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By: Hall, Rustom & Fritz LLC

Latest from Central Illinois Lawyers Blog - Page 2

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Believe it or not, not every couple seeking to sever the bonds of their marriage also seek to sever the head from their spouse’s neck.  Often times divorcing parties participate in what is called an “uncontested divorce” or agreed divorce.  These types of proceedings are the most cost effective and efficient ways for couples to obtain a divorce. 
An uncontested (or “agreed”) divorce is when parties amicably agree to the terms of their divorce but simply need the expertise of an attorney to navigate through the legal system and to file the proper documentation to ensure that the terms of

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Continue Reading The Uncontested Divorce: Do I still need a lawyer?

The moments immediately after an auto accident can be highly emotional and sometimes confusing.  But even during these stressful times, there are important matters that need to be addressed by someone not seriously injured in the accident.
The safety and health of everyone involved are always the most important and first concern in any crash.  If you remember only one thing from this article, it should be to do everything possible to make sure serious medical needs are dealt with quickly and completely.
Beyond medical needs, there are also some practical steps that you can take to start bringing order to this

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Continue Reading What should I do after a car accident?

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By Fadi B. Rustom, partner at Hall & Rustom, LLC
What are the main changes in 2011 to Illinois Worker’s Compensation Laws?
                                               
The two biggest changes under the 2011 Illinois Workers Comp Reforms are
1) Reduction of the Medical Fee Schedule rates by 30%; and
2) The introduction of employer Preferred Provider Programs plans approved by the IL Dept of Insurance that attempt to limit the employer’s liability for medical treatment.
The injured worker can only “Opt-Out” of the employer’s PPP plan in writing and before exhausting their 2 choices of doctor in network. After using up

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Continue Reading Important Changes to Illinois Worker's Compensation Laws for 2011

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Everyday we see in the media or hear stories from friends regarding Driving Under the Influence (DUI) arrests where a person is pulled over by a police officer and the officer suspects the person has been drinking. These stories of arrests spark people’s interests and raises questions as to what you can and cannot do if you are pulled over by a police officer and he/she asks if you’ve been drinking.  This article is not going to tell you what you should do in that situation.  Its purpose is to describe the consequences of refusing or testing over 0.08 Blood

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Continue Reading DUI, Field Sobriety Tests, and Breath Alcohol Testing: What are my choices if I am pulled over in Illinois by a police officer and he/she suspects I'm under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs and he/she states I have to submit to blood alcohol testing?

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By Jeffrey R. Hall of Hall & Rustom, LLC  Driving on a suspended driver’s license (DWLS) is a class A misdemeanor, punishable up to 1 year in jail and/or a $2500 fine or up to 2 years probation. That is the range as to how much a judge may sentence you for one offense of DWLS. If it is your first offense, it is highly unlikely that any judge would sentence you to the maximum amount of time in jail — or any jail at all for that matter. However, the punishment gets worse depending on 1) how many prior

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Continue Reading Will I go to jail for driving while my license is suspended/revoked in Illinois?

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By Michael S. Fritz, partner at Hall & Rustom, LLCMany people are aware that a person’s child support obligation terminates when either the child turns 18 years-old or graduates from high school, whichever is later; however, Section 513 of the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (IMDMA) also allows for the payment/contribution for expenses related to a child’s college or higher education.  §513 considers a wide array of factors and circumstances in determining if, and what amount, a person must contribute to their child’s college or higher education expenses.  Below are some questions I regularly receive from

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Continue Reading Family Law Issue: What should I do about paying college expenses for my children when my spouse and I are wanting to divorce?

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By Jeffrey R. Hall of Hall, Rustom & Fritz, LLC
Here are examples of arguments attorneys at Hall, Rustom & Fritz LLC (HRF) will use in court to challenge DUI charges for their clients.  While each argument depends on the precise facts of client cases, the following points should be raised by any diligent attorney if appropriate to the circumstances and the attorney has a good faith basis to argue the points.
      1.      If your vehicle was stopped illegally by the police officer: 
a.      Officers must have reasonable, articulable suspicion that you have committed, are committing, or

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Continue Reading 10 Ways HRF Can Beat Your DUI Charges

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By attorney Jeffrey R. Hall of Hall, Rustom & Fritz, LLC2014 EXPUNGEMENT/SEALING LAW UPDATE:The Illinois General Legislative Assembly (GLA) has extended the powers of the Expungement/Sealing law allowing citizens to expunge/seal their records for more felony convictions.  The current law allows for only 3 felony convictions to be eligible for expungement/sealing (Prostitution, Possession of Cannabis and/or with the intent to deliver, and Possession of a Controlled Substance).  Effective January 1, 2014, the GLA added the following offenses:  Class 4 Felony Convictions for:
  • Offenses under the Methamphetamine Precursor Control Act
  • Offenses under the Steroid Control Act
  • Theft
  • Retail Theft
  • Deceptive Practices
  • Forgery
  • Possession

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Continue Reading Erase Your Criminal Record

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By Jeffrey R. Hall of Hall, Rustom & Fritz LLC                 In Illinois, whenever you receive a conviction for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, your Illinois driving privileges will be revoked.  It is revoked indefinitely unless you formally request reinstatement from the Formal Administrative Hearing office at the Secretary of State.  Unfortunately, qualifying to apply for reinstatement depends on how many DUI convictions are on your driving record (or reported to the Illinois Secretary of State).
               The first DUI conviction reported on your record will result in the loss of your driving privileges for a minimum of 1

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Continue Reading Reinstating your driving privileges in Illinois: What You Need To Know