The term "armed violence" stirs many mental images from the news and movies. Armed violence may make you imagine someone robbing a store with a gun. The State of Illinois, however, has a broader perspective on what constitutes armed violence, which could mean an...
Am I responsible for my business partner’s criminal conduct?
Choosing the right business partner can be a tremendous asset. In many cases, people choose trusted friends, family members or former colleagues to develop their own opportunities. Unfortunately, some professionals find out the hard way that their business partner was...
Could the vote on H.R. 3884 impact past Marijuana convictions?
The laws regarding marijuana have changed a lot in recent years. States across the country, including Illinois, have started allowing medical use, recreational use or both. Unfortunately, federally, both using and distributing marijuana is a crime that can come with...
Police instinct or junk science?
Facing police questioning is stressful. Whether you are guilty or not, you may face the temptation to give the officers some information with the hope they will release you. The officer, convinced you are lying, may try to pressure you into giving them more...
Police instinct or junk science?
Facing police questioning is stressful. Whether you are guilty or not, you may face the temptation to give the officers some information with the hope they will release you. The officer, convinced you are lying, may try to pressure you into giving them more...
Does a firearm make “intent to distribute” charges, worse?
Earlier this year, a Chicago man faced serious drug and weapons charges from an incident last December when he allegedly possessed numerous illegal substances and two firearms. If convicted, the defendant, Mitchell Simmons, could face large fines and several years in...
When can the judge decide to hold me without bail?
The hours you are in jail waiting for your bail hearing can be nerve-racking. You do not know if or when you will get out or what will happen next. When a judge decides to grant bail or other conditions for release, it is to demonstrate your commitment to show up at...
Can someone’s order for protection limit my ability to go to work?
Finding out someone has filed an order or protection against you can be upsetting. Not only has the alleged conflict escalated far beyond what you thought, dealing with an order for protection can have a significant impact on your life. This is what you should know...
Will a plea deal stand in the way of an appeal?
Being accused of a crime can be a frightening time in anyone’s life. The prosecution wastes no time making the case against you, and everyone charging you is an expert in the law. One mistake or false accusation can quickly become a complicated issue. When the...
When can police search my car?
You can probably point to a culmination of movies, television and news clips for the confusion you feel when you try to recognize when police can and cannot search your vehicle. Even people who have been through an officer’s search of their vehicle may not fully...
