Conor’s Law: Providing Safety for Minors Arrested for Drunk Driving

 Posted on December 00,0000 in Drunk Driving Accidents

Drunk driving is a major, ongoing safety issue on our nation’s roads. Yet while the number of drunk driving accidents and fatalities has been on the decline in recent years, hundreds of people are still killed in these accidents every year in Illinois.

The state’s drunk driving laws aim to address this issue by providing harsh punishments for drunk drivers. One area in which the state hopes to improve safety is in matters involving underage drivers.

Conor’s Law Addresses Underage DUI Arrests

In September of 2017, Governor Bruce Rauner signed Conor’s Law, which changes the way police handle the custody and release of drivers under the age of 21 who have been arrested for driving under the influence (DUI). This law was named after Conor Vesper, a 20 year old college student who committed suicide after being arrested for drunk driving in 2015.

Conor’s Law aims to address the safety issues surrounding minors arrested for DUI by requiring police officers to contact a responsible adult who can take custody of the minor, or wait until the minor is sober before releasing him or her.

Sobriety must be demonstrated through a breathalyzer or other blood alcohol content (BAC) test, and the results of this test are not admissible as evidence against the suspect. Prior to this change in the law, minors could be released after posting bond.

The law also requires Illinois State Police and the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board to create policies for training law enforcement officers on how to respond to and care for minors arrested while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This training will include the provision of any necessary medical attention, proper care for people while they are in custody, and the proper release of minors from custody.

Conor’s Law will go into effect in June of 2018. Advocates for the law have stated that they believe it will help young people who drink and drive to learn from their mistakes, while keeping both them and the rest of the community safe.

Contact a Lake County Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

If you or a family member have been injured in a car accident involving a minor who was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the experienced attorneys at Salvi & Maher, LLP can help you receive the financial compensation you deserve. We will investigate the circumstances of your case and determine your best options for recovering damages, including lost income, decreased earning capacity, and pain and suffering. Contact a Waukegan car accident attorney at 847-662-3303 to schedule a free consultation today.

Sources:

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/fulltext.asp?Name=100-0537

http://www.illinoishomepage.net/news/local-news/new-law-aims-to-protect-young-people-arrested-for-drinking/819804199

http://www.wjbdradio.com/local-news/2017/09/27/conors-law-signed-into-law-