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 »
Any arrest, regardless of whether it is a misdemeanor or felony offense, can have a negative effect on your life for years to come. That single incident can deter your ability to find employment, enroll in school, and can impact other activities that require a criminal background check. However, with the help of an experienced
How to Get Your Criminal Record Expunged 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 »
Finding yourself in police custody facing drug possession or distribution charges is a serious matter. Both charges may result in serious consequences and penalties, but the severity of the punishment as well as opportunities for relief depend on the type of illegal substance and the amount or weight of the material in your possession at
Is it Drug Possession or Drug Distribution? It Makes a Difference Read More »
First, it must be stressed that at no times should anyone operate a motor vehicle after consuming alcohol or while under the influence of drugs; the consequences of doing so could be life altering. However, even the most well-intentioned individuals make mistakes and could find themselves facing a long and expensive journey through the legal
A DUI Does Not Always Result in Lost Driving Privileges 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 »
In a recent post on this blog, we talked a little bit about the differences between two common types of property crimes—specifically the offenses of theft and robbery. That post also made reference to a third offense that is often lumped in with the other two despite being rather different. The crime of burglary is
Illinois Property Crimes: Burglary Read More »
If you ever watch the news or skim local newspaper, you have probably heard reports of countless individuals who were arrested on suspicion of a wide variety of criminal offenses. When the crime in question involves the taking of someone else’s property , there are several charges that could be brought against the suspect. While
Illinois Property Crimes: Theft and Robbery Read More »
Fireworks have been used as a form of celebration around the world for about 1,500 years—longer if you count pre-gunpowder displays featuring fire and bamboo. Thus, on certain holidays, including Independence Day, it is hardly unusual to hear the screams of whistling fountains, the bangs of bottle rockets, and the percussive booms of large flowering
More Than 100 Shootings Around Chicago Over July 4th Holiday Weekend Read More »
