Monthly Archives: August 2019

WHEN AM I CONSIDERED UNFIT TO STAND TRIAL IN ILLINOIS?

You must be fit to stand trial before you can be prosecuted. You must also be fit before sentencing or entering a plea agreement. Under Illinois law, you are not considered fit if you cannot assist in your defense or … Continue reading

Posted in fitness for trial | Leave a comment

CAN I BE CONVICTED OF DISORDERLY CONDUCT FOR ASKING A QUESTION?

(Updated 1/4/24: See our related posts at What is the Difference Between Felony and Misdemeanor Disorderly Conduct? and Disorderly Conduct: Calling in a False Alarm). You were just curious, so you called a government office and started asking questions. You … Continue reading

Posted in disorderly conduct | 2 Comments

WILL MY OUTSTANDING COURT FINES KEEP ME FROM EXPUNGING OR SEALING MY CRIMINAL RECORD IN ILLINOIS?

The answer, in most cases, is no. A change in Illinois law permits you to expunge or seal your criminal record notwithstanding any fines or fees you may owe. Before you can clear your criminal record, your case must have … Continue reading

Posted in clear criminal record, criminal record, expungement | Leave a comment

ILLINOIS COURT FINDS ARREST BASED ON CHICAGO POLICE INVESTIGATIVE ALERT UNCONSTITUTIONAL

(UPDATE: On April 15, 2021, the Illinois Supreme Court in People v. Bass vacated the Appellate court’s decision below regarding investigative alerts. In doing so, the Supreme Court still found that the stop violated the Fourth Amendment because it was … Continue reading

Posted in illegal arrest, investigative alerts, stop orders, warrantless arrest | Leave a comment