Criminal Defense Blog | Joliet, IL Legal Updates

Changes to Expungement Law Could Make a Major Difference for Many

Expungement & Record Sealing / May 18, 2017

The Illinois Criminal Identification Act (ICIA) governs numerous components of the state’s criminal system, including regulations about expungement of a person’s criminal record, and in recent months, it has undergone a major change. Since the law’s official modifications went into effect on January 1, 2017, some ex-convicts in Illinois have seen their lives change for […]

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The Difference Between Theft, Burglary, and Robbery Charges in Illinois

Theft / May 18, 2017

The terms theft, burglary, and robbery are often used synonymously and interchangeably in daily conversation, but the three are not the same. While your friends and family understand it to mean that items were taken without knowledge or approval, in a court of law, these terms indicate various behaviors and thus carry a variety of

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Resisting Arrest Can Lead to Serious Trouble

Criminal Defense / May 17, 2017

One of the most widely covered news stories of 2014 revolved around the death of Eric Garner in New York City. The circumstances surrounding his case have been hotly debated, as some insisted that the actions of the police were unwarranted, while others maintained that Garner’s own actions in resisting arrest ultimately led to his

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Filing a Pre-Trial Motion to Dismiss Criminal Charges

Criminal Defense / May 16, 2017

An effective criminal defense attorney will not wait for a case to go to trial before mounting a defense of his client. For example, the attorney might consider filing a pre-trial motion to dismiss the charges. The motion must be filed within a reasonable time after the defendant has been arraigned and can be filed

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Restricted Driving Permits Joliet Illinois

Driver's License Reinstatement / May 12, 2017

When your driving privileges have been suspended or revoked due to a conviction of driving under the influence (DUI) or other violations, your life can be greatly affected. It may be extremely difficult for you to continue working, to attend school, or to attend alcohol education programs in accordance with court directives. Depending on the

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My Child Was Arrested for Theft. Now What?

Theft / May 11, 2017

Your teen told you they were out with friends—perhaps friends you have met dozens of times and you know their parents. At first, you thought the call was a joke or a prank. Then the realization sets in that your child has been arrested for shoplifting, but they are letting you take them home for

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Domestic Battery – Violence Inside The House

Domestic Violence / May 10, 2017

Accusations of domestic abuse are serious and may carry lasting penalties. While many understand that this type of crime is no laughing matter, there are other aspects of these charges that are alarming to those accused. For instance, you may be surprised to find out that you do not need to be married or even

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Preparing to Meet With a Criminal Defense Attorney

Criminal Defense / April 28, 2017

When you have been arrested on suspicion of drug possession , driving under the influence (DUI) , assault , or any other criminal offense , you need an attorney who will fight to protect your rights. Once you hire an attorney, however, there are a number of things you can to be proactive on your

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Proposed Bill Would Curtail Practice of Asset Forfeiture

Criminal Defense / April 28, 2017

Did you know that if law enforcement officials believe that your property or assets were involved in the commission of a crime , they can legally seize the property in question? Under civil asset forfeiture laws in Illinois, you could lose your property even if you are never charged with a crime, let alone convicted.

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Driving Under the Influence in Illinois

Criminal Defense / April 27, 2017

Statistics from the Secretary of State’s office show that while there were fewer alcohol-related fatalities in recent years, the proportion of fatalities to which alcohol contributed has remained relatively stagnant, hovering around 40 percent except for one anomalous year. It is difficult for one to contemplate these figures; if the influence of alcohol were removed

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FOID Applications for Convicted Felons

Gun Crimes / April 18, 2017

In most states across the U.S., conviction on a felony charge can lead to a person losing many civil rights, some temporarily and others permanently. In Illinois, one of the rights a person stands to lose upon conviction of felony charges is the right to firearms ownership. While the loss of this right is not

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What Laws Are in Place to Address Underage Drinking and Driving?

Juvenile Crimes / April 15, 2017

Underage drinking and driving is an ongoing problem all across the country, with a surplus of eye-opening statistics that illuminate the reality that the problem is not going to disappear anytime soon. Sadly, in many cases, minors gain access to alcohol because adults provide it for them. While we cannot always control where or how

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