Monthly Archives: October 2017

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MURDER AND MANSLAUGHTER IN ILLINOIS?

The answer is in your state of mind. Murder may be committed intentionally or knowingly, whereas manslaughter involves unintentional, if reckless, behavior. In Illinois, first degree murder means you intended to kill or do great bodily harm to someone, or … Continue reading

Posted in first degree murder, involuntary manslaughter, manslaughter, murder, second degree murder | Leave a comment

CAN ILLINOIS POLICE STOP ME JUST BECAUSE I HAVE A GUN?

Updated 12/16/19 The answer is probably not. On September 12, 2013, the Illinois Supreme Cort in People v. Aguilar partially struck down the law that barred possession of a handgun for self-defense outside the home. Thus, the mere fact you have … Continue reading

Posted in gun law, gun possession, illegal stop, probable cause, search and seizure | Leave a comment

HELP FOR THE DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED OR MENTALLY-ILL DEFENDANT

Most criminal offenses require the state to prove that the defendant knowingly or intended to commit the crime. But what if the crime is committed by someone who is mentally ill or developmentally disabled? For example, in the recent Illinois … Continue reading

Posted in developmental disability, discharge hearing, fitness for trial, insanity, mental incompentence, mental insanity, unfit to stand trial | Leave a comment