Illinois' Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device law has been in effect for a year, and some are beginning to question its effectiveness.

While the Constitution guarantees persons the right to remain silent when facing police questioning, only some statements in some situations will be protected under federal and Illinois law. Miranda protections may not offer the breadth of protection that is commonly believed.

Typically, a police officer can only search a person, home or vehicle when the officer has a warrant issued by a judge or magistrate. However, certain exceptions have developed in the law when a warrant is unnecessary to search a person, home or vehicle.

A new law requiring alcohol monitoring ankle bracelet worn by DUI offenders. Commonly referred to as SCRAM (secure continuous remote alcohol monitor), the device measures alcohol from the wearer's perspiration.

A new Illinois DUI law, one of the toughest in the United States, took effect on January 1, 2009. First time DUI offenders must install and pay for a breath alcohol ignition interlock device if they want to drive during the time of their Statutory Summary Suspension.

Legal penalties and other negative consequences for a DUI conviction in Illinois can be devastating and permanent. Don't face the charge without an experienced criminal defense attorney.

Illinois has doubled the penalties for first-time DUI offenders. It has also made ignition interlock devices mandatory for first-time offenders who want to reclaim their driving privileges.