Category Archives: felony

I WAS ARRESTED IN CHICAGO, BUT MY CASE IS IN SKOKIE

You live in Chicago, your offense was in Chicago, the police arrested you in Chicago, so you fully expected your court would be in Chicago. But to your surprise, your case is assigned to the Cook County Circuit Court in … Continue reading

Posted in Chicago court, felony, Skokie Court | Leave a comment

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A FELONY AND A MISDEMEANOR?

The primary difference between a felony and a misdemeanor is the severity of the penalties as well as the impact a conviction may have on your future. The charging document should tell you which one you are facing. Misdemeanors range … Continue reading

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NEW ILLINOIS LAW ALLOWS MORE NON-VIOLENT FELONY OFFENDERS TO SEAL CRIMINAL RECORDS

Beginning January 1, 2014, certain types of felony offenders will now be eligible to leave their criminal record in the past. Under the new law, offenders with convictions for non-violent Class 3 and Class 4 felonies may petition to seal … Continue reading

Posted in criminal record, expungement, felony, felony conviction, sealing | Leave a comment

ILLINOIS CRACKS DOWN ON DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OFFENDERS

As of January 1, 2014, those accused of domestic violence could face more severe penalties. A change in Illinois law stiffens the charges against repeat offenders. Domestic battery is defined as knowingly and without legal justification causing bodily harm or … Continue reading

Posted in Class 2 felony, Class 3 felony, class 4 felony, domestic battery, domestic violence, felony, misdemeanor, repeat offender | Leave a comment

NEW HOPE FOR ILLINOIS FIRST-TIME FELONY DEFENDANTS: THE OFFENDER INITIATIVE PROGRAM

You’ve never been in trouble before. It’s bad enough you were arrested, but even worse, your first offense is a felony. Maybe it was for shoplifting or taking drugs, something that you swear you would never do again. Fortunately, Illinois … Continue reading

Posted in Chicago felony, Class 1 Felony, drug crimes, felony, first offender, first time felony, narcotic offenses, retail theft, shoplifting | Leave a comment

HOW LITTLE PROBLEMS BECOME BIG PROBLEMS: WHEN A PETTY OFFENSE TURNS INTO A MISDEMEANOR OR FELONY

A man was walking down the middle of a road instead of the sidewalk or shoulder. In Illinois, you must use a sidewalk where provided or at least walk on the shoulder. The man was arrested for a petty offense, … Continue reading

Posted in felony, misdemeanor, petty offense, search and seizure, search of car, traffic stop | Leave a comment

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

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

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

HOW TO CHOOSE A CRIMINAL LAW ATTORNEY

You just got nailed on a DUI or maybe it was a felony or a misdemeanor. You’re a little shaken, and you know you need help. You searched for attorneys on-line and most of them sound capable. How do you … Continue reading

Posted in arrest, criminal charges, criminal law attorney, criminal offense, dui, felony, misdemeanor | Leave a comment