Author Archives: admin

CAN I CLEAR MY OLD ILLINOIS ARREST WARRANT WHEN I LIVE OUT OF STATE?

Many years ago you were young and reckless.  You got arrested in Illinois.  You wanted to pretend your case didn’t exist, so you skipped out on your court date and eventually moved out of state.  Older and wiser, you worry … Continue reading

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IS FREE SPEECH A DEFENSE TO THE CRIME OF GROOMING IN ILLINOIS?

The answer is generally not. Under the right circumstances, however, you may be able to prove that what you said to the child was in fact innocent. Although a law may be deemed unconstitutional if it penalizes innocent people who … Continue reading

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WHAT IS CRIMINAL TRESPASS TO A RESIDENCE IN ILLINOIS?

You were invited to a party at the apartment of someone you didn’t know very well. The party was fun, and you drank a lot. Shortly after you left early in the morning, you realized you forgot your coat. You … Continue reading

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WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO “SHARE A COMMON DWELLING” UNDER ILLINOIS DOMESTIC BATTERY LAW?

Under 720 ILCS 5/12-3.3, you commit aggravated domestic battery if you knowingly cause great bodily harm, permanent disability or disfigurement or if you strangle someone while committing a domestic battery. Domestic battery means that you caused harm to a family … Continue reading

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WHAT TO EXPECT FOR YOUR FIRST COURT APPEARANCE ON ZOOM COURT IN ILLINOIS

Although courts are doing more in person, many court appearances still take place on zoom in the Skokie, Rolling Meadows, Daley Center and other courthouses. This can seem intimidating, but it’s really not that scary. When you are arrested for … Continue reading

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ASSAULTING A POLICE OFFICER DURING A DUI IN ILLINOIS

The officer stopped you for DUI near your home. You tried to reason with him to let you go. When he didn’t, you drunkenly tried to hit him. You missed. But now you are charged with aggravated assault on top … Continue reading

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CAN I BE CONVICTED FOR ABETTING A CRIME WHEN I DIDN’T KNOW WHAT WAS HAPPENING?

Your cousin asked you to drive him to a convenience store. He ran in to pick up some lottery tickets, then came running out, jumped in your car and told you to take off. Later, you learned he’d committed an … Continue reading

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WHAT IS THE OFFENSE OF GROOMING IN ILLINOIS?

When it comes to the offense of “grooming” a child, Illinois law seems to take a fairly broad approach. It is best to steer clear of anything that remotely smacks of sexual exploitation. For example, in People v. Hubbell, the … Continue reading

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CAN YOU BE CONVICTED FOR INVADING YOUR OWN HOME?

The answer may be yes, if you are no longer living there. Under 720 ILCS 5/19-6, you commit home invasion when you, without authority, knowingly enter or remain in another’s home or falsely represent yourself to gain entry to another’s … Continue reading

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WHAT IS AGGRAVATED DOMESTIC BATTERY IN ILLINOIS?

Under 720 ILCS 5/12-3.3, you commit aggravated domestic battery if you knowingly cause great bodily harm, permanent disability or disfigurement or if you strangle someone while committing a domestic battery. Domestic battery means that you caused harm to a family … Continue reading

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