One of the most confusing aspects of the law is the way in which certain words are used. In many instances, the legal definition of a word may be very different from its everyday meaning to the average person. The primary reason for this reality is that, under the law, words must be defined very […]
Are You Facing Assault Charges in Illinois? Read More »
When you decide to get behind the wheel after you have been drinking, it is a losing situation for everyone involved. Most DUI charges will end up being a misdemeanor, albeit a very serious misdemeanor, but if you were charged with a DUI and a death resulted from that DUI, your charges will automatically be
DUI Charges Become More Serious When Death or Bodily Injury is Involved Read More »
Gun laws are different from state to state, so it can be difficult to keep up with them. In Illinois, any person who is in possession of a firearm must also possess a firearm owner’s identification card (FOID), which verifies that the person may legally possess the firearm. You can get into serious trouble if
FOID Card Revocations. What to do. Read More »
Do you take a prescription drug that can affect your ability to drive safely? If you do, be extra careful before you get behind the wheel of a car, because you could be charged with driving under the influence (DUI). If you cause a car crash that severely injures another person, you could be charged
Illinois DUI Law: Different Treatment for Users of Prescribed Drugs vs. Illegal Drugs Read More »
Two recent decisions by the Illinois Supreme Court have clarified the Fourth Amendment rights of Illinois citizens, specifically when the police use drug-detection dogs in multi-unit apartment buildings. This is important news for marijuana users and others who may be concerned about charges of illegal drug possession while partaking in occasional recreational use in the
Illinois Court Rules on Police Use of Drug-Sniffing Dogs Read More »
Alcohol and drug abuse not only cause human suffering, but also endanger public safety and place an added financial burden on our healthcare and criminal justice systems. Aiming to reduce these social and economic costs, the Illinois legislature passed the Alcoholism and Other Drug Abuse and Dependency Act (20 ILCS 301) in the 1990s. This
Illinois Modernizes Approach to Offenders with Substance Use Disorders Read More »
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 someone is arrested on criminal charges, they are typically held in in police custody until they are set to appear in court or until they are released on bail. Bail is a monetary amount that is usually set by the judge in accordance with laws and acts as a type of insurance that the
Illinois Politicians Aim to Make Penalties Higher For Absent Defendants 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 »
