According to the most recent data available from the Illinois Department of Corrections, which is dated from June of this year, there are more than 40,700 criminals currently in the Illinois prison system. One of the biggest reasons why the Illinois prison population has grown so dramatically over the past 30 years or so is […]
Alternatives to Incarceration for Crimes Committed in Illinois Read More »
When an individual is accused of a crime, he or she is guaranteed certain rights. For example, if you are accused of driving under the influence (DUI) or being in possession of illegal drugs, you have the right to receive counsel from a qualified attorney. You also have the right to defend yourself against criminal
The Rights of Criminal Defendants Are Protected by the U.S. Constitution Read More »
In some situations, you may have to commit an act of self-defense in order to protect yourself, others, or your property. An act of self-defense is usually an act of force that would, in other circumstances, be illegal. The state of Illinois recognizes that there are some situations in which you might need to use
Examining Self-Defense Laws in Illinois Read More »
When you are short on cash, shoplifting or retail theft can be very tempting. After all, stores have to expect some percentage of losses. A lot of merchandise simply gets damaged by careless employees or clumsy shoppers. And, when a store expects you to scan your own purchases, it is hardly your fault when the
What Can Happen If You Commit a Theft or Retail Theft in Illinois Read More »
If you are convicted of drug possession or another non-violent crime in Will County, you could be sentenced to spend a year or more in prison. But if your criminal behavior is affected by substance abuse, you may have the option of an alternative program known as drug court. Statistics show that over 40 percent
Will County Drug Court Helps Addicted Offenders Read More »
For many people, the only time they come into contact with the police is during a traffic stop. Statistics show that almost half of all face-to-face interactions that U.S. residents had with police occurred due to being pulled over while driving. Of those interactions, about half resulted in the driver being issued a ticket. Only
Your Rights and Responsibilities During a Traffic Stop Read More »
The United States has historically been a gun-toting nation. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics estimates that 1,300 children die each year due to firearm-related reasons and another 5,790 are treated for injuries. In response to this, laws called child access prevention laws have been established in 28 states and the District of Columbia.
You Could Face Criminal Charges if Your Child Gains Access to Your Firearms Read More »
When you get pulled over by a police officer, you may not realize that the officer probably feels as tense as you do. The officer has no idea whether you are a law-abiding citizen or an armed criminal who poses a serious danger. Nobody wants to see a routine traffic stop for something like a
Traffic Stop Safety for All, Including Carriers of Concealed Firearms Read More »
Most of us know the legal ramifications of a DUI – you will be facing multiple fines, a driver’s license revocation, and possible jail time. Being charged with a DUI can land you in a world of legal trouble that can be hard to escape. As if that were not enough, being convicted, charged or
A DUI Conviction Will Affect Your Life Read More »
Will County drug traffickers took a hit in August 2018 when a joint federal and state task force arrested nine individuals. Seven will face federal charges for possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute while the other two will face state drug charges. Local law enforcement officers supported by the FBI seized roughly three
Nine Nabbed with Cocaine and Heroin in Joliet Drug Bust Read More »
At what point does thoughtless, obnoxious behavior cross the line to become a crime of telephone or electronic harassment? Consider the following situations: A person makes repeated phone calls to another with the intent to harass them, whether the calls involve any conversation, just hanging up, making abusive or threatening statements, or making obscene comments
Understanding Illinois Law Regarding Telephone and Electronic Harassment Read More »
If you have watched police shows or movies, you probably know that you have the right to remain silent if and when you are ever arrested, right? In fact, the officer who arrests you must remind you of that right—as well as a few others—immediately upon taking you custody. While you do have the right
I Was Arrested But the Police Did Not Read Me My Miranda Rights. Now What? Read More »
