As a parent, you only want the best for your child. But when they make decisions that are against the law, it is natural to be upset and disappointed, especially if they find ways to get their hands on alcohol or worse yet, drink and drive. You need an experienced criminal defense attorney to help you protect your child’s future if they are facing DUI charges.

Using a Fake ID

Teens can be very resourceful and they can easily figure out a way to get a fake identification, to gain access to alcohol. But if a teen is caught using someone else’s ID or a fake ID, they could be charged with a Class A misdemeanor and face one year in jail and up to $2,500 in fines. If they possess or attempt to use a fake ID it is considered a Class 4 felony, which has a possible sentence of one to three years in prison and up to $25,000 in fines. If they get behind the wheel of a car after consuming alcohol the consequences are more serious. A conviction of any crime involving a fake ID can lead to a suspension or revocation of their driver’s license.

Any Trace of Alcohol is Punishable by Law

In Illinois, the zero-tolerance law for drivers under 21 years of age is very clear. Any trace of alcohol could lead to charges for violating this ordinance and a possible DUI conviction. That means that if you are under 21 and convicted of driving with a blood-alcohol content (BAC) of more than .00 you could face the following consequences:

Being charged with a sex crime can have life-changing consequences. It can destroy your family, career, and reputation. In Illinois, if there is a conviction you could spend years in prison and be required to register as a sex offender. It is important to have an experienced attorney to help you build a robust defense to fight sex crime charges. Attorney Scott Anderson is a former prosecutor and he knows how to stay one step ahead of the other side.

Silence

If you have been accused of a sex crime, silence is the best course to protect yourself. Do not answer police questions especially if they coerce you into talking. It is simply a tactic to attain information. Under the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, you have the right to avoid answering questions that may be self-incriminatory. The best way to do this is to say nothing and simply request to see your attorney.

The Matter of Consent

Sex crimes often hinge on whether or not there was consent. The accuser will claim he or she did not consent while the accused will claim that the other person agreed to have sex. There are rarely witnesses so it becomes which side is more credible. A seasoned attorney will investigate the accuser. That could involve looking into phone records, texts, social media posts, and much more. Part of an aggressive defense strategy includes preparing the accused to testify in a trial if needed.

Domestic violence is prevalent in the United States even though government officials, police, and community groups have tried to fight this problem. Many women continue to experience rape and physical injury by their intimate partners. Nationwide, about one in four women face domestic abuse. What is so alarming according to a new study is that 68 percent of pregnant women are killed with a firearm used by their partner. Depending on the circumstances of each case, in Illinois, domestic violence is a crime that can be considered a felony. If you are facing charges of domestic violence, you need the expertise of a criminal defense attorney.

Alarming Statistics

Unfortunately, domestic violence is often fatal and it is most likely among women who are pregnant or those who have just given birth. Researchers found that between 2009 and 2019, black women faced a higher risk of being killed compared to other groups. The new findings also suggest that laws that restrict a woman’s access to abortion increase the risk of death among pregnant women.

Great Bodily Harm and Death

In the state of Illinois, if someone commits domestic battery and it leads to great physical injury, permanent disability, or disfigurement, they can be charged with aggravated domestic battery. This would include strangulation.

An aggravated felony DUI in the state of Illinois is a very serious matter. It is a drunk driving accusation that results in felony charges. Depending on the circumstances of the DUI, even a first-time aggravated DUI conviction could lead to severe criminal penalties. The consequences can range from mandatory jail time to hefty fines. If you are facing charges of aggravated DUI it is in your best interest to work with a DUI criminal defense attorney.

Aggravating Factors in a DUI Case 

The following situations are some examples of what constitutes aggravated DUI under Illinois drunk driving laws:

• Driving a school bus while intoxicated with children under the age of 18.

  ...

Every day, people are arrested and charged with criminal acts. Depending on what type of crime you are charged with allegedly committing, your biggest worry may not even be the legal consequences you will face if you are convicted of the crime. For some people, their greatest fear is how being charged with a crime may disrupt or irrevocably alter their personal and professional lives. Beyond the punishment handed down by the court, the collateral consequences of a criminal conviction can impact many aspects of an individual’s life. Today, we will examine how being charged with a crime can dramatically alter your life, from affecting your ability to get a job, to housing, educational opportunities, and more. 

The first step in fighting a criminal charge is to hire an attorney. If you have been charged with a crime, consider contacting an experienced criminal defense attorney to understand your rights and best legal options. 

How Will a Conviction Impact My Life? 

It is well known that, depending on what crime you are convicted of, you may be looking at jail time, fines, or some version of both. Or, in some cases, you may not be looking at jail time but probation. Whatever the case, many people fear how a conviction will affect their personal and professional lives. Here are some ways a criminal conviction may affect a person: