For many, this holiday season is filled with family gatherings, workplace parties, and casual get-togethers with friends. Many of these events will include the consumption of alcohol for those aged 21 or above. In Illinois, it is illegal for anyone under 21 to drink alcohol. Drinking under 21 is a Class A misdemeanor and is […]
What You Should Know About Underage Drinking This Holiday Season Read More »
The presumption of innocence is one of the most sacred principles in the American criminal justice system. The concept of “innocent until proven guilty” means that a suspect—a person accused of a crime —is presumed to be innocent until he or she has been found guilty of the crime by a court with appropriate jurisdiction.
The Importance of “Innocent Until Proven Guilty” Read More »
We frequently use this space to discuss the various nuances of gun laws in Illinois. On more than one occasion, we have presented information pertaining to the incidents of criminal gun violence in the state, the requirements for obtaining a Firearm Owners Identification Card (FOID), and even the procedure for obtaining a Concealed Carry Permit.
Avoiding Weapons Charges Through Responsible Gun Ownership Read More »
Most drivers have been pulled over for a traffic violation at some point in their lives, and they have a pretty good idea of how most such stops go. The officer pulls the driver over, approaches the car, asks for the driver’s license and registration, and addresses the alleged offense. Depending on the circumstances, the
When Does a Traffic Stop End and a Criminal Investigation Begin? Read More »
Police violence has become an extremely hot-button topic in recent years, with new examples seeming to make headlines on a regular basis. The issue has been further publicized by the protests during the national anthem by various professional athletes across the country. Advocates for reform maintain that police officers are often granted near-complete immunity from
Former Chicago Police Officer Sentenced in Shooting of Teens Read More »
During a criminal trial, the judge is responsible for the things that go on in his or her courtroom. He or she oversees the proceedings, maintains order, rules on evidentiary objections, and ensures that the details of the case are properly recorded. But, what if the judge does not appear to be in complete control?
Appeals Court Upholds Verdict in “Sleeping Judge” Case Read More »
A recent post on this blog talked a little about national trends and local efforts regarding the legalization of recreational marijuana. While several lawmakers in Illinois have begun the process of trying to legalize recreational use of the drug, only approved medical use is currently legal under state law. The state’s medical marijuana program currently
Some Health Systems Are Hesitant to Recommend Medical Marijuana Read More »
In spite of efforts to thoroughly define procedures for detaining criminal suspects, the law actually provides police with a certain amount of leeway during the course of executing their duties. Although everyone is innocent until proven guilty, police often apply the somewhat vague standard of reasonable suspicion to a situation when attempting to investigate the
The Question of Reasonable Suspicion in Criminal Arrests Read More »
Just as technology makes advances on what seems like a daily basis, the laws governing the use of and access to technological devices is still evolving. A case currently making its way through Illinois courts addresses just this issue, and, as it stands, law enforcement now can require an owner to unlock their cell phone
Do You Have to Unlock Your Phone for the Police? Read More »
In an ideal world, nobody would be above the law. Our world, of course, is not perfect, and many individuals—especially business leaders and politicians—seem to get away with things that the average citizen would not. For at least one former Illinois state representative, however, this does not appear to be the case, as she is
Longtime Illinois Lawmaker Charged With Retail Theft Read More »
Domestic violence is a problem that continues to plague tens of thousands of families across the country. Despite countless awareness programs, educational campaigns, and victim empowerment efforts, as many as one in three women and one in four men will experience domestic violence at the hands of an intimate partner at least once in their
Understanding Domestic Battery in Illinois Read More »
The city of Chicago has been making headlines across the country due to recent spikes in violent crime. Gun violence remains a major problem throughout the region and law enforcement officials continue to look for ways to combat the issue. As part of that effort, city officials recently conducted extensive research regarding thousands of firearms
Chicago Releases Gun Trace Report Read More »
