When your actions have caused death or bodily harm to another, you may be faced with criminal charges. What happens, though, when your actions were in self-defense, or done to protect your home or a loved one? Is this still a criminal matter, or can you use justifiable force as a viable defense in your case? The answer to this depends on the situation. However, the following information can help you understand the basics of justifiable force in Illinois. 

You are charged with your first DUI. You knew you only had one drink and were safe to operate your vehicle. The swerve the officer reported occurred when you were avoiding a deer. The shifts in your driving speed were because it was late on a Friday after a long week of work and you were not even paying attention to your foot. Shocked to see an officer’s lights in your rearview mirror, you assumed you might have been speeding. When the officer asked you to submit to a breathalyzer, although confused, you agreed. You failed. Your life is dramatically altered now because of that test, which, …

Crimes most commonly occur without the watchful eye of others — people are afraid of being caught and the conscience is not as easily ignored. Over recent years, there has been a steady increase of online purchasing and the rise of credit card fraud. The temptation of getting untold amounts of items without paying for them becomes overwhelmingly enticing for many and is surprisingly easy to accomplish through credit card fraud. However, a conviction of such magnitude is something that is to be considered and combatted with the assistance of a legal professional.

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is considered a serious offense no matter where you live in the United States. However, in Illinois, punishments have the potential to be harsher than other states. The Illinois State Police site DUI as the cause of hundreds of deaths annually and hundreds more seriously injured and even disabled. Also with this reasoning, judges often enact strict, life-altering punishments upon conviction. With proper legal knowledge and etiquette, it is possible to receive a lesser penalty or special permissions, such as a Monitoring Device Driving Permit.