Posted on September 13, 2017 in Drug Crimes

Sometimes, a traffic stop is nothing more than just that, but other times, it can lead to serious trouble. A woman, who was stopped for speeding in Illinois and is now facing drug charges, serves as a prime example. Learn more about how this case (and others) can quickly change into a serious situation, and discover how an experienced criminal defense lawyer can help if you or someone you love ends up in a similar situation.

Drug Dog Caught Scent During Traffic Stop

News sources indicate that the officers had originally stopped the woman for speeding, but a drug dog picked up a scent during the process. Her vehicle was then searched. Officers allegedly found methamphetamines, paraphernalia, and packaging materials. She was arrested and detained and is now facing charges for possession of methamphetamines with the intent to deliver, which is a more severe charge than simple possession.

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 Posted on September 01, 2017 in DUI

State troopers are expected to put additional units on the road over the Labor Day weekend this year. There will also be more security checkpoints. Emphasis will be placed on the “fatal four” infractions, and many are likely to experience an arrest. Learn what to watch out for, and discover how an experienced criminal defense lawyer can help with your criminal charges case.

The “Fatal Four” Behaviors

As previously mentioned, state troopers are expected to focus on the “fatal four” driving behaviors over Labor Day weekend: distracted driving, not wearing a seatbelt, speeding, and driving under the influence. The final focus – driving while intoxicated – could result in jail time, fines, and a suspension of the driver’s license. Thankfully, there are ways to fight back.

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 Posted on August 31, 2017 in Driver's License Reinstatement

Every driver knows you must have a valid license to operate a vehicle, so it would seem easy to avoid the consequences of driving on a suspended license. Unfortunately, the law in Illinois allows for automatic license suspensions, which can leave unsuspecting drivers at risk. Learn more about the conditions in which a license may be automatically suspended, and discover how an experienced criminal defense lawyer may be able to help with your situation.

Losing Your Driving Privileges

While many actions that can lead to a suspension of one’s license require previous knowledge of a crime (i.e. DUI, repeated moving violations), there are several situations that can lead to an automatic suspension of your license – possibly without your knowledge. Examples include:

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 Posted on August 25, 2017 in Felonies & Misdemeanors

Criminal convictions are serious matters – especially when they are classified as a felony. They can also result in some pretty concerning criminal consequences, such as prison time, fines, administrative fees, court costs, and attorney fees. However, consequences of a felony conviction typically go well beyond the courts and costs; there are also collateral consequences to consider. Learn more about them, and how an experienced criminal defense lawyer can help you avoid them, in the following sections.

Employment Opportunities

When you have a felony conviction, it remains on your record for all to see – and that includes potential employers. Some may have restrictions on whether you can work with their company, based on a certain type of conviction (i.e. a felony theft conviction could bar you from working with registers or money). You may also be ineligible for government jobs (including the armed forces), as well as any job that requires a special license (teachers, health care, etc.).

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 Posted on August 16, 2017 in DUI

Although medical marijuana use is permitted in the state of Illinois, individuals who are registered patients may be at constant risk for a DUI. Furthermore, medical marijuana users may experience other charges along with their DUI. Learn more about the state’s legal marijuana limits, potential consequences of a DUI conviction, and how an experienced attorney can help protect your rights.

Illinois’ Marijuana DUI Limits

Prior to 2016, Illinois did not have a specific marijuana limit for drivers. Instead, they had a zero-tolerance policy. Unfortunately, this set many medical users up for DUIs, regardless of their sobriety status at the time of being arrested. After 2016, the law provided a provision in which users could avoid a DUI, provided their blood THC content was less than five nanograms and/or saliva was under 10 nanograms. In addition, marijuana users may be subject to additional charges if they were in an accident or had an open container in their vehicle at the time of arrest.

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 Posted on August 10, 2017 in DUI

Illinois is notorious for its strict drunk driving laws. In fact, the state is one of the Mothers Against Drunk Driving’s (MADD) top-rated states for DUI enforcement. Now they are incorporating a new sobriety program that lets drivers keep their license while on probation. Appealing as that might sound, there are some critical elements to the program that defendants should be aware of before taking a plea bargain.

More on the New Sobriety Program

DUI conviction – be it the first or fifth – typically results in a suspension or revocation of a driver’s license. Some are eligible for a special license that allows them to drive with a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID), but not all. The new program, which is still in the testing phase, permits the driver to keep their license during their probation – but it comes at a cost. The driver must agree to random and routine breathalyzer tests throughout the day, even when they are at work, home, or in a social setting.

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 Posted on July 28, 2017 in Felonies & Misdemeanors

Stalking is considered a serious crime in Illinois, and it can result in numerous consequences for those who are convicted. Thankfully, there may be ways that you can fight back. The following explains more about the consequences of a stalking conviction. You will also learn where to find legal assistance, and why it is so important for your stalking criminal charges case.

Types of Stalking Charges in Illinois

There are three different types of stalking listed under Illinois’ Criminal Code, 720 ILCS 5/: stalking, cyberstalking, and aggravated stalking. Each has its own definition and set of consequences for conviction.

• Stalking is defined as knowingly and unjustly engaging in conduct that causes emotional distress or causes a person to fear for their life or safety (or the safety of a third-party) on at least two separate occasions. It can include everything from physically following someone to contacting them through email or watching them through surveillance without their knowledge or permission. The first offense is considered a Class 4 felony. Subsequent offenses are considered a Class 3 felony.

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 Posted on July 26, 2017 in DUI

Illinois is ranked one of the toughest states on driving under the influence – and for a good reason. License suspensions can occur upon the first conviction, and the third conviction is typically considered a felony. Of course, that leaves many drivers wondering just how long a conviction will stay on their record. Learn more about the DUI lookback period in Illinois, including what it may mean for your DUI charges case with help from the following information.

The Illinois Lookback

The lookback period of a state is the amount of time over which a conviction may impact a driver on subsequent charges. For most states, this is only a handful of years. In Illinois, the lookback period is for the life of the driver, so every conviction counts. A first conviction stays on your record permanently and can impact your case, even if the next charge is decades later.

What It Could Mean for Your Case

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 Posted on July 12, 2017 in Felonies & Misdemeanors

If you have ever watched a crime show on television, then you probably believe that forensic and DNA evidence is the gold standard in courtrooms. Your perception is further reinforced by the number of people who have been exonerated by DNA evidence and the high-profile cases in which DNA or other forensic evidence lead to a conviction. Unfortunately, what no one will tell you is that these forms of evidence are not foolproof. In fact, some are downright faulty, and others are riddled with errors that lead to the conviction of the wrong person.

If you or someone you love is facing a criminal charges case and there is DNA or forensic evidence against you, do not give up the fight. Instead, learn how to defend yourself against such evidence. Above all, ensure you protect your rights, before things start to spiral out of control. The following information explains further.

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 Posted on July 06, 2017 in DUI

Blood alcohol concentration, or BAC, is a measurement of the amount of alcohol in your bloodstream. Under the “rule of thumb,” it takes your body one hour to metabolize one drink, but there are several factors that can alter this. In fact, you might be driving much sooner than you should without knowing it. Learn more about how the body metabolizes alcohol and its influence your BAC levels, as well as more on what it could mean if you are pulled over by an officer, with help from the following information.

Factors That Can Influence Your BAC

Every person metabolizes alcohol differently, and there are numerous factors that come into play. For instance, a person with cirrhosis of the liver will typically metabolize alcohol slower than someone with a healthy liver. Other factors that can influence your body’s alcohol metabolism include:

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