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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
Possession/DUI Laws During Festival Season
Summer is almost here in Chicago, meaning a calendar full of street festivals and concerts nearly every weekend. After a cold winter inside, events like Lollapalooza, Pitchfork Music Festival, Do Division, and Jazz Fest feel
Expunging/Sealing Criminal Records in Illinois
In many instances, you are able to request that your criminal records are expunged or sealed after a period of time after the offense occurred. There are differences between expunging and sealing. Expunging vs. Sealing
Public Urination Ordinance in Chicago
According to DNA Info, the places you are most likely to get a ticket for public urination are “typically close to a train station, a boozy stretch of nightclubs or both.” Areas like Division and
Assault Charges Under Illinois Law
Under Illinois law, an individual commits “assault” when, “without lawful authority, he or she knowingly engages in conduct which places another in reasonable apprehension of receiving a battery.” That means that assault is committed when
Unlawful Possession of Ammunition in Illinois
To legally possess a firearm in the State of Illinois an individual must carry and maintain a Firearms Owners Identification (FOID) card. However, you may not know that a FOID card is also required to
Domestic Battery in Illinois
The most serious misdemeanor offense you can face in Illinois is Domestic Battery (720 ILCS 5/12-3.2). Only a DUI (625 ILCS 5/11-503) may jeopardize your career, family circumstances, and personal life as much as a
Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding
In addition to Driving Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol (625 ILCS 5/11-501) or Reckless Driving (625 ILCS 5/11-503), there are other traffic offenses in Illinois that are serious, such as Aggravated Fleeing or
Unlawful Use of a Weapon in Illinois
Weapon and firearm offenses are serious criminal cases for prosecuting attorneys in both Federal and Illinois State courts. A common charge is Unlawful Use of a Weapon. Though other weapon types fall under this charge,