Author Archives: admin

WHAT IS DEFENSE OF A DWELLING IN ILLINOIS?

In Illinois, you may use force against someone if you reasonably believe that such force is necessary to stop or end someone’s unlawful entry or attack on your home. (See 720 ILCS 5/7-2.) Further, you may use deadly force to … Continue reading

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DO ILLINOIS POLICE HAVE TO ARREST ME IF THEY SUSPECT I COMMITTED DOMESTIC BATTERY?

Although some states require an officer to make an arrest, Illinois does not. Under Illinois law, whenever an officer has reason to believe that you have abused, neglected, or exploited a family or household member, the officer shall immediately use … Continue reading

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CAN I BE CONVICTED OF DOMESTIC BATTERY BECAUSE A THIRD PARTY WAS OFFENDED BY MY CONDUCT?

(UPDATE:  On January 20, 2023, the Illinois Supreme Court overruled the Ward case below to the extent that the Ward case looked at whether contact was insulting or provoking from the victim’s point of view.  Instead, A judge or jury … Continue reading

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CAN A COURT ISSUE A PROTECTIVE ORDER BEFORE YOU ARE CONVICTED?

Under Illinois law, the answer is yes “if the court finds prima facie evidence that a crime involving domestic violence, a sexual offense or stalking has been committed.” (See 725 ILCS 5/112A-11.5.) Prima facie evidence can include the complaint against … Continue reading

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WHAT IS AGGRAVATED BATTERY IN ILLINOIS?

In Illinois, you commit battery if you knowingly, without legal justification, physically hurt another person or cause contact of an offensive nature, such as by grabbing them. But that battery can be upgraded to an aggravated offense depending on the … Continue reading

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HOW YOUR BAR FIGHT CAN BECOME A FELONY IN ILLINOIS

You were out with friends at a bar. Some guy overheard something you said that he didn’t like. He came over and insulted you. You were not about to let that stand, so you punched him. You knew you lost … Continue reading

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HOW TO CLEAR UP YOUR OLD ILLINOIS ARREST WARRANT WHEN YOU LIVE OUT OF STATE

Years ago, you were arrested in Illinois. You ignored your court date, although you believe there is an outstanding warrant against you. This did not trouble you for some years, because you live out of state and did not intend … Continue reading

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ONLINE CHALLENGE CAN LEAD TO CRIMINAL CHARGES AND SCHOOL EXPULSION

Social media presents kids with ever varied opportunities for trouble. As if online sexting and bullying weren’t bad enough, now it’s “devious licks,” a challenge where students post videos of themselves vandalizing or stealing school property. If your child has … Continue reading

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WHAT IS A CHOKING OFFENSE UNDER ILLINOIS LAW?

You met with a possible “match” on one of the many dating apps. The meeting very quickly led to hookup sex. You thought you were both enjoying yourselves, and that the other party had asked you to choke them. But … Continue reading

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DID YOU CONSENT TO A POLICE SEARCH?

An officer generally must have a warrant in order to search you or your property unless an exception to the warrant requirement exists. One exception is that you consented. But did you really? While this may seem like a straightforward … Continue reading

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