DuPage County adds weapon to arsenal in fight against drunk drivers
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CHICAGO (Sun-Times Media Wire) -
Drunk drivers in DuPage who think they're clever asking for a blood test when they get pulled over — hoping to stall law enforcement by hours as alcohol in their blood dissipates — will soon have their plans punctured.
DuPage County State's Attorney Robert B. Berlin announced a new plan Tuesday that will have phlebotomists on call 24/7 to drive to a police station within an hour to draw the blood of any suspected drunk driver who passes on a Breathalyzer test and demands a blood test.
Previously, that meant police typically taking any suspected drunk drivers to a hospital and waiting to have blood drawn.
The program — which took effect Tuesday — is the first of its kind in the state, said Berlin, who added that drivers would be stuck with the phlebotomist's fee: a minimum of $395.
"It's just another tool law enforcement can use to get drunk drivers off the street," said Berlin. The measure drew praise from Mothers Against Drunk Driving. "I am whole heartedly in favor of it," said Susan McKeigue, director of Illinois MADD.
A driver is legally drunk with a blood alcohol content of .08 or higher, but the longer it takes to get the blood, the more time the body has to eliminate the alcohol.
"By reducing the time between arrests and blood draws we are able to obtain a much more accurate BAC of the offender at the time of arrest," said Berlin. "This will allow for a stronger prosecution of suspected DUI drivers."
But according to leading DUI attorney Don Ramsell, the new initiative could run into constitutional problems under the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable search and seizure, because the average police station does not provide the sanitary environment expected during a blood draw to protect against communicable diseases.
"Taking the trash out and making sure the potato salad in the fridge hasn't gone bad doesn't count," said Ramsell.
Berlin said phlebotomists will follow strict Illinois safety protocol. "I don't see that being a problem," he said.
Thursday, June 13 2013 1:45 PM EDT2013-06-13 17:45:09 GMT
Even a fire hydrant is feeling the Blackhawks spirit, especially after Chicago's midnight victory over the Boston Bruins at the United Center in triple overtime.
Even a fire hydrant is feeling the Blackhawks spirit, especially after Chicago's midnight victory over the Boston Bruins at the United Center in triple overtime.
Wednesday, June 12 2013 9:55 PM EDT2013-06-13 01:55:01 GMT
Forecasters say hot weather could give way to violent storms across parts of Illinois and are warning residents to be prepared for strong winds, hail and even tornadoes.
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Monday, June 17 2013 2:23 PM EDT2013-06-17 18:23:45 GMT
Train service on the South Shore Line is suspended after a problem occurred with the equipment that transfers the energy from the overhead line to the trains.
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Monday, June 17 2013 9:28 AM EDT2013-06-17 13:28:37 GMT
A fatal early morning crash involving three vehicles and a motorcycle shut down the eastbound lanes of Interstate 80/94 during the Monday morning rush hour, according to Indiana State Police.
A fatal early morning crash involving three vehicles and a motorcycle shut down the eastbound lanes of Interstate 80/94 during the Monday morning rush hour, according to Indiana State Police.
Saturday, June 15 2013 9:11 PM EDT2013-06-16 01:11:05 GMT
By all accounts 21-year-old Carissa Hinz was a young woman full of life. Many friends and co-workers were present when she was struck by a car and the driver kept going.
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Saturday, June 15 2013 12:30 PM EDT2013-06-15 16:30:36 GMT
Bond has been set at $300,000 for a man charged with striking a 65-year-old woman and her grandson in a hit-and-run accident in the West Englewood neighborhood Monday evening.
Bond has been set at $300,000 for a man charged with striking a 65-year-old woman and her grandson in a hit-and-run accident in the West Englewood neighborhood Monday evening.
Saturday, June 15 2013 10:45 AM EDT2013-06-15 14:45:00 GMT
Multiple ambulances were called, in addition to other fire department equipment, to O'Hare International Airport Saturday morning after an incoming plane reported mechanical problems.
Multiple ambulances were called, in addition to other fire department equipment, to O'Hare International Airport Saturday morning after an incoming plane reported mechanical problems.
Friday, June 14 2013 1:47 PM EDT2013-06-14 17:47:11 GMT
Mayor Emanuel's office has some good weekend news, but there's a catch. Free Sunday parking begins this weekend in some neighborhoods, while paying hours are extended in others.
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Friday, June 14 2013 1:07 PM EDT2013-06-14 17:07:39 GMT
Chicago Bike Week ends with a bang on Friday, with the Bike to Work Rally in Daley Plaza. New barrier-protected bike lanes also opened along Milwaukee Avenue, the city's most heavily biked corridor.
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Thursday, June 13 2013 5:18 PM EDT2013-06-13 21:18:11 GMT
Service on Metra's Southwest Service between downtown and southwest suburban Manhattan has been disrupted Thursday afternoon by the derailment of a freight train locomotive on the South Side.
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Thursday, June 13 2013 12:59 PM EDT2013-06-13 16:59:17 GMT
CTA Brown, Green, Orange and Pink Line trains are back in service but riders should expect major delays in the Loop because of earlier switching problems.
CTA Brown, Green, Orange and Pink Line trains are back in service but riders should expect major delays in the Loop because of earlier switching problems.
Monday, June 17 2013 6:53 PM EDT2013-06-17 22:53:27 GMT
If you are looking for a cookie form of summers refreshing watermelon, then the wait is over.
By: Zoe Sobel, FOX32 News Intern(Chicago) If you are looking for a cookie form of summers refreshing watermelon, then the wait is over. Meet the watermelon Oreo which is the newest member of their limited-edition
Monday, June 17 2013 5:54 PM EDT2013-06-17 21:54:56 GMT
Duane T. Horton
A Chicago moving company employee is being held without bond after being charged with stealing more than $27,000 worth of jewelry from a north suburban customer, Pioneer Press is reporting.
A Chicago moving company employee is being held without bond after being charged with stealing more than $27,000 worth of jewelry from a north suburban customer, Pioneer Press is reporting.
