Consider any traffic stop in which you have ever been involved. Even in a simple stop for something such as a broken tail light, this formality is a form of a seizure, which is addressed the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. When a stop is performed without just and reasonable suspicion, any charges that […]
Reasonable Suspicion and DUI Charges Read More »
The state of Illinois has long been known for its strict laws regarding the ownership of firearms and other issues related to weapons. In fact, Illinois was the last state in the nation to even create a process for issuing concealed carry permits, doing so in 2012 only after a federal appeals court found that
U.S. Supreme Court Rejects Illinois Concealed Carry Appeal Read More »
If you are not normally a drinker and recently went out with friends, you may have found yourself in an unfortunate circumstance—a delayed sense of intoxication that ultimately resulted in a DUI charge. What is this phenomenon, though, and why is it important? What is Delayed Intoxication? Delayed intoxication is exactly what the phrase implies:
DUI Charges and Delayed Intoxication Read More »
For several decades now, the golden question regarding juvenile crimes has been why we try juveniles and adults differently for similar crimes. More specifically, many wonder why those as old as seventeen years of age (nearly adults) are still considered “youth” in a court of law, instead of adult offenders. Experts have studied the psychological
Why Are Juveniles Held to a Different Standard of Accountability Under the Law? Read More »
When an individual has been charged with a crime, he or she is presumed to be innocent until he or she is proven guilty in a court of law. In a criminal case, the burden of proof is the highest in any area of the law, and justifiably so. Other areas of law deal primarily
The Burden of Proof in a Criminal Case Read More »
The causes for youth crime are just as diverse as the reasons behind adult crime with some leading to nothing more than a one-time offense, while others result in repetitive, problematic behaviors that continue for much of the offender’s lifetime. Delinquent acts, as they are referred to in the juvenile justice system, can be triggered
Factors That Place Youth at Risk for Juvenile Delinquency Read More »
Earlier this year, Governor Bruce Rauner announced a lofty goal: he wants to reduce the state’s prison population by 25 percent by the year 2025. Several initiatives and criminal law reform laws have been put into place since that announcement, and all are aimed at achieving that goal. Is it really working, though, or do
Illinois Criminal Law Reform Aims to Reduce Recidivism Rates Read More »
In the realm of criminal law, the word “juvenile” is used to describe suspects and offenders under the age of eighteen. Juveniles are responsible for a large number of everyday offenses, often taking place in our schools, on our streets, and in our neighborhood establishments. Similar to adult crimes, juvenile crimes can include everything from
Criminal Trends and Common Juvenile Offenses Read More »
In the state of Illinois, there is a little-known law that can leave those suspected of, arrested for, charged with, or convicted of a crime in a serious financial bind. Even worse is that law enforcement is often profiting from their misfortunes. The statute regarding civil forfeiture may allow the police to seize your assets
Asset Forfeiture Has Become a Police For-Profit Business in Illinois Read More »
As we begin the winter holiday season, you will probably start to see reports of DUI checkpoints being set up throughout the Chicago region. Beginning with the night before Thanksgiving and continuing through New Year’s Day, these checkpoints are designed to be a deterrent for drunk drivers and to get those who are intoxicated off
DUI Checkpoints: Are They Constitutional? Read More »
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 »
