Yearly Archives: 2012

THEY’RE WATCHING!: HOW STORES COMBAT RETAIL THEFT

Retail theft can cost U.S. retailers about $10 billion a year. Because of that, stores use a variety of methods to stop you from swiping their merchandise. Stores such as Whole Foods may use plain clothes security. You don’t realize … Continue reading

Posted in Class 3 felony, class 4 felony, class a misdemeanor, retail theft, shoplifting | Leave a comment

NEW ILLINOIS LAW MAKES RECORDING DRUG CRIMES EASIER

Generally speaking, before undercover police can record their dealings with you, they must persuade a judge to issue a warrant. But a new Illinois law just made that process a little faster and easier. For certain crimes, police need only … Continue reading

Posted in dealers, drug crimes, drug dealing, drug offense, narcotics, warrantless search, wiretapping | Leave a comment

“I STAYED TOO LONG!:” CRIMINAL TRESPASS TO PROPERTY IN ILLINOIS

You went to a meeting or a party. Things got a little out of hand, and you were asked to leave. Since you weren’t the one making trouble, you refused to go. Next thing you know, you were arrested for … Continue reading

Posted in class a misdemeanor, class B misdemeanor, criminal trespass to property, trespass | Leave a comment

YOU SHOULDN’T TALK AND NEITHER SHOULD YOUR LAWYER!

A standard rule in criminal defense is that clients should not talk about their case to police or third parties. Anything they say can be used as evidence against them. But it’s surprising how many lawyers in high profile cases … Continue reading

Posted in attorney conduct, criminal law attorney, right to an attorney, right to remain silent | Leave a comment

DO I NEED AN ATTORNEY FOR A BOND HEARING IN ILLINOIS?

(UPDATED 1/16/24:  Illinois eliminated cash bond as of September 18, 2023.  But you can still be held in jail before trial if the state can show certain criteria.  It is still a good idea to hire an attorney to argue … Continue reading

Posted in bail, bond hearing, C-bond, D-bond, I-bond | Leave a comment

YOUR RIGHT TO A SPEEDY TRIAL IN ILLINOIS

Under Illinois law, you are entitled to a speedy trial within a certain time period if you are accused of a crime. However, this rule is subject to certain exceptions. If you are held in jail, the State must try … Continue reading

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WHY IS MY CHICAGO FELONY CASE IN SKOKIE?

You seldom set foot out of the city. You live in Chicago, the crime you allegedly committed took place in Chicago, Chicago police arrested you, and your bond hearing was held in Chicago. But now, you’re heading for your first … Continue reading

Posted in Bridgeview Court, Chicago felony, Class 1 Felony, Class 2 felony, Class 3 felony, class 4 felony, Class X Felony, felony, Skokie Court | Leave a comment

INTERFERING WITH VISITATION IS A CRIME IN ILLINOIS

You don’t like how your ex-spouse is treating your kids. Or maybe your ex-spouse owes you child support. When they came to pick up the kids for visitation, you simply told them the children were out. Next thing you know, … Continue reading

Posted in child custody, interference, unlawful visitation or parenting time interference, visitation interference | Leave a comment

CAN I BE ARRESTED FOR A MARIJUANA PIPE? ILLINOIS LAW ON DRUG PARAPHERNALIA

The police stopped you for a routine traffic offense. When giving you the ticket, they noticed a marijuana bong on the seat of your car. Or maybe they frisked you and found a couple syringes in your pocket, and you … Continue reading

Posted in cannabis, drug dealing, drug offense, drug paraphernalia, drugs, marijuana, narcotics, possession of drug paraphernalia | Leave a comment

OBSTRUCTING A PEACE OFFICER IN ILLINOIS

If you hinder a peace officer, such as a prison guard, policeman or firefighter, from performing their duties, you could be charged with a Class A Misdemeanor. Obstructing a peace officer can be as simple as disobeying an order to … Continue reading

Posted in obstructing a peace officer, obstructing police, resisting a peace officer, resisting arrest | Leave a comment