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...
How much do I have to tell police if I’m pulled over?
Flashing lights in the rearview mirror is not a sight anyone wants to see. Whether it is a minor violation or something more serious, it is human nature to expect the worst. It seems like any police encounter comes with many questions. You may already know that it is...
What should I know about e-warrants?
When you think about police officers getting a warrant, you may recall scenes from movies and television where officers must appear in court, or, at the very least, get a judge on the phone. The officer talks to the judge about probable cause, and the judge issues a...
What is a geofence warrant?
Technology seems to surround us no matter where we go. What seemed to start as smartphones became smart TVs and other smart devices. In many ways, smart devices make our lives more convenient. Instead of entering your location, your phone always knows where you are....
What goes into the judge’s bail decision?
Facing an arrest can be stressful and embarrassing. The time you spend between your arrest and your arraignment can feel never-ending. When it comes time to talk to the judge about bail, the decision often feels arbitrary. It is strange to hear an attorney talk more...
