Blog Category: Criminal Law

• What Is a "Terry Stop" – And Is It Legal?"

   Posted on March 26, 2025

• What Happens if You Run Away From Police?

   Posted on March 12, 2025

• Can Employers Discriminate Based on a Criminal Record?

   Posted on January 09, 2025

• Will I Go to Jail for a Home Invasion Conviction? 

   Posted on December 18, 2024

• How is Reckless Homicide Punished in Illinois? 

   Posted on December 12, 2024

• What is Jail Like? 

   Posted on December 04, 2024

• Dos and Don’ts of Fighting a Criminal Charge in Illinois

   Posted on November 29, 2024

• When Is It a Good Idea to Take a Plea Deal?

   Posted on October 31, 2024

• When Can I Claim Self-Defense in Illinois?

   Posted on September 05, 2024

• What If I Get Caught Driving With a Suspended License?

   Posted on August 21, 2024

• Are There Any Defenses For Carjacking Charges?

   Posted on August 12, 2024

• Traffic Cameras Lead to More Arrests

   Posted on June 28, 2024

• Positive Newborn Drug Tests No Longer Sent to Police

   Posted on June 20, 2024

• How False Domestic Violence Arrests Happen

   Posted on April 29, 2024

• Do I Have to Answer the Door for the Police?

   Posted on April 05, 2024

• The Mutual Combat Defense in Illinois

   Posted on March 06, 2024

• Options for Avoiding Jail Time

   Posted on February 13, 2024

• Why You Should Not Answer Police Questions If Arrested

   Posted on January 21, 2024

• Can You Get Felony Charges Reduced to a Misdemeanor?

   Posted on January 14, 2024

• Claiming Self-Defense Against Assault Charges

   Posted on November 22, 2023

• Possible Penalties for Misdemeanor Convictions in Illinois

   Posted on November 11, 2023

• Do You Need a Lawyer for a Misdemeanor Charge?

   Posted on October 31, 2023

• When Should You Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

   Posted on September 15, 2023

• What You Need to Know About Attorney-Client Privilege in Criminal Law

   Posted on August 26, 2023

• Legal Consequences for Shoplifting

   Posted on August 18, 2023

• What is the Crime of Embezzlement in Illinois?

   Posted on August 16, 2023

• Understanding Aggravated Battery in Illinois: Exploring Key Aspects

   Posted on August 07, 2023

• Driving While High on Marijuana vs. Driving Drunk

   Posted on August 01, 2023

• What Constitutes a Home Invasion in Illinois?

   Posted on July 21, 2023

• Does Domestic Violence Always Include Physical Violence?

   Posted on July 14, 2023

• Examples of Property Crimes in Illinois: A Brief Overview

   Posted on July 08, 2023

• Should I Talk to Friends and Family About My Criminal Case?

   Posted on June 27, 2023

• Understanding How Social Media Can Affect Criminal Proceedings

   Posted on June 21, 2023

• I Got into a Bar Fight and Was Charged with Assault. Could I Go to Prison?

   Posted on May 31, 2023

• What Makes a Great Criminal Defense Attorney?

   Posted on May 04, 2023

• How Do I Know if My Rights Were Violated When I Got Pulled Over for DUI?

   Posted on April 07, 2023

• Under Age Drinking is Not Tolerated under Illinois Law

   Posted on March 16, 2023

• Defense Strategies For Sex Crimes

   Posted on March 10, 2023

• What is an Aggravated DUI in Illinois?

   Posted on February 27, 2023

• Understanding the Professional and Personal Consequences of a Criminal Conviction

   Posted on February 17, 2023

• I Was Charged with Theft; Could I Go to Prison? 

   Posted on February 13, 2023

• Weighing Your Options: What Are the Benefits and Drawbacks of Going to Trial in a Criminal Case? 

   Posted on February 06, 2023

• What to Know About First-Time DUI in Illinois

   Posted on January 25, 2023

• What Kind of Evidence May Be Included in a Distracted Driving Case? 

   Posted on January 19, 2023

• What to Know About the Illinois Diversion Program for Drug Crime Defendants

   Posted on January 11, 2023

• Different Ways Your DUI Case May Not Result in a Guilty Verdict 

   Posted on December 31, 2022

• Why Are People Found Guilty of Crimes They Did Not Commit? 

   Posted on December 26, 2022

• Understanding the Penalties for Theft Charges This Holiday Season 

   Posted on December 19, 2022

• What to Do if You Have Been Accused of Domestic Violence

   Posted on November 21, 2022

• Three Tips for Beating a Sex Crime Charge in Arlington Heights

   Posted on November 04, 2022

• What to Know About Cell Phone Tickets and Distracted Driving

   Posted on October 27, 2022

• I Am Accused of Child Molestation But I Am Innocent

   Posted on October 21, 2022

• Extreme Pranks Can Squash Your Halloween Fun

   Posted on October 13, 2022

• Responding to a False Criminal Charge - Part 2

   Posted on September 30, 2022

• The Pros and Cons of Going to Trial

   Posted on September 15, 2022

• Responding to a False Criminal Charge - Part 1

   Posted on September 09, 2022

• Can I Hide a Felony Conviction from Employers or Landlords?

   Posted on July 14, 2022

• Penalties for Boating Under the Influence in Illinois

   Posted on June 14, 2022

• Arguing Self Defense in an Assault and Battery Case

   Posted on May 27, 2022

• What is a Motion to Suppress Evidence in a Criminal Case?

   Posted on May 09, 2022

• Do I Have a Criminal Record if I Was Arrested and Charged but Not Convicted?

   Posted on April 20, 2022

• 3 Defense Strategies for Individuals Accused of Drug Crimes in Illinois

   Posted on April 06, 2022

• How to Build a Self-Defense Case For Murder Accusal in Chicago 

   Posted on February 25, 2022

• 4 Reasons People Are Wrongfully Found Guilty in Illinois

   Posted on December 23, 2021

• What Senate Bill 2129 Means for People Incarcerated in Illinois

   Posted on December 10, 2021

• How to Handle a False Accusation

   Posted on November 23, 2021

• What Are Mitigating Factors in Illinois Crimes? 

   Posted on October 18, 2021

• What Are Aggravating Factors in Illinois Crimes?

   Posted on October 11, 2021

• What is the Difference Between Assault and Battery?

   Posted on October 01, 2021

• Is Getting a Driver’s License Suspended and Revoked the Same Thing? 

   Posted on September 22, 2021

• What Is Home Invasion?

   Posted on August 30, 2021

• What’s the Difference Between Assault and Battery?

   Posted on August 23, 2021

• Interrogation Guidelines for Minors Change in Illinois

   Posted on June 14, 2021

• Do Police Need a Warrant to Search My Vehicle in Illinois?

   Posted on May 26, 2021

• Can I Be Arrested for Allowing Minors to Drink Alcohol on My Property?

   Posted on May 12, 2021

• What Does “Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity” Mean in Illinois?

   Posted on April 30, 2021

• What Makes a Person Ineligible to Own a Firearm in Illinois?

   Posted on April 15, 2021

• What Are the Consequences for Being Convicted of a Hate Crime in Illinois?

   Posted on April 08, 2021

• What Factors Could Decrease the Severity of My Criminal Sentence?

   Posted on March 16, 2021

• Understanding Court Supervision as a Sentence for Crimes in Illinois

   Posted on February 28, 2021

• When Do Police Need a Warrant to Search My Home in Illinois?

   Posted on February 02, 2021

• New Illinois Reform Bill Affects Cash Bail, Police Accountability

   Posted on January 26, 2021

• Can I Be Held Accountable for a Crime That Someone Else Committed?

   Posted on January 19, 2021

• What Are the Penalties for an Illinois Concealed Carry Violation?

   Posted on December 15, 2020

• Can I Be Charged for Leaving My Child Alone in a Vehicle in Illinois?

   Posted on December 01, 2020

• Will I Have to Stay in Jail if I Am Awaiting Trial in a Criminal Case?

   Posted on November 17, 2020

• What Are the Requirements if I Am Released from Jail on Bail?

   Posted on November 10, 2020

• Are “No-Knock” Search Warrants Legal in Illinois?

   Posted on September 28, 2020

• Can I Claim Self-Defense if I Am Charged With Assault and Battery?

   Posted on September 22, 2020

• What Are the Consequences of Unlawful Use of a Weapon in Illinois?

   Posted on September 15, 2020

• What Are the Consequences for Embezzlement Charges in Illinois?

   Posted on September 08, 2020

• What Are My Rights If I Have Been Arrested in Illinois?

   Posted on August 31, 2020

• Assaulting a Worker for Enforcing Safety Rules Is Aggravated Battery

   Posted on August 17, 2020

• How Will My Illinois Criminal Court Case Proceed During the Pandemic?

   Posted on August 10, 2020

• What Role Do Plea Bargains Play in Illinois Criminal Cases?

   Posted on July 06, 2020

• What Factors Can Increase the Severity of an Illinois Criminal Charge?

   Posted on June 10, 2020

• What Is Bail, and How Does it Work in Illinois Criminal Cases?

   Posted on May 21, 2020

• What Are the Consequences for Common Underage Alcohol-Related Crimes?

   Posted on April 28, 2020

• 3 Reasons to Hire an Illinois Criminal Defense Attorney for Your Case

   Posted on April 20, 2020

• Can I Face Charges for Disobeying Quarantine Orders for Coronavirus?

   Posted on March 24, 2020

• What Are the Illinois Laws for Concealed Carry of Firearms?

   Posted on March 16, 2020

• What Are the Most Common Property Crimes Committed in Illinois?

   Posted on January 31, 2020

• Understanding Illinois Child Endangerment Charges

   Posted on December 31, 2019

• New Illinois Laws You Should Know About That Go into Effect in 2020

   Posted on December 27, 2019

• Naperville Teen Is Charged With a Hate Crime Following Online Ad

   Posted on November 26, 2019

• Understanding Disorderly Conduct Charges and Penalties in Illinois

   Posted on November 19, 2019

• What Constitutes Retail Theft in Illinois?

   Posted on September 11, 2019

• What Happens If My Illinois FOID Card is Revoked?

   Posted on August 16, 2019

• Understanding Obstruction of Justice Charges in Illinois

   Posted on May 31, 2019

• When Can Police Search Your Car?

   Posted on May 16, 2019

• An Overview of Violent Crimes in Illinois and Their Consequences

   Posted on April 18, 2019

• What is Asset Forfeiture in Illinois?

   Posted on April 02, 2019

• Illinois Domestic Battery Laws, Charges, and Penalties

   Posted on March 26, 2019

• What is the Difference Between Assault and Battery in Illinois?

   Posted on March 12, 2019

• Understanding Your Miranda Rights and How They Affect a Criminal Case

   Posted on November 15, 2018

• Homicide, Murder, and Manslaughter: What Is the Difference?

   Posted on November 09, 2018

• Changes to Illinois Criminal Code Concerning Cyberstalking

   Posted on May 15, 2018

• Know the Consequences If Charged with Theft

   Posted on January 30, 2018

• Are Police Body Cameras Changing the Legal Playing Field?

   Posted on January 25, 2018

• Supreme Court Appears Ready to Limit Cell Phone Tracking

   Posted on January 18, 2018

• Got a Shoplifting Problem? Help is Available

   Posted on December 28, 2017

• Is it Assault or Battery? What is the Difference?

   Posted on December 24, 2017

• Incidents of Carjacking on the Rise

   Posted on November 29, 2017

• Veterans May Qualify for Treatment Court

   Posted on November 21, 2017

• Fulfilling Your Court-Ordered Community Service Requirements

   Posted on May 11, 2017

• Criminal Case Basics: Even Your Social Media Account Can Be Used Against You

   Posted on April 26, 2017

• Social Media Activity During a Crime Can Be Used Against You

   Posted on December 29, 2016

• How a Criminal Charges Can Place Your Livelihood at Risk – And What You Can Do About It

   Posted on August 02, 2016

• Understanding Bail Bonds in Cook County

   Posted on July 08, 2016

• Serious Criminal Justice Reform Needed to Decrease Illinois Recidivism Rates

   Posted on April 12, 2016

• New Bill Would Prohibit Suing Inmates for Incarceration Costs

   Posted on April 05, 2016

• Are Children Affected by Their Parent’s Criminal Record?

   Posted on February 23, 2016

• New Year, New Laws in Illinois

   Posted on January 05, 2016

• Freedom

   Posted on December 22, 2015

• The Right to Due Process

   Posted on November 17, 2015

• Test Anxiety

   Posted on November 03, 2015

• Ticky-Tack

   Posted on October 21, 2015

• What Happens at a Secretary of State Hearing?

   Posted on October 06, 2015

• Sweeping Law Enforcement Reform Act Signed by Governor

   Posted on September 29, 2015

• Two New Laws Regarding Bail Coming to Illinois

   Posted on September 22, 2015

• Alleged Victims Receive An Official Voice In Criminal Courts

   Posted on August 31, 2015

• To Plea or Not To Plea

   Posted on August 25, 2015

• A Totally Clean Slate

   Posted on August 18, 2015

• An Informal Fresh Start

   Posted on July 28, 2015

• Failure to Follow New Illinois Waterway Laws Could Hold Serious Consequences

   Posted on July 07, 2015

• Five Tips for Those Facing Criminal Charges in Illinois

   Posted on May 27, 2015

• Failed a HGN Field Sobriety Test Illinois? Why Your Results May Be Invalid

   Posted on May 19, 2015

• Understanding Your Miranda Rights in Illinois

   Posted on May 12, 2015

• Warrants Required for Searching Cellular and Smartphones

   Posted on April 07, 2015

• A Brief Guide to Criminal Trespassing Laws in Illinois

   Posted on February 05, 2015

• Illinois BAIID Program: Driving Privileges during Suspension

   Posted on January 30, 2015

• Attacking the Evidence in a Criminal Case

   Posted on January 23, 2015

• Case Update: The Anonymous Tip

   Posted on January 16, 2015

• Pretrial Release: The Requirements and the Process

   Posted on November 24, 2014

• Illinois Students Face the Rise and Fall of Underage Drinking

   Posted on September 10, 2014

• National Day of Johns Arrests Results: Over 500 Arrested

   Posted on September 04, 2014

• The Relationship between Gambling and Criminal Behaviors

   Posted on August 27, 2014

• Issues in Criminal Law: Substance Abuse Problems

   Posted on August 06, 2014

• Initiatives to Curb Drunk Driving in Chicago

   Posted on July 09, 2014

• Handling Alleged Pot Possession Cases in Medical Marijuana States

   Posted on July 03, 2014

• Motorcycle Accidents Caused by Drinking and Riding

   Posted on June 27, 2014

• Judge Rules Illinois Hazing Law is Constitutional

   Posted on June 21, 2014

• Government Announces New Federal Clemency Program

   Posted on June 07, 2014

• Dram Shop Laws in Illinois Now Have Cap for Liable Damages

   Posted on May 19, 2014

• Illinois Governor Grants 43 Clemency Petitions

   Posted on May 12, 2014

• Computer Hacking Warrants: DOJ Proposes Changes to Law

   Posted on April 29, 2014

• University of Virginia Student Files Lawsuit against ABC for Arrest

   Posted on April 11, 2014

• Diet Soda Mixed with Alcohol Increases Blood Alcohol Content More than Regular Soda

   Posted on March 17, 2014

• Illinois Has Second Highest Number of Criminal Exonerations in 2013

   Posted on February 28, 2014

• Can Police Search Your Cell Phone Without a Warrant?

   Posted on February 20, 2014

• Ban on Social Network Sites Upheld by Court

   Posted on February 10, 2014

• Bill to Toughen Gun Penalties is Holstered

   Posted on November 28, 2013

• New Illinois Law Aims to Cut Down on Wrongful Convictions

   Posted on November 12, 2013

• New Law for 2014 Punishes Smokers who Litter

   Posted on October 13, 2013

• Tougher Penalties for Using Cell Phones while Driving

   Posted on October 06, 2013

• Study Finds Chicago Heroin Problem Worst in Country

   Posted on September 20, 2013

• Popularity of Molly Leads to Crackdown

   Posted on September 12, 2013

• Assault and Battery: What is the Difference?

   Posted on August 20, 2013

• Your Rights During an Arrest

   Posted on August 14, 2013

• New Law diverts 17-year-old Felons to Juvenile Court

   Posted on August 05, 2013