Early this week, a federal judge imposed sanctions against the city of Chicago and one of its veteran attorneys for concealing evidence in a trial concerning a fatal police shooting from 2011. The attorney resigned just hours later but, along with the city, has been ordered to pay attorney’s fees to the plaintiffs that will […]
Retrial Ordered in Fatal Police Shooting Read More »
Even as efforts to decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana in Illinois continue, many thousands of people are estimated to use the drug on at least a casual basis. In fact, marijuana is the most frequently-used illegal drug in the United States. While that in and of itself may not be particularly surprising, recent
Study Examines Increasing Rate of Marijuana-Use Disorder Read More »
The confidentiality of client-lawyer communications is bedrock constitutional right in our criminal justice system. However, recent revelations have shown cracks in the confidentiality of those communications when clients are in jail. Not everyone in jail has even been convicted of a crime; some are just unable to make bail and are awaiting trial. The Securus
How Secure Are Attorney-Client Communications in Prison? Read More »
A young man appeared in Cook County Bond Court this past weekend, charged with obstruction of justice and the concealment of a death. The allegations against the 23-year-old Midlothian man are connected to the death of his 25-year-old roommate, which the man claims occurred more than two weeks ago. The court decided to hold the
Illinois Man Charged With Concealing Roommate’s Body and Obstruction of Justice Read More »
Despite creating no legal precedent, the Supreme Court of the United States seemed to send a strong signal this week regarding its position on the rights of municipalities to enact strict gun control laws. By a vote of 7-2, the nation’s high court elected not to hear the challenge to a local ordinance restricting the
U.S. Supreme Court Declines Highland Park Gun Law Case Read More »
It is not uncommon for individuals to find themselves in a situation where it is very tempting to drive home, despite knowing they are too drunk to legally do so. In many such cases, a phone call could solve the dilemma, reaching out to a friend, family member, or taxi cab for a ride home.
Woman Charged for Scamming Police So She Could Drive Drunk Read More »
Under Illinois law you may be guilty of a crime even if you have not yet successfully completed a criminal action. Illinois has three main categories of actions that are punishable in the criminal justice system, even if a “full” crime was not committed. These categories are attempt, conspiracy, and solicitation. Sometimes these are called
What is an Attempted Crime in Illinois? Read More »
It has taken more than two years of political wrangling, red tape, and bureaucratic delays, but legalized, medical marijuana is now a reality in Illinois. The state’s first seven dispensaries officially opened for business last week, and initial sales have been brisk, as some 3300 registered patients have been waiting for the opportunity to purchase
Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Rake in More than $200,000 in First Week of Sales Read More »
A Pinellas County (Florida) Sheriff’s deputy has sent a formal letter of apology to a municipal department police chief for his inappropriate behavior at a conference and awards ceremony hosted by the public interest group Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) earlier this summer. The statewide MADD event was organized to provide training and to recognize
Florida Deputy Too Drunk to Receive Award from Mothers Against Drunk Driving Read More »
You are driving home from a night out with some friends. You have had a few drinks but you feel fine to drive. Halfway home, you see you the blue lights behind you. Immediately, you pull over and start get out your license and registration. The officer comes to your window, asks if you have
Refusing a Breathalyzer Test Read More »
