The news often features reports of celebrity defendants who check themselves into drug or alcohol rehabilitation programs in an effort to gain leniency when faced with the prospect of criminal charges. In some instances, a judge may grant a defendant an opportunity to redeem themselves in order to avoid a stricter sentence. The use of […]
The Benefit of Completing a Diversion Program in Illinois Read More »
In 2013, the Illinois legislature voted to override then Gov. Quinn’s amendatory veto and approved the state’s first Concealed Carry Act. The Illinois Firearm Concealed Carry Act allows duly licensed and thoroughly vetted individuals to carry concealed handguns (both loaded or unloaded). The concealed carry policy includes a stringent list of criteria and thorough application
Applying for and Obtaining an Illinois Concealed Carry Permit Read More »
The long-standing ban on spring-assisted or switchblade knives could soon come to an end should a new bill recently passed by the Illinois state legislature be signed by Governor Bruce Rauner. Currently, in Illinois, any person who knowingly makes, sells, possesses, or uses a switchblade knife is subject to a charge of unlawful use of
Legalization of Switchblades in Illinois Awaits Governor’s Signature Read More »
Over the last few months, several posts on this blog have talked about different ways in which you could have your driving privileges suspended in the state of Illinois—most of them related to driving under the influence (DUI). Make no mistake about it; a license suspension is always a serious matter. But, did you know
DUI Suspension in Illinois? Are You Eligible for the MDDP? Read More »
There is little question that gun laws in Illinois are still among the toughest in the nation. While it may not be evident based on the amount of gun violence reported on the streets of Chicago and other Illinois cities, the reality is that the illegal possession or use of a firearm can lead to
Illinois Concealed Carry Laws: Shall Issue vs. May Issue Read More »
If you watch enough television or go to the movies, then you heard the terms “assault” and “battery” used a number of times. Perhaps you even heard them used in tandem. However, a charge of assault is different than that of battery, and while both are serious, it is important to know the distinctions. What
The Difference Between Assault and Battery Read More »
According to recent estimates, more than 90 percent of American adults own and use a cell phone. This does not even account for those who use tablets or any other type of mobile electronic device. When cell phones were first introduced, their primary appeal was that they were perfect for business professional and others who
Know the Laws Regarding Cell Phone Use While Driving in Illinois Read More »
Despite the efforts of some municipalities to ban gun ownership or the sale and transfer of weapons within their city limits, owning a firearm in Illinois is completely legal. However, it is important that law-abiding citizens follow the procedures for the purchase and use of guns to ensure that they do not jeopardize their 2nd
Owning a Firearm in Illinois Read More »
You have probably seen it countless times in movies and television. A person is detained by police for questioning or arrested on suspicion of a crime, and along the way, that person demands something from the officer—usually a phone call—while declaring something to effect of “I know my rights.” Real life, of course, is often
The Consequences of Refusing a Breathalyzer Read More »
Gun violence and illegal drug activity continue to be major concerns in the greater Chicago area. The problem, however, is not limited to the inner city. Fortunately, neither are actions by law enforcement. This week, police in Will County conducted a large-scale sweep that resulted in the seizure of drugs and guns, as well as
Sweep in Will County Seizes Drugs, Illegal Firearms Read More »
According to a recent analysis of public records, law enforcement agencies and prosecutors in Cook County conducted 23,000 seizures of private property between since 2012. The study also indicated that a disproportionate number of the seizures occurred in the most poverty-stricken neighborhoods of Chicago—which also happen to be primarily communities of people of color. A
Asset Forfeiture Reform Bill Awaits Governor’s Signature Read More »
An individual charged with shoplifting may later learn they are facing a much more serious felony charge. How did this happen? What should you do? Illinois statutes lay out in detail the difference between theft and retail theft, and within the laws are provisions that allow for prosecutors to upgrade charges from misdemeanor shoplifting to
The Difference Between Misdemeanor Shoplifting and Felony Retail Theft Read More »
