The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees the right of all citizens to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures. When the Fourth Amendment is referenced in a criminal case, it is often used to challenge the legality of a police search of a person’s property or the seizure of evidence found during such […]
Traffic Stop Case Highlights the Importance of Reasonable Suspicion Read More »
When a person is convicted of a crime, the consequences typically go far beyond jail time, probation, and fines. A conviction can and usually will follow a person for the rest of his or her life, making it more difficult for the individual to find a job, secure affordable housing, or qualify for certain educational
Illinois Laws Help You Get a Second Chance Read More »
Most people know that it is against the law to drink and drive. Anyone who is caught operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated can be charged with driving under the influence (DUI) and lose their driving privileges. In most circumstances, DUI laws are straightforward. A person who has a blood alcohol content (BAC) of over
Illinois DUI Arrests Read More »
Being hit with a criminal charge can be a scary thing, especially if you do not know what to expect. The process through which you go through when you are accused of committing a crime is basically the same throughout the country, with a few differences here and there, depending on which state you are
Understanding the Process of Criminal Cases in Illinois Read More »
With more states legalizing marijuana and a rising number of drug DUIs, federal safety officials have added a focus on driving high to their 2018 ad campaigns. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s ongoing “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign has been supplemented with two new slogans: “Drive High, Get a DUI” and “If
New Safety Campaign Targets Drug-Impaired Driving Read More »
Nearly every day, the Will County jail receives new prisoners charged with drug crimes ranging from marijuana possession to heroin dealing. With real drugs seemingly available in every town, it may seem surprising to hear of people being charged with selling fake drugs. Yet the Illinois Controlled Substances Act defines the sale of look-alike drugs
Sale of Look-Alike Drugs Is a Serious Crime in Illinois Read More »
A California woman has been indicted in Illinois for distributing drugs through the use of the “dark web,” according to the Southern District of Illinois’ U.S. Attorney’s Office. The woman, who is from San Diego, is known as the “Drug Llama” to her customers on the dark web and is accused of distributing over 50,000
Drug Llama Faces Federal Charges for Distributing Fentanyl Read More »
A recent report highlighted dangerous driving conditions along a 16-mile stretch of I-80 that passes through Minooka, Joliet, and New Lenox in Will County. Drivers should be particularly careful along this stretch of highway. Dangerous highway conditions like these can easily turn a first-time misdemeanor DUI into an aggravated felony DUI causing great bodily harm
Beware of Reckless Driving on I-80 Near Joliet Read More »
Doorbell cameras, which take pictures of anyone approaching your house, have rapidly grown in popularity over the past few years. Homeowners use them to monitor family members (such as teens breaking curfew or having unapproved parties) as well as to deter crimes of opportunity such as criminal trespass, vandalism, home invasion, burglary, and porch package
Doorbell Cams Increasingly Popular with Homeowners and Police Read More »
Most cases in the Illinois criminal justice system do not end in a trial. Instead, in most cases a criminal defendant accepts a plea deal, also called a plea bargain. Before you decide if a plea bargain is right for you, it is important to understand how they work. The Criminal Justice Process Pleas are
Should I Agree to a Plea Bargain? Read More »
When some people hear that a crime is a misdemeanor, they automatically assume the crime is not a big deal. While it is true that the punishment for a misdemeanor is usually much less serious than for a felony, a single misdemeanor can still disrupt your entire life. Understanding Probation and Conditional Discharge The maximum
Consequences of a Misdemeanor Conviction in Illinois Read More »
Guns have been a hot topic in recent years in American politics. According to the Gun Violence Archive, which is a nonprofit organization that provides information about gun violence, there have been 256 mass shootings—defined as four or more people being shot or killed during a single incident—in the United States since January 1, 2018.
Three Ways to Practice Responsible Firearm Ownership in Illinois Read More »
