Author Archives: admin

“I DIDN’T KNOW!”: WHEN IGNORANCE IS A DEFENSE

As the saying goes, ignorance of the law is no excuse. Generally, that statement is true. All persons are presumed to know the law. There are rare occasions, however, when ignorance can be a defense. In Illinois, ignorance can be … Continue reading

Posted in defense, ignorance, intent, order of protection, retail theft | Leave a comment

NEW ILLINOIS LAW ALLOWS MORE NON-VIOLENT FELONY OFFENDERS TO SEAL CRIMINAL RECORDS

Beginning January 1, 2014, certain types of felony offenders will now be eligible to leave their criminal record in the past. Under the new law, offenders with convictions for non-violent Class 3 and Class 4 felonies may petition to seal … Continue reading

Posted in criminal record, expungement, felony, felony conviction, sealing | Leave a comment

I’VE NEVER BEEN IN TROUBLE BEFORE! DOESN’T THAT MATTER?

You’ve never been in trouble before. That retail theft or marijuana bust is your first arrest of any kind. You’ve never even blown a stop sign. Doesn’t that help? The answer is yes and no. A first offender may be … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

RETAIL THEFT: SECOND OFFENSE AND BEYOND

Retail theft the second time around can be a much more complicated affair than your first offense. Repeat offenses may lead to stiffer charges, violation of supervision, and a conviction that stays on your record. For starters, a second offense … Continue reading

Posted in bond violation, retail theft, shoplifting, theft, violation of supervision | Leave a comment

ILLINOIS CRACKS DOWN ON DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OFFENDERS

As of January 1, 2014, those accused of domestic violence could face more severe penalties. A change in Illinois law stiffens the charges against repeat offenders. Domestic battery is defined as knowingly and without legal justification causing bodily harm or … Continue reading

Posted in Class 2 felony, Class 3 felony, class 4 felony, domestic battery, domestic violence, felony, misdemeanor, repeat offender | Leave a comment

MEDICAL MARIJUANA LEGALIZED IN ILLINOIS

On August 2, 2013, Illinois Governor Patrick Quinn signed the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Act. But this does not mean that home growers or casual users can inhale easily. The law creates a four-year pilot program which goes into … Continue reading

Posted in cannabis, drug offense, Illinois new marijuana law, medical marijuana, possession of marijuana, pot, sale of marijuana | Leave a comment

CAN POLICE USE YOUR BODY AGAINST YOU?: DNA SWABS, BLOOD DRAWS AND OTHER EVIDENCE

Recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions have spotlighted when police can force you to testify against yourself—through your own body. Here is some new and not so recent law: 1) DNA Swabs: Police may take a DNA swab from inside your … Continue reading

Posted in arrest, blood draw, DNA evidence, evidence, fingerprints, handwriting samples, search and seizure, voice prints | Leave a comment

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

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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