When a person is arrested on suspicion of criminal charges , he or she has certain rights that must be protected. Of course, a criminal defendant has the right to remain silent and the right to due process. He or she also has the right to be fully informed about the processes that lie ahead. […]
Man Spends Five Months in Jail Unaware of $2 Bail Read More »
Sexual offenses and sexual assault charges can have lasting and significant implications for those who are convicted. Not only do you stand to face jail time, fines, and a criminal record, it is also likely that you will have to register as a sex offender. Akin to wearing a scarlet letter, the ramifications of registering
Understanding the Basics of the Sex Offender Registration Requirements in Illinois Read More »
Identity theft , in all of its various forms, is an increasingly growing problem all across the nation, causing consumers and business owners alike to sit up and take note of such troublesome trends. CBS News announced that in 2014 alone, IBM reported that more than one billion records containing personal information were leaked. Additionally,
Everyday Identity Theft: Three Common Forms of Credit Card Fraud Read More »
Are you facing felony charges ? A felony is any crime that is punishable by at least one year in an Illinois state prison. Misdemeanor charges, on the other hand, include a prison sentence of a year or less, depending on the severity. If you are facing felony charges, it is important that you consult
Illinois Felony Punishment Breakdown Read More »
A recent study by the American Civil Liberties Union and Human Rights Watch included some staggering statics about drug possession charges. According to the study, every 25 seconds, a person is arrested for a drug crime. The rates of arrest for possession or use of drugs has increased dramatically since President Nixon’s “War on Drugs”
Illinois Decriminalizes Low-Level Marijuana Possession Read More »
In Illinois, some criminal charges can be diverted to a specialty court. These alternative solutions —also known as diversion court—give you the chance to prove to the courts that your mistake was just a one-time occurrence. As long as you successfully complete the terms of your diversion, the criminal charge does not go on your
When you are facing domestic violence accusations of any kind, the potential consequences are grave, especially if you lack the proper knowledge and legal representation necessary to defend your case. Whether you are indeed guilty of committing a domestic violence crime or you feel you are being unjustly accused, the moment you are at risk
Facing Domestic Battery Charges: Three Actions that Can Damage Your Case Read More »
Did you know that the United States has the highest incarceration rate in the world? According to recent data, there are currently over 2.2 million people in prisons and jails across the nation, some serving short sentences and some facing life in prison. For every 100,000 people in America, there are 698 in jail or
Incarceration in America Read More »
A Davenport man with two former drug convictions on his record is now facing a new criminal drug charge. Because he has had two convictions in the past, and because he was on probation at the time of his most recent arrest, he is likely to face even higher penalties if convicted. Unfortunately, it is
Subsequent Drug Charges Are a Serious Matter in Illinois Read More »
When facing a possible felony conviction, most defendants automatically turn their thoughts to the time they stand to serve in prison. This is an understandable reaction. However, there are consequences that extend well beyond the term of your sentence. In fact, a felony conviction – be it for sexual assault, first degree murder, or a
Collateral Consequences of a Felony Conviction in Illinois Read More »
While most citizens know they have the right to an attorney, the right to remain silent, and the right to privacy in their own home, they do not fully understand what these rights mean. Add in the fear of crossing a police officer and it is no mystery why so many fail to fully exercise
Exercising Your Rights During an Arrest: What You Need to Know Read More »
When a person is arrested on suspicion of a crime, there is likely to be a significant amount of time between the arrest and eventual trial. During that period, the court has three options: the defendant can remain in jail until trial; the defendant can be released on his or her own recognizance after promising
Cook County Study Suggests Judges Are Ignoring Bail Guidelines Read More »
