Driving drunk in a blizzard a 'Super' mistake in Kane County patrol
Seattle Seahawks coaches aren't the only ones who made a poor decision Super Bowl Sunday.
The final results are not in, but Kane County prosecutors say several DUI arrests were made during the blizzard Feb. 1, which also was a "No Refusal" event held by law enforcement.
In "No Refusal," prosecutors work with local police if a motorist detained on suspicion of drunken driving refuses a chemical test.
They present their case to an on-call judge to quickly obtain a search warrant before the motorist sobers up. The warrant allows a phlebotomist to draw blood if needed, and if the motorist still refuses, felony charges for obstruction of justice may be filed.
Kane County State's Attorney Joe McMahon credited police for working the DUI patrol while helping motorists and responding to crashes during the fifth-largest snowstorm in Chicago history.
"There were not a lot of cars out, but there were some arrests," McMahon said. "It was generally a safe evening for people on the roads. However that occurs, it's a great night."
Kane County authorities have held "No Refusal" events on holidays and traditional drinking dates, such as Super Bowl Sunday and the day before Thanksgiving.
The next "No Refusal" is March 17, St. Patrick's Day.
Cary man sent to prison
A 27-year-old Cary man was sentenced to prison for his role in an August 2014 shooting in Carpentersville.
Christopher T. Abellan, of the 300 block of Crystal Street, was sentenced to five years in prison after pleading guilty to aggravated discharge of a firearm, according to Kane County court records.
Abellan initially was charged with attempted murder in connection with allegations he fired a .22-caliber gun at another man in September.
Prosecutors dismissed that charge in exchange for a guilty plea to the lesser charge that was accepted by Judge John Barsanti, records show.
Abellan, who was held at the Kane County jail for about 4½ months on $1 million bail after his arrest, can have is prison term cut in half for good behavior while behind bars.
Ask a lawyer Saturday
The Kane County Bar Association hosts "Ask A Lawyer Day" 9 a.m. to noon Saturday.
Call (630) 762-1900 for a free consultation with a volunteer attorney on matters ranging from criminal and estate law to child custody and traffic disputes.
The program began several years ago with the bar association's 150th anniversary and is supported by the Illinois State Bar Association.
Do not leave a message since attorneys cannot access voice mail.