Early this week, a federal judge imposed sanctions against the city of Chicago and one of its veteran attorneys for concealing evidence in a trial concerning a fatal police shooting from 2011. The attorney resigned just hours later but, along with the city, has been ordered to pay attorney’s fees to the plaintiffs that will
Retrial Ordered in Fatal Police Shooting Read More »
Even as efforts to decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana in Illinois continue, many thousands of people are estimated to use the drug on at least a casual basis. In fact, marijuana is the most frequently-used illegal drug in the United States. While that in and of itself may not be particularly surprising, recent
Study Examines Increasing Rate of Marijuana-Use Disorder Read More »
The confidentiality of client-lawyer communications is bedrock constitutional right in our criminal justice system. However, recent revelations have shown cracks in the confidentiality of those communications when clients are in jail. Not everyone in jail has even been convicted of a crime; some are just unable to make bail and are awaiting trial. The Securus
How Secure Are Attorney-Client Communications in Prison? Read More »
A young man appeared in Cook County Bond Court this past weekend, charged with obstruction of justice and the concealment of a death. The allegations against the 23-year-old Midlothian man are connected to the death of his 25-year-old roommate, which the man claims occurred more than two weeks ago. The court decided to hold the
Illinois Man Charged With Concealing Roommate’s Body and Obstruction of Justice Read More »
Despite creating no legal precedent, the Supreme Court of the United States seemed to send a strong signal this week regarding its position on the rights of municipalities to enact strict gun control laws. By a vote of 7-2, the nation’s high court elected not to hear the challenge to a local ordinance restricting the
U.S. Supreme Court Declines Highland Park Gun Law Case Read More »
Under Illinois law you may be guilty of a crime even if you have not yet successfully completed a criminal action. Illinois has three main categories of actions that are punishable in the criminal justice system, even if a “full” crime was not committed. These categories are attempt, conspiracy, and solicitation. Sometimes these are called
What is an Attempted Crime in Illinois? Read More »
It has taken more than two years of political wrangling, red tape, and bureaucratic delays, but legalized, medical marijuana is now a reality in Illinois. The state’s first seven dispensaries officially opened for business last week, and initial sales have been brisk, as some 3300 registered patients have been waiting for the opportunity to purchase
Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Rake in More than $200,000 in First Week of Sales Read More »
A Pinellas County (Florida) Sheriff’s deputy has sent a formal letter of apology to a municipal department police chief for his inappropriate behavior at a conference and awards ceremony hosted by the public interest group Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) earlier this summer. The statewide MADD event was organized to provide training and to recognize
Florida Deputy Too Drunk to Receive Award from Mothers Against Drunk Driving Read More »
Have you have ever scrolled through eBay, or a similar auction site, looking for bargains? With nearly 160 million active user accounts on eBay alone, chances are pretty good that you or someone in your family checks out available deals at least occasionally. Online commerce has created an entirely new opportunity for bargain-hunters, but authorities
Too Good to Be True Online Deals May Be Stolen Property Read More »
In the last several years, neighborhoods and towns around Illinois and throughout the country have been enacted laws intended to reduce crime. Some of them, however, have had serious unintended consequences, particularly for victims of domestic violence. Presumably designed to make cities safer, these laws, known as “crime-free” or “nuisance property” ordinances impose fines and
New Law Prevents Domestic Violence Calls from Leading to Eviction Read More »
Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner continued to demonstrate his unwillingness to amend the state’s medical marijuana pilot program until it finally gets off the ground by illegal drug possession ” vetoing a proposal that would have added several ailments to the list of qualifying conditions. The proposed measure would have added, among others, post-traumatic stress disorder,
Governor Refuses to Add PTSD to Medical Marijuana Conditions List Read More »
You are probably aware that if you receive too many traffic citations , your driving privileges can be suspended. It is likely of little surprise, as state authorities have a vested interest in keeping the roads of Illinois as safe as possible. Prior to 2015, however, you could also have your driver’s license confiscated as
Sign and Drive: Get a Ticket, Keep Your License Read More »
