As the weather warms up, the planning begins for proms, graduation parties, and summer get-togethers. Both parents and children should be sure that they do not wreck their summer by getting in trouble for breaking laws related to liquor use by minors. While underage drinkers themselves are subject to legal penalties, adults can face penalties […]
Adult Responsibility for Liquor Use by Minors Read More »
Can you be convicted of drunk driving with a blood-alcohol content (BAC) below .08%? The short answer is, YES, if your blood-alcohol content (BAC) is above .05% AND the police can show evidence that you were driving impaired. In other words, the real crime is not your blood-alcohol level. The crime is driving while impaired.
Can I Be Convicted of Drunk Driving with Blood Alcohol Under .08%? Read More »
One of the legal constants that most any defendant should be able to rely on when being charged with a crime is the opportunity to face their accuser in a court of law. However, those facing felony criminal charges in Illinois, and perhaps soon other states, may no longer have this chance, due in part
Illinois Supreme Court Upholds Drew Peterson Conviction Read More »
Can a social media post lead to a criminal arrest? The answer, at least in Illinois these past few years, is a resounding “yes.” You might think that you have protected your social media accounts with all the right privacy settings. But that may not stop the police from using social media posts to identify,
Can a YouTube Video or Instagram Post Get You Arrested? Read More »
Historically speaking, driving a truck in Illinois has come with more burdensome regulations than one might encounter if working in other states. However, with the start of the new year, some of that burden was reduced, and Illinois trucking regulations have been brought in line with those imposed by federal standards. Only One Inspection Now
Fewer Inspections Now Required for Commercial Trucks in Illinois Read More »
When a popular drinking holiday falls on a weekend—such as St. Patrick’s Day this year—police departments throughout Illinois often set up sobriety checkpoints on commonly traveled roadways. As you might expect, the goal of these checkpoints is to reduce the number of intoxicated drivers on the road. Some who might otherwise drink and drive may
Are DUI Checkpoints Unconstitutional? Read More »
All Illinois firearm owners should be aware that, under specific circumstances, they could be charged with a crime if they leave a firearm accessible and a child injures someone with that firearm. One such incident happened in Chicago on March 10, 2018, when a 3-year-old boy accidentally shot his 9-year-old cousin in the arm with
Can I Be Arrested if a Child Injures Someone With My Gun? Read More »
When someone imagines a drug user, they usually imagine a haggard individual addicted to illicit drugs like cocaine, methamphetamine, or heroin. However, the truth is that much of the drug abuse in the United States is committed by everyday people using substances which were prescribed by a doctor. Many people incorrectly assume that consuming, buying,
Prescription Drug Laws in Illinois Read More »
Some firearms laws are complicated and hard to decipher, particularly as you travel from city to city and state to state. But there is one gun law that should be obvious to everyone: you should never try to carry a firearm through a TSA checkpoint, into a secured area of an airport, or onto a
Airports and Firearms: How to Stay Out of Trouble Read More »
Regardless of how large or small the amount in dispute may be, an accusation or charge of fraud is a serious matter which can lead to severe criminal consequences. Depending on the circumstances, one can lose their job, pay a large fine or even spend time in prison. Credit Card Fraud If you are charged
Defending Against Charges of Fraud Read More »
A February 2018 ruling by the Illinois Supreme Court has declared one of the state’s gun laws unconstitutional. The law in question appears in Chapter 720, Article 24, of the Illinois Criminal Code. Under this law, carrying a firearm on a public street without a concealed carry permit is designated a Class A misdemeanor. However,
Illinois Supreme Court Shoots Down 1,000-Foot Gun Ban Near Parks Read More »
Anyone who has ever been behind the wheel has experienced the sinking feeling in the pit of their stomach when they see the flashing lights in their rear view mirror. It is a great relief when the patrol car drives past, but when it pulls up behind you, the thought of receiving a traffic citation
Strategies for Drivers Who Get Pulled Over By Police Read More »
