Author Archives: admin

“I HIT A COP!:” AGGRAVATED ASSAULT OR AGGRAVATED BATTERY TO AN OFFICER IN ILLINOIS

You must have been really drunk because you don’t remember what happened. But apparently, you went berserk and hit a police officer. The officer even ended up in the emergency room. Now, you are charged with aggravated battery. What is … Continue reading

Posted in aggravated assault, aggravated battery, aggravated battery of an officer, assault, battery, Class 1 Felony, class a misdemeanor, Class X Felony | Leave a comment

IMPERSONATING PUBLIC OFFICIALS: BIG TROUBLE

Pretending to be someone you are not may bring you applause on stage and screen, but in real life, impersonation can be a serious criminal offense. Illinois prohibits impersonating a police officer, firefighter, emergency management worker, attorney, veteran, parent/legal guardian … Continue reading

Posted in Class 1 Felony, Class 2 felony, Class 3 felony, class 4 felony personation of a police officer, class a misdemeanor, impersonation of public official, personation of a fire fighter | Leave a comment

BIGGER TROUBLE: FLEEING AND ELUDING POLICE IN ILLINOIS

You’ve seen it in all the cop shows. The police take off on a high speed chase after the fugitive. Of course, you never dreamed you would be starring in your own action movie, but when you saw the police, … Continue reading

Posted in class 4 felony, class a misdemeanor, eluding police, fleeing the scene, fugitive | Leave a comment

I HAVE BEEN CHARGED WITH A CRIME IN ILLINOIS:. COULD I GO TO JAIL?

We hear this question from clients all the time. Naturally, if you are charged with a crime, the prospect of serving time is frightening. Whether you will be sentenced to jail, however, depends on a variety of factors. The good … Continue reading

Posted in driving on a suspended license, dui, felony, jail time, misdemeanor, sentencing, violation of probation, violation of supervision | Leave a comment

PARDON ME!: CLEMENCY PETITIONERS NOW HAVE A CHANCE IN ILLINOIS

It’s tough enough to find a job these days. The last thing you need on your record is that felony shoplifting hit you took for stealing that expensive dress or that domestic violence misunderstanding where you pled to supervision. Crimes … Continue reading

Posted in clemency petition, criminal record, expungement, pardon, sealing | Leave a comment

REGISTERING YOUR CHILD FOR SCHOOL CAN BE RISKY BUSINESS

It’s back to school time for many families, and along with it comes the hassle of registration. But as financial pressures on schools increase, so does the pressure to ensure that only residents of a school district are attending the … Continue reading

Posted in class c misdemeanor, providing false information, school residency | Leave a comment

‘IM WANTED IN ANOTHER STATE!”: THE LAW OF EXTRADITION

Things went sour in the state where you lived. You got into a little trouble with the law, so you came to Illinois. Now the Governor of your old state is asking Illinois to return you for trial on the … Continue reading

Posted in extradition, fleeing the state | Leave a comment

“CAN I LEAVE THE STATE?” AND OTHER BOND VIOLATIONS

You were really looking forward to that great vacation you had planned in the tropics. Unfortunately, when you were leaving a party, you got pulled over by the police. You took your vacation anyway, and now you have violated the … Continue reading

Posted in bail, bond forfeiture, bond violation, conditions of bond, leaving the state, missing a court date | Leave a comment

‘MY CHILD WAS OUT TOO LATE!”: CURFEW LAW IN ILLINOIS

Your son was at a school party. After the party, he and some friends went to the park and hung around until after midnight. That’s when the police arrived. Now your son is charged with violating curfew, and you may … Continue reading

Posted in curfew, juveniles | Leave a comment

WARRANTLESS SEARCHES: THE U.S. SUPREME COURT MARIJUANA EVIDENCE CASE AND ILLINOIS LAW

You may have heard it on the news: U.S. Supreme Court rules that police can enter home because of marijuana smell. While this statement oversimplifies the court’s decision, Kentucky v King deals with the law of exigent circumstances, or when … Continue reading

Posted in exigent circumstances, search and seizure, warrantless search | Leave a comment