Just because someone is accused of a crime does not mean that the protections and rights provided to them by the U.S. Constitution do not apply. Criminal suspects have certain rights, which, if violated, can dramatically affect the outcome of any criminal proceedings. The Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution gives citizens the right […]
The Significance of Miranda Warnings Read More »
According to the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), an estimated 1.3 million adolescents ages 12-17 had a substance use disorder in 2014. Many of these youths who have substance abuse issues end up making contact with the juvenile justice system at some point. Rather than punishing them and leaving their substance abuse
Understanding the Illinois Juvenile Drug Court Treatment Program Read More »
Most people know that police must sometimes obtain a search warrant before searching an individual’s property. However, many are unsure as to what their rights are regarding vehicle searches. They have questions such as, “Does a police officer need a search warrant to search my car in Illinois?” and “What happens if drugs, weapons, or
Evidence Obtained in an Unlawful Police Vehicle Search Is Not Admissible in Court Read More »
Illinois will become the 11th state to legalize the use and possession of recreational marijuana. The bill, which was passed entirely through legislation rather than voter referendum, would allow marijuana sales, possession and use throughout the state beginning next year. The bill specifically outlines the new rules concerning marijuana, which will be treated and regulated
What You Should Know About Illinois New Recreational Marijuana Laws Read More »
If you are a parent, you probably spend a lot of time worrying about your child and the decisions he or she is making. Unfortunately, children and teenagers can sometimes get involved with the wrong crowd and make decisions which lead to criminal charges. Young people may behave in reckless or illegal ways because they
An Illinois Juvenile Diversion Program May Help Your Son or Daughter Avoid Incarceration Read More »
Illinois is set to legalize the sale of marijuana to adults age 21 and over effective January 1, 2020. The new laws on marijuana possession, public usage, and growing will also take effect on that date, presuming that Governor J.B. Pritzker keeps his promise to sign the landmark measure already passed by the Illinois House
Marijuana Possession Is Still a Crime in Illinois for 2019 Read More »
In news reports of major drug crimes, you may have noticed that the offenders are sometimes arrested by federal authorities, charged with federal crimes, prosecuted in the federal court system, and sentenced to federal prison. In other cases, the offenders are arrested by state or county officers, charged with violation of a state law, prosecuted
What Are the Differences Between State and Federal Drug Crimes Read More »
Most people know that the “magic number” when it comes to drinking and driving is 0.08 percent blood alcohol content (BAC). If you are driving and a police-administered Breathalyzer shows your BAC is above 0.08 percent, you are legally driving under the influence. However, DUI laws are not all this straightforward. Some individuals have even
DUI Laws You Should Be Aware Of Read More »
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) defines violent crime as any crime that involves the use of force or the threat of force. Violent crime was once a very big issue in the United States and was cause for much concern at its peak in the 1990s. According to information from the FBI and the
Understanding Common Violent Crimes Committed in Illinois Read More »
When a juvenile commits a felony crime such as murder, do they deserve to spend the rest of their life in prison? A recent Illinois Supreme Court decision says “no.” The U.S. Supreme Court had already ruled in 2012 that mandatory life sentences for juveniles who commit murder are unconstitutional under the Eighth Amendment prohibition
What Is the Maximum Sentence for Juvenile Crimes in Illinois Read More »
When a juvenile is taken into police custody for violating the law, the police and state’s attorney can take one of two paths. They can reach an informal agreement at the police station with the juvenile and his parents, or they can file formal charges and take the case before a juvenile court judge. An
According to the CDC, approximately one in four women and one in seven men will be the victim of severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime. Many U.S states have increased penalties for crimes committed against intimate partners or family members. In Illinois, domestic violence domestic violence is prosecuted heavily. Those convicted
What is the Difference Between Battery and Domestic Battery Charges in Illinois Read More »
