You probably already know many of the rights a defendant in a criminal court case has. Things like the right to counsel, the right to remain silent, or the right to a prompt trial are guaranteed to everyone regardless of the charges brought against them. Witnesses in a criminal case also have certain rights and […]
What Rights Do Witnesses Have in Criminal Cases? Read More »
Effective July 1, 2018, Illinois residents will have greater protection against state confiscation of cars and other assets used in connection with criminal charges such as Aggravated DUI and narcotics possession. Illinois Residents Forfeit Over $70 Million in Assets Annually Over $30 million dollars worth of cars, boats, and other assets were seized in 2015
Illinois Reforms Civil Asset Forfeiture Laws Read More »
You might think you are safe to do what you please when you are out in the woods or on the lake. But you would be wrong, as evidenced by some of the citations issued and arrests made by the conservation officers of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Some of these stories will
Arrests By Conservation Officers Can Lead to Serious Criminal Charges Read More »
In 1993, police stumbled upon a situation which would be the source of much controversy and disagreement regarding exactly when a person is drunk driving. On a very early June morning, two Naperville police officers found a person asleep in his car, which was parked in an apartment complex parking lot. The car’s engine was
Why Sleeping Off a Few Drinks in Your Car Can Result in a DUI Read More »
When law enforcement officials are investigating a crime or pursuing a suspect, they tend to expect complete cooperation from those they detain and/or question during the course of that investigation. When someone attempts to repel police orders or questions, whether by physical force, being misleading, or withholding information, they could very easily find themselves facing
The Difference Between Resisting Arrest and Obstruction of Justice Read More »
Perhaps you have heard the saying that “ignorance of the law is not a defense.” While that may be true, there are a number of legally sound strategies a competent and practiced criminal defense attorney might use to aid clients who may or may not have a full understanding of the law. If one feels
Criminal Defense Strategies Read More »
After enjoying a few drinks at Happy Hour, three adult friends got into one’s car. Can you fill in the rest of the story? In the best case scenario, they had been drinking responsibly, the driver was not impaired, and all got home safely. But what if their driver had had one or two drinks
The Price You May Pay for Letting a Friend Drive Drunk Read More »
When a driver is arrested for DUI, their vehicle-for obvious safety reasons-must be moved from the roadside where the traffic stop took place. Illinois police have four options for dealing with a DUI-involved vehicle, ranging from releasing the vehicle immediately to seizing it and selling it. Best Case Scenario: Sober Passenger Drives If the drunk
If I Am Arrested for DUI – Can the Police Take My Car Read More »
An incident of kidnapping frequently conjures thoughts of ransom notes or phone calls from an individual using some device to disguise their voice. However, more and more cases of kidnapping involve disputes between parents that result in Amber Alerts and loss of visitation privileges or worse. Parental Kidnapping In many cases involving divorce and child
Kidnapping Your Own Child – Yes, You Can Be Charged Read More »
There is little question that the public’s attitude toward the use of marijuana has begun to shift substantially in recent years. Many states, including Illinois, now have a medical cannabis program, and several states have gone so far as to legalize recreational marijuana use. While the long-term effects of smoking marijuana may be similar to
Arrests Made in Chicago Synthetic Marijuana Case Read More »
The use of opioid medication and synthetic opioid drugs has become more and more problematic throughout the last few years. According to the U.S Department of Health and Human Services, 11.5 million people misused opioids in 2016 alone. Over 64,000 people died of overdosing on these powerful drugs during the same year. Often, people become
Fentanyl Increasingly Found in Heroin Read More »
Even if you have never participated in one, most people are familiar with breathalyzer tests. When a person is stopped by police on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI), officers will ask him or her to blow into a portable breath device which measures the amount of alcohol on a person’s breath. This information
What Happens if You Refuse a DUI Breathalyzer Test? Read More »
