When the average person thinks about shoplifting—which is a form of retail theft —he or she is likely to envision the offender slipping unpurchased merchandise into a purse, under a shirt, or into a pocket. Shoplifting charges, however, cover a broad range of activities that all deprive the store of full payment for the merchandise. […]
Popping Tags Is Still Retail Theft Read More »
Reckless driving is one of the most frequently charged traffic violations. This is due, however, to the fact that the offense is defined broadly in the law and encompasses a multitude of behaviors. From speeding to failing to slow through a curve or rapid lane changes, reckless driving remains a “go-to” charge for many law
Reckless Driving – Will County Criminal Defense Read More »
Generally, the state must bring criminal charges within a prescribed time period, known as the “statute of limitations.” This time period varies according to the crime allegedly committed, but if a particular statute is silent on the issue, then Illinois law sets forth a general timeframe: Felony charges must be brought within three years of
How Long Does the State Have to Bring Criminal Charges Against You? Read More »
When the state presses criminal charges against an individual, that person may be detained in jail or another detention facility. However, Illinois law holds that most criminal offenses are bailable before conviction, meaning that defendants may be set free on bail prior to trial. The law withholds bail “where the proof is evident” or “the
Being Released on Bail or on Your Own Recognizance Read More »
Not too long ago, an Illinois man was charged with first-degree attempted murder, aggravated battery, and aggravated discharge of a firearm after allegedly shooting two sheriff’s deputies outside his home using a semi-automatic assault rifle. The man’s aunt has since been charged with unlawfully supplying that weapon to her nephew, whose firearm owner’s identification card
Unlawfully Supplying Firearms to Someone without a FOID Card Read More »
Traffic violations are no laughing matter. They can lead to serious consequences including the suspension of your driving privileges, in some cases. A recent incident on a California highway, however, left both the driver and the police officer smiling at the unique nature of the situation in spite of the potentially costly fine. A Dream
California Man Clocked at 88 M.P.H. While Driving Iconic DeLorean Read More »
The ability to appeal a criminal conviction is a constitutionally protected right that is incredibly important to the integrity of our criminal justice system. There are various reasons you may want to appeal a criminal conviction, including: Ineffective assistance of counsel; Faulty evidentiary ruling by the court; Faulty jury instructions; Unfair or biased trial; or
Can You Appeal Your Criminal Conviction Read More »
The U.S. Supreme Court issued an opinion in Heien v. North Carolina, which asked the Court to consider whether a mistake of law justifies a traffic stop and subsequent Fourth Amendment search and seizure. The Court held that it does, but only if the legal error is objectively reasonable. The Facts of Heien A North
Fourth Amendment Searches Can Be Based on Reasonable Mistakes of Law Read More »
Generally speaking, if a person possesses an Illinois Firearm Owner’s Identification Card (FOID), he or she may own a firearm, as long as it complies with all other relevant Illinois laws. If that person also holds a valid concealed carry permit, he or she may then carry their weapon in that manner. However, many gun
Potential Pitfalls of Concealed Carry in Illinois Read More »
Although Illinois has made some major steps in their treatment of juvenile offenders, there are still collateral consequences that may impact their ability to pursue higher education. Learn more about the educational collateral consequences that juvenile offenders could face with help from the following information. You will also learn how you can protect your child
A Juvenile Adjudication Could Affect Future Education Opportunities Read More »
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
Changes to Expungement Law Could Make a Major Difference for Many Read More »
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
The Difference Between Theft, Burglary, and Robbery Charges in Illinois Read More »
