Criminal Defense

Over the last several years, the number of deaths associated with drug overdoses has skyrocketed. In 2015, more than 52,400 individuals died as the result of a drug overdose. Last year, estimates place the number of deaths at around 59,000. These statistics indicate that overdose deaths now claim more lives each year than auto accidents […]

Criminal prosecution typically begins with an arrest. It is important to understand Illinois law regarding arrest procedures because if the authorities violate a defendant’s rights from the get-go, it could prejudice the state’s case. The following comes into play when a peace officer is allowed to make an arrest: The officer has a warrant ordering

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

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

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

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

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

One of the most widely covered news stories of 2014 revolved around the death of Eric Garner in New York City. The circumstances surrounding his case have been hotly debated, as some insisted that the actions of the police were unwarranted, while others maintained that Garner’s own actions in resisting arrest ultimately led to his

An effective criminal defense attorney will not wait for a case to go to trial before mounting a defense of his client. For example, the attorney might consider filing a pre-trial motion to dismiss the charges. The motion must be filed within a reasonable time after the defendant has been arraigned and can be filed

Did you know that if law enforcement officials believe that your property or assets were involved in the commission of a crime , they can legally seize the property in question? Under civil asset forfeiture laws in Illinois, you could lose your property even if you are never charged with a crime, let alone convicted.