Author Archives: admin

THE NEW ILLINOIS ORGANIZED RETAIL THEFT LAW

Starting June 1, 2011, Illinois will have tougher laws against organized retail theft rings. In addition to criminal penalties such as fines and jail time, the new law allows a judge to seize a defendant’s money or property. The new … Continue reading

Posted in financial crimes enterprise offense, organized crime ring, retail theft, theft | Leave a comment

I HAVE A FELONY: THE PRELIMINARY EXAM

It was a nightmare. The police came to speak with you, they left, they came back and next thing, you were arrested for a felony. Fortunately, your family made bond. Now, your first court date is coming up. Your case … Continue reading

Posted in arraignment, arrest, bond hearing, felony, preliminary exam, preliminary hearing, probable cause | Leave a comment

“BUT IT’S JUST A LITTLE WEED!”: WHEN YOU ARE CHARGED WITH POSSESSING AND/OR DEALING MARIJUANA

You like to relax every once and while, and sometimes you even make a little money on the side selling pot. Unfortunately, one of your clients turned out to be an undercover cop. You are now facing charges for the … Continue reading

Posted in cannabis, dealing of cannabis, drugs, marijuana, possession of marijuana, possession with intent to deliver, weed | Leave a comment

CAN THEY SEARCH MY CAR? YOUR RIGHTS DURING A TRAFFIC STOP (BEFORE AN ARREST)

You were a little preoccupied while driving home late one night and missed a stop sign. Unfortunately, a police officer spotted you and pulled you over. After taking your license, the officer asked you to step out of the car. … Continue reading

Posted in narcotics, probable cause, reasonable suspicion, search of car, search warrant, traffic offense, traffic stop, traffic tickets, vehicle search, warrantless search | Leave a comment

“THE POLICE ARE AT MY DOOR!”: WHEN THE POLICE HAVE A SEARCH WARRANT

You have just settled down to watch your favorite TV show, when there is a knock at the door. You ask who it is, and hear “Open up, police!” Do the police need a warrant? What are your rights? Under … Continue reading

Posted in arrest, arrest warrant, search warrant | Leave a comment

WHAT A CRIMINAL LAW ATTORNEY CANNOT DO

In most criminal cases, an experienced attorney can help you make the best strategic choices for your defense. But no attorney can guarantee that you will fully escape punishment. When you are charged with a crime, the state has the … Continue reading

Posted in criminal law attorney, criminal offense | Leave a comment

NEW ILLINOIS CRIMINAL LAW ADDRESSES SEXTING OFFENSES

Illinois will have a new sexting law as of January 1, 2011. Governor Patrick Quinn signed this new section of the Illinois Criminal Code last summer. The new law tries to address the problems that arise when the development of … Continue reading

Posted in Class 4, class 4 felony, class a misdemeanor, class B misdemeanor, criminal charges, criminal law, criminal offense, cyberstalking, pornography, sex offender, sexting, texting harrassment, Texting offenses | Leave a comment

‘I DON’T HAVE CAR INSURANCE!”: DRIVING WITHOUT INSURANCE IN ILLINOIS

Money is tight so something had to give. As a result, you didn’t pay your car insurance. Next thing you know, the police stopped you for speeding and also cited you for driving an uninsured motor vehicle. What are the … Continue reading

Posted in class a misdemeanor, class B misdemeanor, drivers license suspension, driving without insurance, falsifying insurance, moving violations, uninsured driving, uninsured motorist | Leave a comment

“BUT I JUST WANTED TO TALK TO HER!”: WHEN YOU ARE CHARGED WITH TELEPHONE HARASSMENT

You had a fight with your girlfriend, and she broke up with you. You know you could clear up any misunderstanding, if only she would listen. So you dialed her number repeatedly hoping she would finally answer her phone. Next … Continue reading

Posted in arrest, Class 4, class 4 felony, criminal charges, misdemeanor, phone harrassment, violation of probation, violation of supervision | Leave a comment

HOW TO DEFEND YOUR COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS DUI

Last night, you went partying on the town and had a few too many with friends. After leaving the bar, the police stopped you. Now you are charged with drunk driving. How can you defend your case? In Illinois, the … Continue reading

Posted in breathalyzer, cook county courthouse, driving while under the influence, drunk driving, dui, field sobriety tests, first offense, Maywood, Rolling Meadows, skokie, traffic offense | Leave a comment