Our Chicago Injury Attorneys are happy to hear that the Georgia Supreme Court, as did the Illinois Supreme Court, ruled that limits on non-economic damages in personal injury, cases is unconstitutional.

Non-economic damages cap is unconstitutional

ATLANTA—The Georgia Supreme Court has declared that caps on non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases are unconstitutional

In the matter of Atlanta Oculoplastic Surgery P.C. vs. Nestlehutt et al, the Court unanimously held that the $350,000 cap on non-economic damages violated the state constitution’s guarantee of the right to a jury trial. The cap was part of Georgia’s Tort Reform Act of 2005.

Another blow to the insurance lobby who plows millions of dollars into an effort to limit people’s right to recover after an injury.

Our Chicago DUI Lawyers have blogged in the past about this next topic in the past. The latest way for the State to make a buck – DUI on a lawnmower.

Man on mower charged with DUI, fishing pole theft
The Associated Press

ATHENS, Tenn. — An East Tennessee man driving a lawn mower in the road has been charged with Drunk Driving. Athens police said 30-year-old Jimmy Graham Jr. smelled like alcohol and failed a sobriety test Monday after an officer spotted him on the lawn mower. He told the officer he had consumed a beer and taken a stress reliever prescribed to him.

A jailer said Graham was in custody Tuesday and there was no record of him having a lawyer.

Congrats to all involved in making our roads (and lawns) safer.

Our Chicago DUI Lawyers take another look at the “Business of DUI”.

Four-hour course helps probationers, profits former Judge Robert Bonanno

By Colleen Jenkins, Times Staff Writer

TAMPA — Once part of the power center of Hillsborough County Courthouse politics, Judge Robert Bonanno resigned in 2001 under a cloud.

Now he’s visiting former colleagues to drum up business for a fledgling, for-profit venture aimed at helping people complete their court-ordered supervision.

Since July, 166 defendants in Hillsborough have paid $65 each for a four-hour class at Bonanno’s Probation & Violation Center. In exchange for their voluntary attendance, their community service hours are waived or significantly reduced.

The three felony judges offering that incentive say they don’t see a conflict with the arrangement, though they are awaiting an ethics opinion.

Bonanno spent 19 years on the bench in Hillsborough County. His downfall began when a bailiff discovered him inside Circuit Judge Gregory Holder’s empty, darkened office after hours. A grand jury said Bonanno ruined his credibility with his explanation for being there.

After a state House committee began impeachment proceedings, Bonanno stepped down to avoid facing questions about a courthouse affair, the sealing of cases and the purchase of a $450,000 model home.

Bonanno steps down because of ethical questions and now runs a business essentially selling community service for half off.  Now, our Chicago DUI Attorneys ask you, is this about making roads safer, or lining the pockets of the connected?

This week’s Chicago DUI Attorney roadside checkpoint alert.

ROADSIDE SAFETY CHECK IN THE CALUMET (005TH) DISTRICT
The Chicago Police Department will conduct a Roadside Safety Check in the Calumet (005th) District at 11800 S. Halsted. The Roadside Safety Check will commence at 8:00 p.m. on Friday, April 9, 2010 and end at 4:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 10, 2010.

During roadside checks, police officers slow down traffic, stop cars at regular intervals and watch for drivers who show signs of alcohol impairment and other violations.

Be careful out there, folks.

Our Chicago DUI Lawyers have learned of another drunk driving checkpoint this weekend

DUI STRIKE FORCE PATROL IN THE CHICAGO LAWN (008TH) DISTRICT
The Chicago Police Department will conduct a DUI Strike Force Patrol in the Chicago
Lawn (008th) District beginning at 7:00 p.m. Friday, April 2, 2010 and ending at 3:00 a.m. on
Saturday, April 3, 2010.

The purpose of this program is to saturate a pre-designated area with roving police
officers that continually monitor vehicular traffic for signs of impaired driving. Patrols also place
emphasis on speed, alcohol-related and safety belt violations. Police vehicles equipped for
speed detection are deployed to apprehend speeding violators.

Be careful out there, folks.