Posted on May 07, 2021 in Violent Crimes

As is common throughout the United States, Illinois outlaws many forms of violent crime. If you are accused of a crime involving harm or attempted harm toward another person, the severity of the charges you face depends in large part on the circumstances surrounding the alleged criminal act. One factor that can significantly increase the severity of a criminal sentence is the use of a deadly weapon in the commission of the crime.

Deadly Weapons and Aggravated Offenses in Illinois

A number of crimes in Illinois become much more serious when a weapon is involved. Depending on the circumstances, a lesser misdemeanor can be increased to a greater misdemeanor or felony, or a felony can increase to one of the most serious charges under Illinois law. Here are just a few examples of crimes that are exacerbated when the perpetrator is armed:

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on April 21, 2021 in DUI

If you were caught driving under the influence of alcohol in Illinois, your driver's license may have been suspended or revoked. Without a valid driver’s license, it becomes unlawful to drive a motor vehicle. Losing your ability to drive can be a massive inconvenience. Fortunately, Illinois drivers may be able to get relief through a Restricted Driving Permit (RDP) or a Monitoring Device Driving Permit (MDDP). These programs allow you to get back on the road legally. There is just one catch – you must install a breath alcohol ignition interlock device (BAIID) in your car. Many drivers wonder, “Is there a way to cheat a BAIID?”

How a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device Works

Driving under the influence of alcohol puts the driver’s life and the lives of others at risk. Consequently, Illinois state has instituted policies to prevent drunk driving. One of these rules is the BAIID requirement. Once a BAIID is installed in your vehicle, you must successfully pass a breath alcohol test to use the vehicle. You will need to blow into the mouthpiece and submit a breath sample before starting the car. The device will instantly analyze the sample for alcohol. If the BAIID detects even a very small amount of alcohol, your car will not start. If the device does not detect alcohol on your breath, your car will start up normally. You will be prompted to submit additional breath samples by blowing in the mouthpiece as you drive.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on April 02, 2021 in DUI

The legal blood alcohol content limit for anyone operating a motor vehicle is 0.08 percent. Consequently, many motorists assume that an individual may only be arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI) if their blood alcohol content is above this limit. However, it is possible to be arrested for DUI even if you pass a breathalyzer test or refuse to take the test. If you have been arrested for DUI, knowing your rights regarding DUI-related traffic stops, breathalyzers, and blood tests is key to forming a strong defense against the charges.

Illinois Law Does Not Require a Failed Breath Test for a DUI Arrest

In Illinois, 0.08 percent BAC or higher is considered intoxicated “per se” or intoxicated by law. However, Illinois law does not require per se intoxication for a DUI arrest. The law states that it is illegal to be in “actual physical control” of a vehicle while:

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on March 24, 2021 in Expungement

Having a criminal record can impact your ability to gain employment, suitable housing, educational opportunities, and more. A mistake you made in your youth can influence your life years or even decades later. Some individuals have arrests on their record even though they were not actually convicted of the offense for which they were arrested. Fortunately, there may be a way to get your criminal record erased or “expunged” in Illinois. If you do not qualify for expungement, you may still qualify for record sealing.

Qualifying Criteria for Expunging a Criminal Record in Illinois

When a criminal record is expunged, the documentation of the arrest or charges is destroyed. The record will not show up on a background check. It is as if the charges never happened. Many people do not realize that even if they are acquitted of criminal charges or the case is dismissed, there is still a record of the arrest and charges. Fortunately, you may be able to file a petition with the court to have your record expunged. You may qualify for expungement if:

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on March 10, 2021 in Criminal Law

If you are a minor who has been arrested and charged with a crime or you are the parent of a juvenile offender, you may be unsure of what to expect. You may have heard that children can sometimes be treated the same as adults in an Illinois criminal case but do not know the circumstances under which this can occur. Anyone under the age of 18 is a minor in Illinois; however, there are situations in which a minor may be tried and sentenced as if he or she was an adult. The alleged offense, the offender’s age and background, and other factors can influence where a juvenile case is heard.

Factors Considered by Illinois Judges in Juvenile Criminal Cases

Illinois judges have discretion when it comes to juvenile criminal cases. When determining whether to send a minor to juvenile court or adult court, the judge will consider:

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on February 22, 2021 in DUI

All DUI charges are serious, and a conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, or other drugs can lead to the revocation of your driver’s license, the requirement to use an ignition interlock device in your vehicle, significant fines and legal fees, and even a prison sentence. However, you may face even more serious charges if you are accused of committing aggravated DUI, which is a felony offense.

Aggravating Factors in DUI Cases

In most cases, a first-time DUI or a second DUI will be charged as a misdemeanor. A third or subsequent DUI will be charged as a felony. A conviction will result in a 10-year driver’s license revocation for a third offense and a lifetime revocation for any subsequent offenses.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on February 09, 2021 in Traffic Law

There are multiple ways that you could lose your driver’s license. Drunk driving is one of the most common reasons for the loss of driving privileges. A first-time DUI conviction will result in a one-year driver’s license revocation, and longer revocations will apply to second or subsequent DUI convictions. However, even if you are not convicted of DUI, you will be subject to a statutory summary suspension of your license if a chemical test performed after being arrested showed that you had a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 percent or more or if you refused to take a chemical test. Other potential reasons for license suspension or revocation include receiving three traffic violations within a single year or failing to pay child support.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on January 25, 2021 in Criminal Law

Those who are facing criminal charges often struggle to navigate the justice system. In many cases, defendants are forced to remain in the custody of law enforcement because they cannot afford to pay the amount of bail set by a judge. This has led to increased rates of incarceration for people with low incomes and also people of color. Recently, Illinois took a huge step to reform this system by passing a new law that will eliminate monetary bail, along with a variety of other changes to the criminal justice system.

HB 3653 Addresses Detainee Rights and Police Accountability

House Bill 3653 was passed by the Illinois General Assembly on January 13, 2021. While it has not yet been signed into law, Governor J.B. Pritzker has indicated his support for the changes that the new law will be implementing. Perhaps the most significant change is the elimination of cash bail, which will keep non-violent offenders from being held in prison simply because they cannot pay bail, while also preventing violent offenders from being released because they are able to raise the amount of bail set by a judge. This change will go into effect on January 1, 2023.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on January 11, 2021 in Drug Charges

January 1, 2020, was a landmark day in Illinois since it marked the legalization of marijuana for recreational use in the state. Currently, marijuana is treated much like alcohol, in that adults over the age of 21 are allowed to possess and use certain amounts of the drug, but they are prohibited from driving while intoxicated. However, even though marijuana has been legalized, people should still be aware that violations of the state’s laws could lead to charges of drug possession or other criminal offenses.

Potential Marijuana-Related Charges in Illinois

Currently, Illinois residents over the age of 21 are allowed to possess up to 30 grams of raw cannabis, up to 5 grams of cannabis concentrates, or cannabis-infused products with up to 500 milligrams of THC. Non-Illinois residents can possess half of these amounts. Authorized medical marijuana users may possess up to 2.5 ounces of raw cannabis or products containing cannabis during a 14-day period. Cannabis and products containing cannabis must be purchased from a licensed dispensary. When transported in a vehicle, marijuana must be kept in a sealed container.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on December 21, 2020 in Theft

While the holiday season is usually a time of peace and joy, running into trouble with the law can cause difficulty for a person and his or her family during this time. Theft is an issue that can affect many people during the holidays, and it can take multiple different forms. Retail theft often increases during the holiday shopping season due to crowded stores. Package theft, in which items are stolen from a person’s porch or doorstep, is also likely to occur during the holidays, especially in 2020, when many people are shopping from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Those who have been accused of committing theft should be sure to understand the specific criminal charges that may apply, and they will want to secure legal representation from an experienced criminal defense attorney who can help them determine how they can achieve a positive outcome to their case.

Continue Reading ››