If you are being questioned by the police, you definitely need a criminal defense attorney. This is true even if you have not officially been charged with a crime. The police may tell you that you are a “person of interest” in their investigation. While this term sounds fairly benign, giving you the impression that […]
I Asked for a Lawyer – Now What? Read More »
Although the terms “kidnapping” and “abduction” are often used interchangeably, legally speaking, they can be two different, distinct criminal offenses in some states. Both crimes are serious felonies. Kidnapping is the forcible stealing or carrying away of a person by force, threat, deceit, or with intent to cause the kidnapped person harm. Abduction involves persuading
What Are the Differences Between Kidnapping and Abduction? Read More »
A 46-year-old Alton man allegedly struck a woman in the face with his closed fist, sprayed her in the face with Febreze, and caused more than $500 in damage to the victim’s pickup truck. The two lived in the same household, making the crime a domestic battery case. The man was charged with domestic battery,
Is Illinois Domestic Battery a Misdemeanor or Felony? Read More »
A 37-year-old Cook County man was recently arrested on drug charges after illegally crossing railroad tracks. According to Palatine police, the man crossed the railroad tracks while the warning signals were active, prompting officers to approach him as he sat in an Audi R8 parked near the tracks. The officers reported that when they reached
Drug Charges: Possession or Intent to Deliver? Read More »
In January 2025, two people were arrested after a Lake County K9, Duke, sniffed out drugs during a traffic stop. After conducting a “free air sniff” around the vehicle’s exterior, Duke alerted to the presence of narcotics. The police searched the vehicle and found over half a kilogram of cocaine powder. Many people have not
What is a “Free Air Sniff” by K9s – And Is It Legal? Read More »
While little hard data exists, it is estimated that more than 11 million people in the U.S. have had to deal with a driver’s license suspension. While many of these suspensions are for DUI convictions, others are due to debt-based reasons, such as failure to pay traffic fines or court fees. Driver’s license suspensions can
Will You Qualify for an Illinois Hardship License After a DUI? Read More »
Although Illinois banned life sentences for juvenile offenders under the age of 21 in 2023 (Public Law 102-1128), the law was not made retroactive. A bill to ensure that juvenile offenders who are already serving life sentences receive the same consideration stalled last session. While lawmakers tried again this year, the bill failed on a
Lawmakers Attempt to Make Youth Sentencing Reforms Retroactive Read More »
Perhaps you have been to an after-work party to celebrate the retirement of one of your co-workers. You have an enjoyable time and leave the party to drive home, confident that you are not impaired because you only had a couple of beers. Then, on your way home, you realize that there is a DUI
Can I Legally Turn Around at an Illinois DUI Checkpoint? Read More »
As of January 1, 2025, residents of Illinois will no longer have their driver’s licenses suspended as a result of failure to appear in court for minor traffic violations. It is easy to be so busy that you forget to appear in court for running a stop sign. Before this new bill, a warrant would
Driver’s License Suspensions for Missed Court Dates Ending Read More »
After being arrested for a criminal offense in Illinois, you may wonder if you are eligible for a deferred prosecution agreement. These programs offer non-violent or first-time offenders a way to avoid a criminal conviction and the associated consequences. Rather than go through the incredible stress of a trial, wondering whether you will soon be
Could You Be Eligible for a Deferred Prosecution Agreement? Read More »
