The ways police handle their duties have come under more scrutiny over the last few years. Recent deaths and questionable practices have led to politicians and officers creating new policies to keep more people safer. Earlier this year, in response to a couple of last...
Criminal defense
What does the resentencing initiative mean for Illinois inmates?
What to do with people convicted of crimes has been hotly debated among lawmakers and citizens alike. There seem to be perpetual disagreements on the goals for people sent to prison and, more objectively, how much time is “enough.” The Cook County State’s Attorney,...
Does using marijuana impact my right to carry a gun?
There are many reasons you may be considering getting a permit to carry a firearm. For some, it is about protecting yourself; for others, it is simply about exercising a constitutional right. Now that Illinois has joined the increasing number of states that have...
Remember that the police do not have to be honest with you
The police may expect you to be honest with them, but this does not work both ways. No matter how honest they appear to be, always remember that they are allowed to lie to you. Why would they do so? The most common reason is that they're trying to get a confession....
What you should know about orders for protection
It can be so easy for a simple argument to get taken out of context or turn into something you did not expect. A disagreement can quickly turn into charges and a complex legal situation. Often, when there are domestic violence charges, an order for protection is not...
How an attorney can help you protect your rights
Facing criminal charges can be an embarrassing experience. You do not want to be in your situation, and you may not want to ask for help, either. You also know that getting legal help can add more expenses to an already-costly situation. For many, it can seem like...
Can using a fake ID be considered identity theft?
When you are trying to fit in with another crowd, a year or two can be a significant age difference. While your new friends can get into clubs and bars, you could be stuck on the sidelines with a fear of missing out. It could seem like getting a fake ID could be the...
Should I accept a plea agreement?
Facing criminal charges can seem like a hopeless situation. There are experts in their field making a case against you, and it can feel like it is impossible to win. When a prosecutor offers a plea agreement, it may seem like an easier way out since the problem seems...
How does my first criminal charge impact my background check?
It can be devastating when one ill-timed mistake seems to set your life spiraling downwards. In a matter of an instant, you can go from a typical day to wondering how this moment could impact your goals and ambitions. There are increasingly more jobs and opportunities...
Illinois Senate Bill amendment spotlights RICO
There is some frenetic movement and positioning currently on display in the Illinois General Assembly, with legislative proposals including a call to beef up the state’s already strong RICO laws. RICO is the shortened designation for the seminal statutory Racketeer...