Category Archives: Uncategorized

WHAT IS THE CRIME OF STALKING IN ILLINOIS?

Under Illinois criminal law, there are four types of stalking: * Knowingly engaging in a course of conduct that you should have known would cause a reasonable person to fear for their own or another’s safety or cause them to … Continue reading

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WHAT IS AGGRAVATED ASSAULT OR BATTERY TO AN OFFICER?

After the officer approached you, you lost control. You may even have hit them. What is aggravated asssault or aggravated battery to an officer? What can you do? In Illinois, you can be charged with aggravated assault if you knowingly … Continue reading

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CAN THE GOVERNOR PARDON MORE THAN ONE CASE FOR ME IN ILLINOIS?

You grew up in a rough neighborhood. As a young adult, you had your share of arrests for a variety of stuff, perhaps in more than one county.  Nevertheless, at some point you knew you had to change.  And you … Continue reading

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VIOLATING PROBATION IN ILLINOIS

            Your original criminal case ended in a sentence of supervision or probation, albeit with certain conditions.  You thought you were done.  But now the state says you violated that probation. Maybe you failed a drug test, failed to pay … Continue reading

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WHAT IS AGGRAVATED DOMESTIC BATTERY IN ILLINOIS?

There are two ways for a domestic battery to become an aggravated offense in Illinois:  See  720 ILCS 5/12-3.3 Aggravated Domestic Battery. A “family or household member” includes your current or ex-spouse, parent, child or step child, blood or marital … Continue reading

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WHAT IS THE OFFENSE OF CHILD PHOTOGRAPHY BY A SEX OFFENDER IN ILLINOIS?

            Under Illinois law, you may not knowingly take photos or videos of a child without their parent’s consent if you are a child sex offender.  (See 720 ILCS 5/11-24.) You also may not operate any type of business in … Continue reading

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WHEN IS A THREAT PUNISHABLE AS A CRIME?

The First Amendment does not protect threats of violence. However, a threat is not a crime unless the state can show that you consciously disregarded a substantial risk that your statements would be viewed as threatening violence.  The state must … Continue reading

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DO I NEED AN ATTORNEY AT MY ILLINOIS BOND HEARING?

Now, more than ever, it is critical to have an experienced attorney assist you when the court considers releasing you before trial  As of September 18, 2023, the SAFE-T Act eliminated cash bond.  Therefore, you can no longer guarantee your … Continue reading

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DOES A MATCH ON A DNA DATABASE GIVE POLICE PROBABLE CAUSE?

            The answer is yes.  Even a preliminary match with a federal or state DNA database may give police the probable cause they need to get a search warrant for a separate DNA sample from you. This sample may come … Continue reading

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CAN YOU USE AN EXPERT ON EYEWITNESS TESTIMONY IN ILLINOIS?

You are charged with a violent crime that took place late at night in your neighborhood. At the time, you were home alone watching TV.  But somehow, two eyewitnesses have picked you out of a photo line up. Can an … Continue reading

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