Category Archives: misdemeanor

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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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

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

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

“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 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