During a roadside DUI stop in Illinois, an officer may ask you to blow into a handheld portable breath test (PBT) before deciding whether to make an arrest. Your rights when it comes to the PBT differ from the breath test given after an arrest, and knowing the difference matters. The three types of tests […]
Should You Refuse a Portable Breath Test During a DUI Investigation Read More »
Many people may not know this until it is too late, but police in Illinois can seize your property even if you have not been convicted of a crime. Asset forfeiture can result in the loss of your car, home, or other possessions while creating a major burden for you and your family. Civil Asset
Property Seizure May Occur In Illinois Even if There is No Conviction Read More »
The use of opioids such as heroin, hydrocodone, morphine, oxycodone and fentanyl can be extremely dangerous. These opium-derived drugs are highly addictive and are almost impossible to quit once a person has become dependent on them. Often, a person becomes addicted to opioids after an injury or illness necessitates the use of pain management medicine.
Opioid Use Still on the Rise Read More »
If a police officer pulls you over and suspects you of driving under the influence in Illinois, one of the first things you may be asked to do is perform field sobriety tests at the roadside. Knowing your rights before you decide whether to comply can make a real difference in your case. The three
Should You Refuse DUI Field Sobriety Testing Read More »
Currently, eight states and Washington D.C. have legalized recreational marijuana. Other states—including Illinois-have made medical marijuana legal if it is prescribed by a medical doctor for specified conditions. In Illinois, however, it is still against the law for anyone else to purchase, use, or carry marijuana. There is a lot of misinformation regarding cannabis and
Three Myths Regarding Illinois Marijuana Laws Read More »
Anyone who has been arrested or convicted of a crime in the past can tell you how having a misdemeanor or felony record can hinder one’s ability to apply for a job, housing, a loan, or even admission into school. However, the outlook for offenders may be looking up with the implementation of new laws
Illinois Expands the Sealing and Expungement of Criminal Records Read More »
The nation’s first juvenile court system was established in Cook County, Illinois, in 1899. The system was intended to address the reality that adolescents are different from adults. Unlike “adult” courts, juvenile courts traditionally focus on educating and rehabilitating young offenders and keeping them from returning to a life of crime. In the nearly 120
New Law Promises to Give Juveniles More Opportunities Read More »
At any given time, there are about 1.5 million adults behind bars in American jails, prisons, and other correctional facilities. In Illinois alone, correction centers house an average of about 46,000 men and women on an average day. While there will always be concerns about wrongful convictions and widespread problems in the criminal justice system,
New Illinois Law Permits Electronic Tablet Use by Inmates for Good Behavior Read More »
If you enjoy hunting or target shooting or even just carrying a pocket knife, Illinois can be a tricky place to live, particularly if you live in or near the city of Chicago. Even the most well-intentioned citizens—including Illinois’ 2.1 million FOID card holders—can find it hard to stay current and compliant with all of
4 Reminders for Illinois Firearms and Knife Owners in 2018 Read More »
Many people do not wait until they are of the legal age to start drinking. Sometimes, those who are under age 21 gain access to alcohol when an older friend or relative purchases it for them, they attend a party at which alcohol is available, or they sneak into a bar. While some adults see
Is Your Child Facing Underage Drinking Charges? Read More »
Young drivers can easily find themselves in serious legal trouble in any number of ways, including repeated speeding offenses (particularly in work/school zones), for example, or driving under the influence. Distracted driving due to smartphone use is another common problem with young drivers, who need to be aware of the 2014 Illinois law that calls
Crucial Traffic Stop Tips for Young Drivers AND Their Parents Read More »
The development and evolution of various social media platforms has allowed teens and pre-teens to spend more time interacting through the use of short text messages, images, and video. However, with all the positive applications these programs offer, there seems to be a rising occurrence of juvenile crimes being committed on or through the use
Social Media and Juvenile Crimes Read More »
