rfenbert
Unlawful Use of Firearms in Illinois
The Chicago Tribune reported a sharp spike in gun sales this month. Permit applications have increased by 501%. Between June 1 and June 17, more than 42,000 Illinois residents submitted a Firearms Owners Identification (FOID)
Institutional Vandalism and Property Damage Charges
The recent country-wide protests and marches in support of the Black Lives Matter movement have caused a sharp increase in vandalism. Parties from all sides of the issues at hand have been arrested. In Illinois,
Theft is the Most Common Criminal Charge in Illinois
Theft, also known as larceny, is one of the most common criminal offenses in the city of Chicago and the state of Illinois. Sentencing and penalties for theft offenses vary drastically depending on the value
Disorderly Conduct and Burglary Are Most Common Charges for Rioters
Protests in Chicago and cities around the country turned violent last weekend as thousands marched in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. When protests turn into riots, the most common charges people face are
Fleeing a Police Officer is a Class A Misdemeanor
Since mid-March, Chicago law enforcement has adamantly enforced social distancing rules. These rules include wearing face coverings in public, maintaining a six-foot distance from others, and avoiding congregating in large groups. Failure to comply can
Understanding Domestic Violence Charges
Domestic violence calls in Chicago have risen in the wake of the city’s shelter-in-place order. Since suspected abusers and potential victims are living in close quarters under a great deal of stress, incidents of domestic
Chicago Businesses Cited and Fined for Disobeying Stay-at-Home Order
This week, the city of Chicago fined eight local businesses a total of $120,000 for disobeying the current stay-at-home order. According to Book Club Chicago, the city has conducted almost 700 investigations into businesses since
Impersonating a Police Officer is a Class 4 Felony in Illinois
Several people have been pulled over or robbed in recent weeks by someone impersonating a police officer. Though this isn’t a brand new trend, incidents involving fake cops have risen since many states issued shelter-in-place
Electronic Harassment Could Result in a Misdemeanor or Felony Charge
In light of the global COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, many people are turning to the Internet and electronics to stay in touch with each other. Relying on apps and online services for communication presents unique opportunities
Domestic Violence and Domestic Battery Charges in Illinois
Domestic violence and domestic battery charges in the state of Illinois range from Class A Misdemeanors to Class 2 Felonies. The Illinois Domestic Violence Act of 1986 (720 ILCS 60) recognizes domestic violence as a
Violating a Stay-at-Home Order Could Result in a Misdemeanor Charge
Beginning today, Saturday, March 21, through Tuesday, April 7, Illinois residents must comply with a stay-at-home order. Governor Pritzker issued the order in response to a rise in COVID-19 (coronavirus) cases around the state in
Bail Bonds in Cook County: Everything You Need to Know
Paying bail bonds in Cook County can be confusing and overwhelming, especially for those living paycheck to paycheck. At a time when many people are facing unexpected delays in income, having a criminal defense attorney
Theft of Motor Vehicle Parts or Accessories in Illinois
As outlined by Illinois Statute 625-5/4-102, it is illegal in Illinois to steal car parts or damage a vehicle that doesn’t belong to you. The offense is classified as a Class A Misdemeanor. However, many
Understanding Disorderly Conduct Charges in Illinois
Depending on who you ask, the phrase “disorderly conduct” can mean a variety of things. However, the state of Illinois’ interpretation is the only definition that matters. Even more important to know? According to Illinois
Public Intoxication Laws in Illinois to Keep In Mind For St. Patrick’s Day
During the lull between Mardi Gras and St. Patrick’s Day, it’s wise to review public intoxication and alcohol-related laws. In the state of Illinois, it is not illegal to be out and about while under
New Penalties for Revenge Porn Under SB 1507
As of January 1, 2020, Senate Bill 1507 grants revenge porn victims the right to recover damages from the party responsible for circulating pornographic images of them without consent. It’s known as The Civil Remedies
Illinois Increases Fines for Scott’s Law Violators
This year in Illinois, fines more than doubled for drivers violating Senate Bill 1862, commonly referred to as Scott’s Law. While technically a traffic violation, authorities could cite additional charges depending on the unique circumstances
Unlawful Use of a Weapon Charge
A common charge in the state of Illinois is Unlawful Use of a Weapon. Often, this charge will be related to firearms, but the law includes other weapons as well, such as knives, explosives, tasers,
Concealed Carry of Firearms in Illinois
Gun owners in Illinois are required to maintain a valid Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) card. This license enables individuals in the state to legally possess firearms and ammunition. Residents looking to carry their handguns concealed
Criminal Damage to Property in Illinois
Halloween is a good time to review Criminal Damage to Property charges in Illinois. This holiday encourages harmless pranks and antics, but sometimes young people can get carried away, make mistakes, and need the assistance
Burglary in the State of Illinois
There are a variety of burglary charges that defendants may encounter depending on the circumstances of their arrest. Let’s review a few of the most common types of burglary charges that individuals face in Illinois
Driving Under the Influence of Marijuana
One of the most common driving offenses in the state of Illinois is Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol. In addition to DUIs written for those under the influence of alcohol, Illinois also prosecutes individuals
Impounded Vehicles in Chicago
There are a variety of reasons that your vehicle may be impounded by the City of Chicago. In the past, we have explored how the City generates a lot of revenue through vehicle impoundment by
Drinking in Public in Chicago
Summer in Chicago provides residents with many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors before we are forced inside for another winter. It also provides Chicago Police with many opportunities to write citations for residents drinking alcohol
Reckless Driving in Illinois
In addition to Driving Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol (625 ILCS 5/11-501) or Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding (625 ILCS 5/11-204.1), there are other traffic offenses in Illinois that are serious, such as Reckless
Weapons Charges in Illinois
There are a variety of factors that determine the type and severity of weapon charges a defendant may face in Illinois. Illinois has strict gun laws, but weapon charges are not limited to guns. According
Alcohol-Related Charges Common in Illinois
People all across Chicago and Illinois will be celebrating the 4th of July weekend with friends and family at barbecues, fireworks displays, and parties. Many of these celebrations will have alcohol present for guests to
Criminal Trespass Charge in the State of Illinois
Charges for criminal trespass in Illinois range from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class 4 felony depending on the subsection that is violated. Criminal trespass subsections in Illinois law include: Criminal Trespass to Vehicles
Court Supervision in Illinois
Many of my clients ask me, “What is supervision?” In Illinois, if you are charged with a misdemeanor criminal offense you are most likely eligible for “Court Supervision” even if you are found guilty after
Standardized Field Sobriety Tests and Portable Breath Tests
In the State of Illinois, there are number of tests that a law enforcement officer may administer if they suspect a motorist to be intoxicated. First, an officer will administer the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests