1231 N. Ashland Avenue, Chicago, IL 60622
CALL TODAY FOR A FREE CONSULTATION
773-276-5541
Recent Blog Posts
Factors That Contribute to Driver Intoxication
Most people are aware that likely know that the legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) for the average adult driver in the state of Illinois is 0.08 percent. But, what does that number represent? Is there a magic number of drinks that reaches the threshold, which consumers are forbidden to pass and then drive a car? Does it matter what the drink of choice is? While 0.08 is the one substantial factor, several others contribute to surpassing that limitation and possibly being charged with driving under the influence (DUI).
What Was in Your Glass?
This is where it pays to go to a reputable establishment to consume alcohol. Did you know that each beverage has a glass in which it should be served? Classifications break down into glasses made specifically for beer, wine, or spirits and further into each subclass. The idea behind specialized glasses ensures consumers not only enjoy the best taste of their beverages but are also not consuming too much without knowledge. By serving inappropriate amounts of alcohol per glass, a vendor may set their customers up for disaster. Consider that the following measurements are all equal to one standard drink:
Justice Department Announces Tougher Sentences for Drug Crimes
In a recent memo, Unites States Attorney General Jeff Sessions ordered federal prosecutors to “charge and pursue the most serious, readily provable offense” when it comes to prosecuting drug crimes. This is a complete reversal of the direction drug crimes prosecution was going under the previous administration.
A Departure From Recent Years
Under the Obama administration, then-Attorney General Eric Holder ordered prosecutors to change the way they handled non-violent cases, including those involving drug charges, directing them to allow lower-level agencies—such as local and state prosecutors—to handle these types of cases. Over the past several years, as the drug epidemic has spread throughout the country, there has been more focus placed on criminal justice reform, particularly figuring out ways to get those facing drug charges the help and rehabilitation they need instead of just throwing them into prison. The Justice Department under the Trump administration, however, appears to be rolling back those reforms and instead, going back to harsher penalties and implementing mandatory minimum sentences.
Police Department Looking for Owner of “Lost” Crack
If you were to lose your wallet, it would be fairly reasonable for you to get on social media and to ask for help in locating it. Similarly, if you found a healthy-looking, friendly dog wandering in your neighborhood, you may take to Facebook in an attempt to locate the dog’s owner. But, what if you found some type of illegal drug? While you would probably not jump on social media in such a situation, a local police department in Pennsylvania recently did just that.
A Deadly Drug Problem
Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, is a smallish city of about 40,000 people in Eastern Pennsylvania, situated in Luzerne County with a population of about 318,000. In 2016, however, Luzerne County experienced at least 137 fatal drug overdoses, with victims ranging from all walks of life. Amidst the drug-related struggles facing the area’s residents, local law enforcement officials are looking for ways to combat the deadly issue. The dark cloud over the region could also explain the rather sarcastic—almost bitter—sense of humor shown by the Wilkes-Barre Township Police Department last week.
The Commonly Misunderstood Charges of Assault and Battery
In popular culture, the crimes of assault and battery have acquired numerous meanings that are not entirely in keeping with the actual nature of the offenses themselves. This can cause potential problems when one is accused of such an offense and is not entirely sure what specific acts they are being accused of committing. If this situation ever arises in your life, it can be extremely helpful to know exactly what such an accusation includes and what it does not.
Definitions
The popular perception of assault is that it involves unwanted physical contact with a second person. This, however, misstates several aspects of the legal definition. Assault in Illinois is defined as a person engaging in a course of action “which places another in reasonable apprehension of receiving a battery.” In other words, one need not even touch another to commit assault against him or her. The crux of the issue is the fear that the victim is made to feel, whether it is subjective or not.
Can Criminal Convictions Affect My Immigration Status?
The Migration Policy Institute (MPI) estimates that approximately 28 percent of the current U.S. population is comprised of immigrants, both with and without documentation. Many people operate under the misunderstanding that once immigration status is achieved, it cannot be taken away. Thus, it may come as an unpleasant surprise to discover that this is not the case. It is possible to lose one’s legal immigration status if convicted of specific crimes, or if convicted of crimes that speak to a negative character trait such as deceit. While most criminal lawyers are not well versed in immigration law, having one who understands the interplay between the two disciplines can mean the literal difference between life and death, in extreme cases.
Crimes That Establish Removability
While in theory, any crime may be enough for an immigrant to get the attention of Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), there are two specific classes of offenses that render the perpetrator removable in most cases. Aggravated felonies and crimes of moral turpitude both essentially present an immigrant as unable to prove good moral character, which is a requirement for both lawful permanent resident status and citizenship. These crimes also render the person inadmissible because, with such an offense on their record, they would not have been granted a visa in the first place. If one is inadmissible, he or she will usually be issued an Order of Removal.
Illegal Traffic Stops and Your Rights
At some point or another, even the most prudent of Illinois drivers will likely be stopped by a law enforcement officer for an alleged traffic violation. While some of these encounters will resolve themselves in a matter of a few minutes and result in a warning or a ticket being issued, other traffic stops can result in lengthy delays and, in some cases, arrests. In certain situations, however, such stops may be or may become illegal.
Understanding Illegal Traffic Stops
“Illegal” is a general and non-descriptive term when used to refer to traffic stops. An illegal stop can be one that is not permitted by law from the outset, or it may refer to a stop that started just fine but, as the stop progressed, violated some statutory or constitutional provision. Using this general definition, an “illegal” traffic stop may include a stop that:
- Is not supported by reasonable suspicion: Reasonable suspicion means that facts have given the officer more than a mere hunch that you committed, are committing, or are about to commit a crime. Reasonable suspicion can be established by the officer’s observations of your driving or by reliable tips provided by other motorists;
What You Should Know About Sex Offender Registration
If you have been charged with any type of crime that may require you to register as a sex offender, you should understand what sex offender registration entails. Because registration is required for at least 10 years, and possibly for the remainder of the offender’s life, many people convicted of a sex offense believe that registration is the most onerous part of their sentence.
Convictions That Require Registration
Anyone convicted of a crime that Illinois law lists as a sex offense is considered a sex offender. All convicted sex offenders must register with the state’s Sex Offender Registry. Offenses that require registration upon conviction include:
- Possession of child pornography;
- Sexual assault;
- Aggravated sexual assault;
- Sexual abuse; and
- Aggravated sexual abuse.
Other, less common offenses could also require registration depending on the specific circumstances.
Understanding Cocaine Possession Charges in Illinois
If you have been charged with possession of cocaine, you could be facing serious penalties. While every case is different, courts tend to adhere to the penalty ranges set forth in the law. A qualified defense attorney can help you understand the applicable statutes and your available options.
Charges for Possession of Cocaine
Cocaine is considered a controlled dangerous substance (or CDS). The penalties for cocaine possession are generally determined by the amount of the drug recovered. Possession of cocaine is considered a felony and a conviction will result in severe consequences:
- For possession of fewer than 15 grams, a convicted person will face one to three years in prison and fines of up to $25,000.
- For possession of 15-99 grams, a convicted person will face four to 15 years in prison;
What You Need to Know About Bond Violations
When you are arrested, charged with a crime, and released on bond, there are certain conditions that you must meet. If you fail to meet them, you could be charged with a bond violation. The following information can help you learn more about the consequences of this offense, how to avoid them, and what you can do if you are charged with a bond violation in the state of Illinois.
Who Sets the Requirements?
Before you are released, a judge reviews your case to determine if you are eligible for bond. This same judge also sets the amount of your bond and outlines what your requirements are while you are out on bond. This might include going to drug or alcohol counseling, undergoing regular drug or alcohol testing, checking in regularly with a person or group of people (or not contacting certain people). You will also be instructed not to leave the state, and may not even be permitted to travel more than just a short distance from your home. Further, you must appear for all your court hearings once you are released.
Disorderly Conduct Charges in Illinois
Some crimes—such as armed robbery, aggravated assault, or the possession of heroin—are clear to most people and carry criminal penalties that may be life-changing. Other offenses, may be less obvious but could still be extremely serious. In fact, seemingly minor misdemeanor charges such as those for disorderly conduct and the like can have consequences that affect the offender’s life for well into the future.
Disorderly Conduct Defined
Defining disorderly conduct, however, can be tricky, as there are several factors that may affect such a charge, and some of them can be rather subjective. Generally, a disorderly conduct charge can be filed if a person is acting in an unreasonable manner with the intention of disturbing or attempting to provoke a “breach of peace.”
False Reports
Contact Our Firm
The use of the Internet or this form for communication with the firm or any individual member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form.
I have read and understand the Disclaimer and Privacy Policy.
