Joliet Man, 83, Permanently Banned from Driving, Lawyer Confirms

Arthur Vidmar, an 83-year-old man from Joliet, Illinois, has received a permanent ban on driving following serious DUI charges. The decision comes after a November DUI incident that resulted in a crash, leaving a 67-year-old woman with severe injuries.

Court Proceedings and Charges

Vidmar was arrested in November after he struck another vehicle while exiting a KFC drive-thru. The accident occurred at the intersection of Oneida Street and Larkin Avenue. At that time, he faced multiple felony DUI charges, stemming from this incident and an earlier arrest in October.

Will County’s State’s Attorney had sought to deny Vidmar pretrial release under the SAFE-T-Act. However, Judge Amy Bertani-Tomczak ruled in his favor, allowing his release from Will County Jail, where he had been since November 15.

Conditions of Release

• Vidmar is prohibited from driving or leaving the state of Illinois.
• He will be under electronic monitoring and is required to maintain sobriety.
• He is to reside at The Pearl of Joliet, a senior care facility with 24-hour security.

Judge Bertani also issued a SCRAM (Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor) order, ensuring Vidmar’s compliance with these conditions. His family requested the move to a care facility, emphasizing strong support for the decision to prevent him from driving again.

Health Concerns

During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Vidmar has significant health issues. He suffered broken ribs from the recent crash and has an aortic aneurysm. His attorney, Steven Haney, mentioned that Vidmar needed a wheelchair for mobility during the hearings.

Prior to his accidents, Vivdar lived independently on North Reed Street. His financial and physical challenges have prompted the move to The Pearl of Joliet, located just a short distance from the site of his crash.

Promising Future

In an interview, Haney assured that Vidmar is committed to never driving again. He emphasized the importance of the community’s concern for Vidmar’s welfare and the actions taken to prevent further danger.

This case highlights the critical issues surrounding DUI incidents among the elderly and the necessary precautions to ensure public safety. With the court’s ruling, Arthur Vidmar is now set on a path of care and supervision.