Yearly Archives: 2015

THE ILLINOIS LAW ON THEFT BY DECEPTION

In Illinois, theft by deception means obtaining control of another’s property through deception. For example, you pretended you were authorized to collect money on behalf of a creditor or charity. Theft by deception can include making false statements to obtain … Continue reading

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THE LAW ON CONCEALED CARRY IN ILLINOIS

In 2013, Illinois was the last state to enact a Concealed Carry law. But that doesn’t mean you can bring your gun just anywhere, even with a Concealed Carry license. Under the Concealed Carry Act 430 ILCS 66/65: Prohibited Areas, … Continue reading

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CAN POLICE USE A NARCOTICS DOG TO SNIFF OUTSIDE YOUR HOME IN ILLINOIS?

If you’re stopped while driving a car, the police can use a dog to sniff for drugs around your car provided the search does not unduly prolong the traffic stop. But can the police use a dog to sniff around … Continue reading

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THE LAW OF PUBLIC INDECENCY IN ILLINOIS

You were walking in the forest preserve, when that coffee you drank ran right through you. As it turns out, the preserve is a cruising area, which you may or may not have known. You start to unzip, thinking you … Continue reading

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CAN RUNNING FROM POLICE BE GROUNDS FOR ARREST IN ILLINOIS?

You like to walk at night. A police officer thought your presence late at night was suspicious so he stopped you. You didn’t want him to find the concealed weapon or the cocaine in your pocket, so you ran. Now … Continue reading

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CHANGE OF HEART: A PUBLIC’S DEFENDER’S JOURNEY TO FORGIVENESS

“Are you a real lawyer or are you a public defender?” This is a question that I hear repeatedly at court as a private defense attorney, and it comes loaded with implications. Anybody who is a veteran of criminal law … Continue reading

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THE INSANITY DEFENSE IN ILLINOIS

Sometimes a defendant commits a crime without being truly responsible for his or her actions. Illinois recognizes this concept as the insanity defense. There are, however, many misconceptions about how it works. Legal insanity does not mean just any type … Continue reading

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ILLINOIS GETS NEW EAVESDROPPING LAW

After the former law was struck down as unconstitutionally broad, Illinois has enacted a new eavesdropping statute. Under the new law, it is illegal to use an eavesdropping device to record private conversations unless all parties consent. (See Illinois Eavesdropping … Continue reading

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ILLINOIS ENACTS NEW LAW TO PREVENT “REVENGE PORN”

Before the modern digital era, jilted lovers would exact revenge on their unhappy exes by mailing those compromising photos. Once the photos or negatives were destroyed, however, the images were gone. End of problem. But in these times, things are … Continue reading

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TAKING THE PLEA IN CRIMINAL COURT IN ILLINOIS

In my practice, making a plea agreement is a last resort, not a first option. When a client comes to me, I first review all the evidence against him or her for any possible defense. Was the arrest based on … Continue reading

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