Yearly Archives: 2013

WHAT THE JUDGE HEARS: PRESENTING YOURSELF IN CRIMINAL COURT

You’ve heard the old saying: “A lawyer who represents himself has a fool for the client.” When you are involved in a case, you cannot see yourself or your situation objectively—the way a judge would see it. By representing yourself, … Continue reading

Posted in court appearance | Leave a comment

THE COOK COUNTY VETERANS TREATMENT COURT HELPS VETERANS WITH DRUG, DUI OR OTHER NONVIOLENT CRIMES

As a veteran of the United States Military, you may qualify for a special program to help deal with your criminal or DUI charges. The Cook County Veterans Treatment Court program aims to prevent veterans from returning to the criminal … Continue reading

Posted in drug charges, drug crime, drug possession, drunk driving, dui, non-violent crime, Veterans court, Veterans Treatment Program | Leave a comment

HELPING REPEAT DRUG POSSESSION OFFENDERS: THE COOK COUNTY DRUG COURT TREATMENT PROGRAM

You were sentenced to probation for possession of cocaine. One condition of your sentence was to provide urine drops for drug testing. But you dropped dirty, this time with heroin, and now you face charges of violating probation, as well … Continue reading

Posted in drug, drug charges, drug crime, drug offense, drug possession, drug treatment, felony drug possession. cocaine, heroin, narcotics, narcotics crimes, narcotics offenses, narcotics possession, narcotics treatment | Leave a comment

FROM BAD TO WORSE: AGGRAVATING FACTORS FOR DRUG DEALING CRIMES IN ILLINOIS

In Illinois, the penalties for knowingly manufacturing, delivering or possessing with intent to deliver a controlled substance can be stiff enough. But selling drugs to the wrong person or in the wrong place can make a bad situation worse–in some … Continue reading

Posted in controlled substance, delivering drugs, drug crimes, drug dealing, drug offenses, drugs, narcotic offenses, narcotics, possession of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver | Leave a comment

“IT’S JUST FOR ME.”: THE CRIME OF POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE IN ILLINOIS

Illinois law is geared toward punishing the big-time drug trafficker more than the small-time user. Nevertheless, it is a crime to knowingly possess a controlled substance, and the penalties can be quite severe. What can happen to you? What can … Continue reading

Posted in barbiturates. amphetamine, cocaine, drug crimes, drug offenses, drugs, heroin, LSD, methamphetamine, morphine, narcotics, narcotics offenses, peyote, possession of a controlled substance | Leave a comment

JUST A LITTLE COCAINE: THE CRIME OF DRUG DEALING IN ILLINOIS

The police pulled you over for blowing a stop sign. Unfortunately, they saw some plastic baggies containing powder lying on the floor of your car. Now you are charged with possessing with intent to deliver a controlled substance. What can … Continue reading

Posted in delivering drugs, drug, drug dealing, drug offense, drug possession, manufacturing drugs, narcotics offenses, possession with intent to deliver | Leave a comment

NEW HOPE FOR ILLINOIS FIRST-TIME FELONY DEFENDANTS: THE OFFENDER INITIATIVE PROGRAM

You’ve never been in trouble before. It’s bad enough you were arrested, but even worse, your first offense is a felony. Maybe it was for shoplifting or taking drugs, something that you swear you would never do again. Fortunately, Illinois … Continue reading

Posted in Chicago felony, Class 1 Felony, drug crimes, felony, first offender, first time felony, narcotic offenses, retail theft, shoplifting | Leave a comment

IS A CONFESSION ENOUGH TO CONVICT YOU OF A CRIME IN ILLINOIS?

They said if you signed the paper, they’d give you a better deal or even let you go. After being arrested, you were brought to the police station. Maybe you were tired or or just not thinking straight. So you … Continue reading

Posted in arrest, confession, corroborating evidence, criminal arrest, evidence | Leave a comment

DO I NEED AN ATTORNEY FOR A PARDON IN ILLINOIS?

It’s been many years since you completed your sentence on that felony conviction. You have really turned your life around. You are working a good job, have a good family and are contributing to society. Still, you would like to … Continue reading

Posted in criminal record, executive clemency, expungement, Illinois Prisoner Review Board, pardon, pardon criminal record, seal criminal record, sealing | Leave a comment

EXPUNGING CHICAGO CASES JUST GOT FASTER!

Good news for those trying to expunge or seal their criminal record: Clearing your Chicago case just got faster! As in the past, you must first file any Chicago petition with the Cook County Circuit Court. The State and Chicago … Continue reading

Posted in clearing criminal record, expungement, sealing | Leave a comment