Key Highlights
- Arthur Vidmar, an 83-year-old man from Joliet, will never drive a motor vehicle again after being convicted of two DUI offenses.
- District Judge Amy Bertani-Tomczak ruled in favor of Vidmar’s release under the SAFE-T-Act, prohibiting him from driving and requiring electronic monitoring.
- Vidmar suffered injuries during his November 15 crash, including broken ribs, an aortic aneurysm, and required use of a wheelchair for court appearances.
- The Pearl of Joliet nursing care facility will house Vidmar under strict supervision to ensure compliance with the judge’s order.
Arthur Vidmar’s DUI Conviction Ends in Jail Release Under Safe-T-Act
JOLIET, IL — Arthur Vidmar, an 83-year-old man who was recently involved in a serious car crash after being convicted of two DUI offenses, will no longer be behind bars. Downtown Joliet criminal defense attorney Steven Haney successfully convinced Judge Amy Bertani-Tomczak to rule in favor of his client’s release under the SAFE-T-Act.
Background and Legal Proceedings
Vidmar, who was arrested by Joliet police in October for his first DUI offense, faced multiple felony charges following a crash that occurred on November 15, leaving a 67-year-old woman with serious injuries. The incident happened when Vidmar’s pickup truck left the KFC drive-thru parking lot and hit part of the restaurant, driving through its landscaping before colliding with another motorist at Oneida Street intersection.
Earlier in the month, Joliet police also arrested Vidmar for a different DUI incident. The Will County State’s Attorney’s Office had filed a petition seeking to deny pretrial release under the SAFE-T-Act, but Judge Bertani-Tomczak ruled in favor of Vidmar and ordered his release from the county jail facility.
Health Concerns and Release Conditions
Vidmar has been living alone on North Reed Street at the time of his DUI arrests. He suffered broken ribs during the November 15 crash, an aortic aneurysm, and required use of a wheelchair for court appearances, according to his attorney, Steven Haney.
Under Judge Bertani-Tomczak’s order, Vidmar will move into a senior care facility called The Pearl of Joliet at 306 North Larkin Avenue. This nursing home was previously known as Symphony of Joliet and had been involved in wrongful death lawsuits during the pandemic.
The facility is only a couple blocks away from the location where the crash occurred.
“The guy is 83 years old, he suffered broken ribs from the accident,” Haney said. “He will be under 24-hour home confinement and they’re not going to let him out by himself. He’s going to have GPS monitoring and a SCRAM bracelet put on.”
The judge’s order includes restrictions such as prohibiting Vidmar from leaving Illinois, placing him on electronic monitoring, and forbidding him from driving any motor vehicle.
Future Plans and Community Impact
Vidmar’s family members are strongly supportive of his decision to move into the nursing care facility. “The decision to make Arthur stay in a senior care facility is based on the safety measures put in place,” Haney added. “This is a positive for him and his family, as it ensures he receives proper medical attention and supervision.”
“He will never drive again,” emphasized Haney. “It’s important that we protect our community from unsafe drivers, especially those who pose significant risks due to their age or health conditions.”
The Pearl of Joliet’s strict measures aim to ensure Vidmar remains compliant with the court order while providing a safe environment for him and his caregivers. This case highlights the growing challenges faced by law enforcement in managing elderly DUI offenders, balancing public safety with the need to respect the rights and dignity of individuals.
