Often times people ask what the benefit of hiring a lawyer is.  Recently a young man called me about fixing his license.  It became apparent in moments that he had not been given the kinds of fines etc. after a DUI years ago.  What he has saved in legal fees will not even begin to cover the fines, costs, future legal fees, and lost wages.  Some lawyers are dirt cheap some are very expensive but if you try I think you can find one you can afford.  Trust me when I say this pay a little now or pay a lot more later.

A recent article in the Sun-Times available here got me thinking.  When and how should you stop your parents from driving.  It isn’t just parents.  Unfortunately, many of us know someone who has a disability that puts themselves and others at risk.  When someone you love has a disability what do you do if the person is unwilling to listen to your advice and they really should not drive?  My advice would be to have their physician and your loved one fill out a medical for available here.  Should a physician check a box indicating your loved one is not safe to drive it can prevent them from being able to renew the license.  However, getting a loved one to sign the form is critical and they may be unwilling to sign.

I know this is a tough thing facing many children of baby boomers in the coming years.  I urge you for their safety don’t be afraid to have this talk when the time comes.  My family did with my Grandmother and I do think in the end it saved her.

Last week the State Journal Register published an article here on ignition control devices.  The new requires individuals have to have a device installed in their car for months if they wish to drive.  I have had similar experiences as the attorney in the article that many clients find the device difficult to use and expensive.

The biggest downside to this law is, in my opinion, creating a group of unproductive members of society.  This law has done nothing but ruin the lives of more than one of my clients.  Those will argue it is part of punishment, however the goal of a law should also be to restore that member to society in a fashion that enables him to do his time and move on.

I find it very interesting that the police spokesperson refused to comment on the legislation a year later.    We need to take some time to really consider this law to see if it really worth having.