Author Archives: admin

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

INTERFERING WITH VISITATION IS A CRIME IN ILLINOIS

You don’t like how your ex-spouse is treating your kids. Or maybe your ex-spouse owes you child support. When they came to pick up the kids for visitation, you simply told them the children were out. Next thing you know, … Continue reading

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CAN I BE ARRESTED FOR A MARIJUANA PIPE? ILLINOIS LAW ON DRUG PARAPHERNALIA

The police stopped you for a routine traffic offense. When giving you the ticket, they noticed a marijuana bong on the seat of your car. Or maybe they frisked you and found a couple syringes in your pocket, and you … Continue reading

Posted in cannabis, drug dealing, drug offense, drug paraphernalia, drugs, marijuana, narcotics, possession of drug paraphernalia | Leave a comment

OBSTRUCTING A PEACE OFFICER IN ILLINOIS

If you hinder a peace officer, such as a prison guard, policeman or firefighter, from performing their duties, you could be charged with a Class A Misdemeanor. Obstructing a peace officer can be as simple as disobeying an order to … Continue reading

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CAN THE POLICE SEARCH MY CELL PHONE?

Police can search your cell phone to learn its phone number without a search warrant, much like they can flip through the pages of your diary to find your address, said a recent 7th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling. Modern … Continue reading

Posted in cell phone search, search and seizure, search warrant, warrantless search | Leave a comment

FROM SHOPLIFTING TO REMOVING PRICE TAGS: RETAIL THEFT LAW IN ILLINOIS

You were scanning groceries at the self-service station and decided to omit a few items before slipping them into your bag. But unbeknownst to you, the cameras were watching. As soon as you left the store, security stopped you, and … Continue reading

Posted in retail theft, shoplifting, theft, theft by emergency exit, theft detection shielding device | Leave a comment

“BUT I WAS JUST TAPING A COP!”: THE ILLINOIS EAVESDROPPING LAW

You were a passenger in a car that the police pulled over. The officer seemed to be giving the driver, your friend, a hard time. You thought the officer was trying to strong-arm your friend, and with visions of Rodney … Continue reading

Posted in audio recording law, eavesdropping, illinois eavesdropping act | Leave a comment

THE NEW ILLINOIS LAW ON FALSE IMPERSONATION

As of January 1, 2012, Illinois toughened its law against false impersonations. In Illinois, it was already illegal to impersonate a police officer, firefighter, emergency management worker, veteran, parent/legal guardian or airplane pilot. (See related Post: “Impersonating Public Officials: Big … Continue reading

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