Tougher DUI law adds to caseloads
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Tougher state laws on drunken driving have flooded Illinois’ courtrooms with new felony cases, prompting Lake County to add extra staff to handle the strain. “The caseload is just dramatically increasing, and it’s because of the new DUI laws,” said David Brodsky, the county’s public defender. Lake County had 4,678 misdemeanor and 254 felony DUI cases last year, according to the circuit clerk’s office, but officials said they expect felonies to double this year. The surge in cases is tied to a new state law that took effect Jan. 1, making it a felony if a drunken motorist does not have a valid driver’s license or insurance. “Right off the bat, there are large numbers of cases that… |