Legal Question in Technology Law in Illinois

I was recently arrested for DUI in Illinois. It�s been three months since the arrest and I am still working through the legal system. The arrest record was picked up by several internet news sites. One of the local internet sites dropped the arrest record but there is one internet news site that is still posting the arrest after three months. Is there anything I can do to get the information removed from the site? They are posting my name and address.

Obviously DUI information can be damaging. I made a bad decision and I will face legal, financial, and social punishment due to the arrest. I am not sure why an internet news company would permanently post the arrest. It doesn�t seem fair� especially in a bad economy where people are seeking employment. I was told by the company that if I was found innocent that they would remove the posting. Regardless if I am guilty, why do they have the right to continue to punish me for past discretions? It seems unfair. But I guess life isn�t fair.

Anonymous


Asked on 5/24/11, 4:22 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Bruce Burdick Burdick Law Firm

The news is not "punishing" you, they are "publishing" you. Police blotter information like yours is a public record and is newsworthy and of news interest. The news services have the right to do it because they have a right to publish the news. The news services surely keep the record because the public is interested in knowing the information and because it serves to deter DUI and to deter repeat offense. I hope it stops you from a repeat offense. It seems fair not unfair. They are only reporting the truth. The solution is obvious, don't drink and drive and your name won't appear on this list. And, if you do, expect that employers will want to know about it as it says something about your character, your ability to follow rules, and your view of social responsibility. The fact that you think it unfair suggests you need to re-evaluate your view of fairness as well as your personal habits.

Read more
Answered on 5/30/11, 11:25 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Computer & Technology Law questions and answers in Illinois