Author Archives: admin

THE CRIME OF COMPUTER FRAUD IN ILLINOIS

You’ve always had a knack for technology. So when you needed a little cash, it was just too tempting to hack into the company computer and help yourself. You figured you’d never get caught, but now the police have charged … Continue reading

Posted in computer fraud, Cybercrime, internet crime, internet fraud | Leave a comment

NEW ILLINOIS LAW CRACKS DOWN ON SPEEDERS ONCE AGAIN

A new Illinois law has cracked down on speeders even more. Speeding first became criminalized as a misdemeanor in 2011. Driving more than 31 miles over the limit was upgraded to a Class B Misdemeanor, while speeding 40 and over … Continue reading

Posted in class a misdemeanor, class B misdemeanor, speeding | Leave a comment

HOW LITTLE PROBLEMS BECOME BIG PROBLEMS: WHEN A PETTY OFFENSE TURNS INTO A MISDEMEANOR OR FELONY

A man was walking down the middle of a road instead of the sidewalk or shoulder. In Illinois, you must use a sidewalk where provided or at least walk on the shoulder. The man was arrested for a petty offense, … Continue reading

Posted in felony, misdemeanor, petty offense, search and seizure, search of car, traffic stop | Leave a comment

THEY’RE WATCHING!: HOW STORES COMBAT RETAIL THEFT

Retail theft can cost U.S. retailers about $10 billion a year. Because of that, stores use a variety of methods to stop you from swiping their merchandise. Stores such as Whole Foods may use plain clothes security. You don’t realize … Continue reading

Posted in Class 3 felony, class 4 felony, class a misdemeanor, retail theft, shoplifting | Leave a comment

NEW ILLINOIS LAW MAKES RECORDING DRUG CRIMES EASIER

Generally speaking, before undercover police can record their dealings with you, they must persuade a judge to issue a warrant. But a new Illinois law just made that process a little faster and easier. For certain crimes, police need only … Continue reading

Posted in dealers, drug crimes, drug dealing, drug offense, narcotics, warrantless search, wiretapping | Leave a comment

“I STAYED TOO LONG!:” CRIMINAL TRESPASS TO PROPERTY IN ILLINOIS

You went to a meeting or a party. Things got a little out of hand, and you were asked to leave. Since you weren’t the one making trouble, you refused to go. Next thing you know, you were arrested for … Continue reading

Posted in class a misdemeanor, class B misdemeanor, criminal trespass to property, trespass | Leave a comment

YOU SHOULDN’T TALK AND NEITHER SHOULD YOUR LAWYER!

A standard rule in criminal defense is that clients should not talk about their case to police or third parties. Anything they say can be used as evidence against them. But it’s surprising how many lawyers in high profile cases … Continue reading

Posted in attorney conduct, criminal law attorney, right to an attorney, right to remain silent | Leave a comment

DO I NEED AN ATTORNEY FOR A BOND HEARING IN ILLINOIS?

(UPDATED 1/16/24:  Illinois eliminated cash bond as of September 18, 2023.  But you can still be held in jail before trial if the state can show certain criteria.  It is still a good idea to hire an attorney to argue … Continue reading

Posted in bail, bond hearing, C-bond, D-bond, I-bond | Leave a comment

YOUR RIGHT TO A SPEEDY TRIAL IN ILLINOIS

Under Illinois law, you are entitled to a speedy trial within a certain time period if you are accused of a crime. However, this rule is subject to certain exceptions. If you are held in jail, the State must try … Continue reading

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WHY IS MY CHICAGO FELONY CASE IN SKOKIE?

You seldom set foot out of the city. You live in Chicago, the crime you allegedly committed took place in Chicago, Chicago police arrested you, and your bond hearing was held in Chicago. But now, you’re heading for your first … Continue reading

Posted in Bridgeview Court, Chicago felony, Class 1 Felony, Class 2 felony, Class 3 felony, class 4 felony, Class X Felony, felony, Skokie Court | Leave a comment