Governor Signs New DUI Law

 Posted on October 16, 2017 in DUI/DWI

The Governor of Illinois signed a new piece of legislation into law that alters the way police handle an arrest of someone under the age of 21 who is suspected of being intoxicated.

Senate Bill 2185, most commonly referred to as “Conor’s Law” requires that when a police officer arrests someone showing signs of being intoxicated who is under the age of 21,he or she must make a reasonable attempt to contact a responsible adult who can take custody of the individual. If police cannot locate a parent, guardian, family member, or friend, the arrested individual has the right take a breathalyzer test or other chemical test to prove thathe or she isbelow the legal limit of 0.08. The results of these tests are now prohibited from being used in a prosecution against the person placed under arrest.

The new law, which goes into effect in June 2018, enables police to detain someone under the age of 21 untilhe or she sobers up or, as mentioned, police can locate a responsible adult to come pick up the individual, according to WAND17.

Conor’s Law also exempts police officers from criminal and civil liability if they acted in good faith when determining whether to detain or discharge the individual or to allow a responsible adult to take the individual into protective custody.

Rationale Behind the New Law

This new DUI law is named after Conor Vesper, a 20-year-old Blackburn College student who took his own life after being placed under arrest for alleged drunk driving.

Prior to the passage of Conor’s Law, anyone placed under arrest for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol in the state could be released on their own recognizance oncehe or sheposted bond.

At the bill signing, the Governor of Illinois emphasized the importance of protecting impaired young individuals while they are in a mental and emotional state that places them at risk of making a reckless and dangerous decision, according to Fox 55 Illinois. The goal is to try and prevent another tragedy similar to Conor Vesper’s passing.

Rolling Meadows DUI Defense Attorney is Here to Help

If you or your child is facing criminal DUI charges, do not lose hope or assume that will be found guilty. The skilled Rolling Meadows DUI attorneys at The Law Offices of Christopher M. Cosley is here to help and understands the complexities of Illinois’ DUI laws. Our legal team possesses extensive experience representing people facing serious DUI charges. We work tirelessly on your behalf to try and build a compelling defense that will challenge the government’s supposed evidence against you and raise a reasonable doubt sufficient to convince a jury that you should not be convicted of the charges. Contact our office right away to schedule a confidential case review.

Sources:

http://www.wandtv.com/story/36458081/conors-law-could-make-changes-to-certain-arresting-procedures

http://foxillinois.com/news/local/new-dui-law-signed-we-pray-that-we-are-continuing-conors-work-09-26-2017