trump said in March that abortions should be illegal. His campaign quickly backed down from that statement, however, and asserted that the candidate believed the legality of the procedure should be left up to individual states, with any criminal penalties being reserved for abortion providers. He has said he supports an abortion ban exception for “rape, incest and the life of the mother”. He has called for defunding Planned Parenthood. As recently as 2000, Mr. Trump supported abortion rights but has said that, like Ronald Reagan, he changed his views on the matter.

Supreme Court Nominees

One of the most important decisions for the next president is shaping the future of the Supreme Court. There is currently one vacancy, but with several justices of retirement age, the next president could have more than one appointment to make.

Trump’s has released a list of 21 potential nominees to replace Scalia and fill any future vacancies. Hillary Clinton has not released a similar list. She has stated, however, that she wanted justices who would defend women’s rights, back LGBT rights, support Roe v. Wade and reverse the Citizens United decision and its ability to funnel dark money into elections.

Measure Yourself

Finally, if you are still not sure who to vote for, try the online quiz at http://www.isidewith.com/ – it provides you with an unbiased look at your own stances on issues and which candidate you best match.

Imagine local law enforcement stopping every car coming out of Wrigley Field after a Cubs playoff game, making drivers do sobriety tests. What do you think the percentage of DUI arrests would be? What would the ramifications be? This is an overwhelming thought, yet so is the number of intoxicated motorists after any sporting event, in any city.

According to a Chicago area police officer who has spent time patrolling on foot and on the road, police only have so much manpower. It’s physically impossible to crack down on motorists in this way. These things don’t happen because of the logistics of carrying out the expected results. Plus, in today’s intense cultural climate, the public outcry could also open up a can of worms that local government wouldn’t want to deal with.

The idea has been done before, though. According to an April 2013 New York Post article, police allegedly set up four checkpoints around Yankee Stadium to catch unsuspecting Yankees fans. The police in that instance didn’t admit the process targeted fans, but claimed it was a routine, everyday assignment.

Checkpoints would also create traffic issues in Wrigleyville especially. Streets are already filled with pedestrians, pub-crawlers and stop lights. Adding to that congestion would surely frustrate motorists, drunk and sober alike.

As deceiving as a checkpoint may seem, driving while intoxicated is a serious matter. Even beer commercials encourage people to drive sober or use a designated driver. Responsible citizens should consider cab rides home. A one-time effort like this by police might be enough to scare fans into being more responsible for an entire year. Doing something in April, as the New York police did, might be equivalent to the increased presence police have during post-season games.

In any case, it’s been a rare occurrence for police to do DUI checkpoints outside of major sporting events. Internet searches show it’s rarely publicized when it does happen, and police shy away from admitting the strategy.

The Jordan Law Firm handles DUI cases in the Chicago area. Anisa Jordan has handled hundreds of DUI trials and license hearings. If you have questions or need legal consulting, call (847) 562-5357 or visit TheJordanLaw.com.

We all know that a DUI has immediate consequences. There’s the fine you’ll have to pay, the potential for imprisonment, suspension or revocation of your driver’s license and dealing with the legal process of sorting it all out. It can be really difficult to deal with a DUI in the immediate time afterward, but what about in the future? How will a DUI affect your life months and years after your arrest?

Long term there will be some hurdles to overcome after a DUI. For example, although some license suspensions can be somewhat brief, there is a chance that you can lose your license permanently. Losing your driver’s license limits your ability to get around for personal needs, and it could also affect your ability to get to work or tend to other responsibilities. Though losing your license may seem like the lightest of your punishments, over time it can begin to have a serious impact.

Further affecting your work, a DUI in your background check could impact your ability to get certain jobs. Whether driving is part of the job description or the company has a policy against hiring candidates with a DUI on their record, seeking work could become difficult in the future. Although you may think the fines and legal fees are all you have to pay for, there’s also the likelihood that your insurance rates increase as a result of your arrest. Some insurance companies will raise your rate, while others may decide to terminate their relationship with you altogether. Whichever the case, it’ll be something you need to face going forward.

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The consequences of being arrested for a DUI are real, both short and long term. This is why it is imperative to seek legal representation to help you sort through all potential issues you’ll face following a DUI. The Jordan Law Firm, has the knowledge, expertise, and experience to help you navigate the process and ensure the best possible result. Call us now.

Being arrested for driving under the influence is no small matter, and each instance is a bit different from the next. One thing all DUI cases have in common though, is the question, “What’s next?” It’s an important question to ask, given the potential consequences, but it’s not always easy to find answers without help.

For an optimal outcome following a DUI arrest, invest in a law firm that focuses in such cases. The ways in which a DUI legal practitioner benefits clients are numerous and in these situations it pays to be informed of how they can help.

How Can a DUI Legal practitioner Help Me?

A search for “lawyers in Arlington Heights” will surely prompt a number of results. However, not all attorneys are the same. A family attorney or general criminal defense lawyer may be able to defend you, but without up-to-date knowledge on DUI related regulations and procedures, their services may fall short. A knowledgeable local attorney for DUI knows the best ways to defend your case. When there’s a potential for a maximum sentence of 364 days of imprisonment, in the case of a misdemeanor DUI, or permanent loss of your driver’s license, it’s essential to have a skilled and knowledgeable attorney handling DUI cases on your side.

More than just representation, having an attorney for DUI as counsel ensures that you’ll know all possible options and outcomes. Although individual situations will vary, DUI legal teams have seen many similar cases and know exactly where each option leads. While preparing your case, you’ll have access to your lawyer’s expertise and can discuss with them any concerns you might have. The peace of mind knowing there are more choices than just taking a plea or going to trial goes a long way.

If you’re still asking yourself, “what’s next?” and are unsure about hiring an attorney, just consider a simple next step. Contact The Jordan Law Firm for a free consultation so you can explore the right option for you. All you need to do is schedule an appointment and we can help you understand your choices.

It’s just a speeding ticket, right? I can’t go to jail for speeding, I just pay the ticket and slow down, right? This is not necessarily true in all speeding ticket cases. When most people think of a speeding ticket, they don’t think they could go to jail or get a criminal record. Illinois has very tough laws against speeding that could not only result in an increase in your insurance premiums if convicted but also in a criminal record and jail time. Because of these reasons, it is extremely important that you consult with a lawyer experienced in handling speeding tickets to help keep you out of jail and keep your criminal record clear.

When can you go to jail for a speeding ticket? Arlington Heights attorney for traffic legal matters Anisa Jordan typically sees people charged with three types of speeding tickets that could result in possible jail time if convicted.

The most common are Aggravated Speeding law under 625 ILCS 5/11-601.5

Illinois Speeding Tickets: Police Officer with Radar Gun

Under section (a) of 625 ILCS 5/11-601.5 a speeding ticket for speeding 26-34 MPH over the speed limit on any highway in this state is a Class B Misdemeanor. This means that if you are found guilty you could go to jail for up to six months and pay up to $1,500 dollars in court fines and fees.

Under section (b) of 625 ILCS 5/11-601.5 a speeding ticket for speeding 35 MPH or more over the speed limit on any highway in Illinois is a Class A Misdemeanor. This means that if you are found guilty you could go to jail for up to 364 days and pay up to $2,500 in court fines and fees.

Another common speeding ticket is under the Aggravated Special Speed Limit for speeding above the speed limit in a highway construction or maintenance speed zone under 625 ILCS 605.1(d-5).

Under section (d-5)(1) a ticket for speeding 26-34 MPH over the limit in a highway construction or maintenance speed zone is a Class B misdemeanor. If you are found guilty you could go to jail for up to six months and pay up to $1,500 dollars in court fines and fees.

Under section (d-5)(2) a ticket for speeding 35 MPH or more over the limit in a highway construction or maintenance speed zone is a Class A misdemeanor. If you are convicted you could go to jail for up to 364 days and pay up to $2,500 in court fines and fees.

Lastly, The Jordan Law Firm sees tickets for speeding in a school zone under the Aggravated Special Speed Limit law, 625 ILCS 5/11-605(e-5).

Under section (e-5)(1) a speeding ticket for speeding 26-34 MPH over the speed limit while passing a school zone is a Class B misdemeanor with a possible sentence of six months in jail and up to $1,500 dollars in court fines and fees if you are convicted.

Under section (e-5)(2) a speeding ticket for speeding 35 MPH or more over the speed limit while passing a school zone is a Class A misdemeanor with a possible sentence of 364 days in jail and up to $2,500 in court fines and fees if you are convicted.

Beyond the possibility of going to jail for a speeding ticket there are a number of other nuances that can make a speeding ticket not so simple. For example, if you are convicted of excessive speeding in a highway construction or maintenance speed zone a second time within two years, the Illinois Secretary of State could suspend your driver’s license for 3 months. In some cases, even if you can avoid jail time, you may still end up with a criminal record because of mandatory sentencing laws with respect to some speeding ticket charges.

Therefore, if you have a speeding ticket, it is important that you speak to an experienced lawyer to evaluate the facts of your specific case to determine the best course of action to defend against the speeding ticket you have received.

If you have a speeding ticket and don’t know your next step, contact Arlington Heights lawyer Anisa Jordan at The Jordan Law Firm for a free evaluation of your speeding ticket case. The Jordan Law Firm defends against speeding tickets throughout Chicago, Arlington Heights, Rolling Meadows, Schaumburg and all of the surrounding suburbs including Kane, DuPage, and Lake Counties.

Communication of information in this blog is intended for informational purposes only and may not reflect the most current legal developments. Your use of this information does not form an attorney client relationship and it is not intended to convey or constitute legal advice. You should not act on this information without obtaining legal advice from an attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.

Anisa Jordan, The Jordan Law Firm

Anisa Jordan, of The Jordan Law Firm, in Arlington Heights, has been appointed as a member of the Traffic Laws & Courts Section Council of the Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA).
The 33,000-member association, with offices in Springfield and Chicago, provides professional services to Illinois lawyers, and education and services to the public.
“Committee and section council members take time from their busy schedules to help their profession while continuing to serve the needs of their clients,” said Vincent F. Cornelius, of Joliet, ISBA President for 2016-2017. “These lawyers play a key role in helping the bar association serve its members and the public.”

Committees have the responsibility for specific programs and activities in such areas as professional ethics and delivery of legal services. Sections provide continuing education and legislative services to lawyers who practice in a specific area of law. Each section is governed by a council appointed by the state bar president. Judges and non-lawyers also serve on committees and section councils.
Anisa Jordan received her B.A. from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2003 and her J.D. from DePaul University College of Law in 2009.

I have been arrested for a DUI in Chicago or the surrounding suburbs. Can I still drive after being arrested for DUI? Will my driver’s license be suspended for DUI? These questions are some of the first people ask themselves after being arrested for DUI. If you are arrested for a DUI in Chicago or anywhere throughout Illinois your driver’s license will be suspended. The length of the suspension depends upon two primary factors. The first is whether you agree to submit to chemical testing (for example a breathalyzer). The second depends on whether you are a first time offender. The basic scenarios are:

1.  If this is your first arrest for DUI, and you submit to chemical testing and are above the legal limit of .08, your driver’s license will be suspended for a minimum of six months.

2.  If this is your first arrest for DUI, and you do not submit to chemical testing  your driver’s license will be suspended for a minimum of twelve months.

3.  If this is not your first arrest for DUI, and you submit to chemical testing, and you are above the legal limit of .08, your driver’s license will be suspended for a minimum of one year.

4.  If this is not  your first arrest for DUI, and you refuse to submit to chemical testing, your driver’s license will be suspended for a minimum of three years.

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It should be noted that this is a general guideline regarding the suspension of your driver’s license if you are arrested for DUI and does not include every possible scenario. For example, under Illinois’ zero tolerance policy, if you are under the age of 21 at the time of your DUI arrest, any amount of alcohol registered in your system will result in a suspension of your driver’s license. Additionally, whether you qualify as a first offender is very specific under Illinois law. Therefore, if you are arrested for DUI, it is important that you speak to a DUI legal practitioner to evaluate the facts of your specific case.

Communication of information in this blog is intended for informational purposes only and may not reflect the most current legal developments. Your use of this information does not form an attorney client relationship and it is not intended to convey or constitute legal advice. You should not act on this information without obtaining legal advice from an attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.