Many people may feel inclined to reach out to their friends and family members for support and guidance when confronted with a criminal case. While it is not illegal to talk about your case with loved ones, it is important to exercise caution when doing so. If you are facing criminal charges, contacting a defense attorney is the wisest thing you can do, as they will provide you with the legal guidance you need to pursue a positive case outcome.

What to Keep in Mind During This Time

Here are some factors to consider before discussing your criminal case with friends or family:

• Privileged communications – The privilege of keeping communications confidential or secret applies in different circumstances, such as with your attorney, spouse, and legally recognized healthcare professionals. Communications with friends and family members typically do not offer the same level of protection. Friends and family are not automatically protected under the privileges recognized by the courts. Therefore, if they are asked under oath to give evidence about communications they have received from you, they may be required to disclose what you told them. If the communications between you and your family or friends are disclosed as evidence, it could potentially harm your case.
• Potential for misinterpretation or rumors – Unfortunately, some people can be unreliable and careless with sensitive information. Even if you trust your friends and family, there is always the possibility of things being misinterpreted or taken out of context. While rumors or gossip may not directly affect the outcome of your case, spreading such information will likely make the entire situation more unpleasant than it already is, possibly affecting your mental health.
• Influence from others – Discussing your case with friends and family could potentially lead to outside pressure regarding certain decisions you make during the legal process. This could cloud your judgment, making it harder to act in your own best interests.

Overall, there are a few circumstances where it may be beneficial to talk with friends or family members about your situation, such as if you are seeking emotional support or advice from people who have relevant knowledge and experience. However, it is generally recommended to consult with only your attorney about the factual matters and details of the case.

In recent years, the prevalence of social media has become impossible to ignore. Millions of people use these platforms, from Facebook to Twitter, Instagram to Snapchat, to connect with friends, share their lives, and engage with the world around them. But social media can prove to be a double-edged sword for those facing criminal charges. On the one hand, it can offer a window into the lives of key witnesses; on the other hand, it can also provide prosecutors with evidence that can be used against them in court. If you are facing criminal charges, contact a defense attorney to ensure your best interests can be safeguarded as you fight the charges against you.

Domestic Violence and Social Media

One area of criminal law where social media has played an increasingly important role is domestic violence. In many cases, the online activity of both the alleged sufferer of the violence and the accused can be used to support or challenge the allegations being made. For example, someone may try to use social media to post about the abuse they have endured, either as a way of seeking support or as evidence in a court case. Similarly, the accused party may use social media to defend themselves or to cast doubt on the sufferer’s credibility.

However, it is essential to remember that social media can easily be manipulated or misrepresented. Posts, images, and videos can be easily edited, faked, or taken out of context, making it difficult to know what is genuine and what is not. Prosecutors can also use social media to their advantage by combing through the accused’s history for evidence that supports their case. For example, they may uncover tweets or posts demonstrating violent tendencies or a history of aggression.

If you have ever been pulled over for a traffic violation in the state of Illinois, you are not alone. Each year, thousands of drivers receive traffic tickets for a variety of offenses, from speeding to running a red light. While many people assume that paying the fine and moving on is the best course of action, there are several reasons why you should consider fighting your speeding ticket in court. If you are considering fighting your speeding ticket, contact a traffic violations attorney who will be an invaluable resource in traffic court and during the whole process.

Speeding Laws in Illinois

There is no question that the price of a speeding ticket is rising, and it is rising fast. In Illinois, if you are clocked traveling just 1-10 mph above the speed limit, you could be looking at a fine of $75. Meanwhile, between 11-14 mph over the speed limit could result in a fine of $85. 15-25 mph may result in a fine of $95, and so on. You may be surprised to learn that if you are traveling 25-35 mph over the speed limit, you could be looking at a Class A misdemeanor. It is also worth noting that these fines do not include the penalties for location-based speeding, such as in a school or construction zone.

Looking Beyond the Initial Fines

A primary reason so many people choose to fight their speeding ticket in court is the secondary expenses associated with a speeding ticket conviction, such as increased insurance rates. Increased insurance payments can be terribly burdensome financially, particularly when you have been convicted of speeding in the past, as this will mean your insurance rates will increase even more than someone who is convicted of speeding with no prior tickets on their record.

Driving under the influence (DUI) is an offense that is not taken lightly in Illinois, as a conviction can result in grave legal consequences, such as fines and jail time. Usually, a first or second DUI offense is considered a misdemeanor, but there are circumstances under which they can be escalated to a felony. Therefore, it is crucial to be aware of these circumstances to make informed decisions if you are facing DUI charges. If you have found yourself in this situation, contact a criminal defense attorney right away, as failing to do so may increase the chance of a negative case outcome.

Everything You Need to Know About Felony DUI in Illinois

The most common way in which DUIs become felonies in Illinois is by being classified as aggravated DUIs. Several factors can lead to a DUI being charged as aggravated, including:

• Previous DUI convictions – In most cases, if you have more than two prior DUI convictions on your record, any subsequent DUIs may be charged as felonies.
• Severe injury or death – If you cause serious injury or death while driving under the influence, your charge may be elevated to a class 2 felony. This is a very serious offense that carries significant jail time and fines.
• Passenger under 16 – In this situation, you will likely be charged with an aggravated DUI.

What Are the Penalties for Felony DUI?

The penalties for aggravated DUI in Illinois are severe. For example, a class 2 felony carries with it between three and seven years in prison with fines up to $25,000 and a driver’s license suspension for 10 years. Additionally, you may be required to attend drug and alcohol counseling and perform community service.

Bar fights can easily escalate from a minor dispute to a serious crime. If you were in a bar fight and charged with assault, you are likely wondering about your legal options and whether you could go to prison if convicted. As you face these charges, contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer, as violent crimes such as assault are often prosecuted aggressively, which makes retaining counsel an essential thing to do at this time.

What You Need to Know About Assault in Illinois

In Illinois, assault is a Class C misdemeanor and can result in up to 30 days in jail and a fine of $1,500. However, suppose the assault allegedly happened on public property. If this is the case, you could be charged with aggravated assault, which, at its most basic form, is classified as a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by one year in jail and fines up to $2,500. Moreover, if the assault involved using a deadly weapon or resulted in serious bodily harm, this can also be charged as aggravated assault. However, in cases involving a deadly weapon or serious bodily harm, the penalties of the crime are enhanced to being a Class 4 felony, punishable by up to three years in jail and $25,000 in fines.

Non-Legal Penalties for Assault in Illinois

In addition to the potential criminal penalties, an assault conviction can devastate your personal and professional life. It can make it challenging to find a job, rent an apartment, or obtain a loan, and it may even result in losing a professional license.