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Medical Marijuana in Illinois
The Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Act On August 1, 2013, Gov. Pat Quinn signed HB 1, which will create a medical marijuana pilot program
Driving under the Influence in Illinois
A Driving Under Influence, commonly abbreviated as DUI charge in Illinois, is a very serious matter. Thus, it has to be handled immediately in order to avoid
Wrongful Police Interrogation
Most people ask themselves, “If he didn’t do it, then why did he say he did?” Before I went to law school, I had the
What Does the Second Amendment Protect?
Illinois concealed carry laws The 2008 landmark case, District of Columbia v. Heller posited many conflicting interpretations of the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution. It
Illinois Concealed Carry Law (Update)
Last time we addressed the continuing change in concealed carry laws, the law had been passed, subsequently vetoed by Governor Quinn, and then overturned by the
Stop and Frisk and Racial Profiling
The killing of Trayvon Martin and the acquittal of George Zimmerman exposed a raw nerve left after years of continued prejudice, racial profiling and inequality in criminal justice
All Minor Teens Soon to be Treated as Juveniles in Illinois
Illinois has been slow to reform its Juvenile Criminal laws, but change has happened and continues for the benefit of Illinois youth. Prior to an
What Does the Confrontation Clause Mean for a Defendant?
The Confrontation Clause if a constitutional provision that entitled a defendant to confront any witnesses that may speak against him. Found in the Sixth Amendment,
Seventh Circuit Refuses to Impose Minimum Mandatory Sentences
Sentencing for crimes typically involve mandatory minimums imposed by following certain guidelines. It is a hallmark of the justice system to treat everyone fairly and
Police Deceit Works Again in Illinois
Facts Isaac Jaimes was on trial Wednesday, July 24, for 1st degree murder in Winnebago County. Isaac is the brother of known Latin King gang member Ricardo Jaimes.
Illinois Police Seize Cocaine
The Facts A www.newsbug.com article reported, at 11:38 a.m. July 15, 2013, according to police reports, ISP (Illinois State Police) narcotics agents were conducting a joint investigation
Can the mediation papers be changed after both parties sign them?
Mediation is often viewed as a less costly and more effective type of divorce proceeding. While not for every couple or situation, mediation can result
Search Incident to Arrest in Illinois
We have all been pulled over by the police whether it be for speeding, rolling a stop sign, or a blown out taillight. Some of
Heroin and Guns in the Illinois Judiciary
If you ever needed more proof that drugs are not an insular (low socio-economic communities) issue, look no further then to the person who may
The Constitutionality of Dog Sniffs
The legal (warrantless) use of dogs by law enforcement officials has long been defended by prosecutors on the grounds that he sniff does not reveal
The Latest in Illinois’ Nascent Concealed Carry Law
On July 9, Governor Quinn executed the highly publicized “veto” in regard to the new concealed carry legislation. On the same day, the Illinois lawmakers
When Can Words Lead to Arrest in Illinois?
The 1st Amendment protects every Americans right to speak freely, but Illinois has enacted legislation that precludes some forms of speech. Typically, a prior restraint on
What is Grooming in Illinois?
Illinois has enacted legislation that addresses the technological advances that society has made in regards to the Internet, electronic storage, and the easy dissemination of images. One
When Does an “Attempt” to Commit a Crime Become an Attempted Crime in Illinois?
Inchoate Offenses The law considers crimes that have yet to occur, but near to occur to be inchoate offenses. An inchoate crime is defined as,
What Does Ex Post Facto Mean in Illinois?
Ex post facto is a Latin phrase that means “a thing done after” or “after the fact.” It is applicable to our criminal justice system
What is Reasonable Doubt in Illinois?
No matter whether you reside in Illinois or any other state, no matter whether you are tried in state or federal court, no matter if
What is Kidnapping in Illinois?
According to a 2007 CNN article, over 200,000 children are kidnapped per annum. The majority of these kidnappings involve the non-custodial parent (i.e. the parent who is
What is Racketeering in Illinois?
The Employers’ Association of Chicago coined the term “racketeering,” in Chicago in 1927. The purpose of the Association was to resist the unionization of employees in Chicago
What is Entrapment in Illinois?
We often hear the “bad guy” on television and in movies scream, “this is entrapment” when confronted by police in a sting operation. More often
What Do I Do If Asked to Take a Polygraph Test in Illinois?
Police will use a variety of techniques in an effort to elicit the “truth” from a witness or suspect in regard to the commission of
When Can I Use Deadly Force in Illinois?
Unless you have been living under a rock the past six months, you are familiar with the “self-defense or murder” trial happening in Sanford, FL.
What Happens if I get Caught With Steroids in Illinois?
In today’s culture there is unprecedented pressure for young men to adhere to an unnatural standard of attractiveness. Society tells us the bigger and stronger you are,
Have you Been Falsely Accused of Sexual Assault in Illinois?
There is nothing worse than being falsely accused of a crime, except if that allegation is of sexual assault against a person or a child.
Can the Police Lie to You in Illinois?
The Courts of the United States have held over and over again that police may use trickery in order to obtain information from a suspect
What Are Child Pornography Laws in Illinois?
Who are “passive pedophiles?” These are individuals who possess child pornography. They do not try to sexually abuse or molest children. Instead they want to
What is the Current Status of Concealed Carry Laws in Illinois?
Illinois Concealed Carry Laws The 2008 landmark case, District of Columbia v. Heller posited many conflicting interpretations of the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution. It
What Should I do When Pulled Over for DUI in Illinois?
When the officer questions you When stopped for a traffic violation or suspicion of driving while intoxicated the officer will no doubt- upon first encounter
What is a hate crime in Illinois?
Illinois has a broad definition of what constitutes hate crime. A hate crime relates not only to whether the alleged victim is of a different
How do I Defend Against a Rape Charge in Illinois?
Rape is a highly controversial topic because it is a crime involving a very personal and intimate act that evokes strong emotions when associated with
What are the Different Theft Crimes in Illinois?
Stealing, theft, robbery, burglary, larceny, shoplifting are all terms that involve taking something that does not belong to you. While you may have an idea
What are Gang Laws in Chicago?
Gangs are a reality in Chicago. There are state and local laws addressing gang activity. Law enforcement efforts to target gang activity sometimes tread across
Can I be Prosecuted for Carrying a Concealed Weapon in Illinois?
Illinois is at the center of a heated national debate about gun control right now. This is largely because the U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh
What are the Bike Laws in Chicago?
This may not seem like a relevant topic in criminal law, but there are actually both State and Municipal laws governing bicycling in Chicago that
Can Violating the Fishing Laws Lead to Jail Time in Illinois?
Now that summer is upon us, enjoying the great outdoors is likely a pastime many Illinois residents will partake in. Fishing is an activity many
Can I get Cited for Crimes at the Beach in Chicago?
Summer time brings most everyone outside to enjoy the sun and surf in Chicago. This is a season of fun, relaxing, and getting together. There
Are Marijuana Laws Discriminatory in Illinois?
The legalization of marijuana is a hot topic in today’s news media. It may not all be hype for those who simply want to see
What is the Insanity Defense in Illinois?
Defenses are available to defendants charged with crimes to justify their actions or otherwise dispute criminal liability for their conduct. Insanity is one such defense.
Are Free Consultations Really Confidential in Illinois?
Choosing an attorney is an important matter, especially when you are involved in the criminal justice system. Many attorneys claim to offer free consultations in
What Will Happen if I Run From the Police in Illinois?
Encounters with law enforcement can be intimidating and you may run away on instinct, because you are scared, don’t trust the police, or any other
Can I Get Towed for Driving Without Proof of Insurance in Illinois?
Currently, the answer to that question is no, but lawmakers in the Illinois Legislature may vote soon on a bill that allows police officers to
Do Police Need a Warrant to Collect my DNA in Illinois?
The U.S. Supreme Court has been busy these past few weeks deciding cases regarding whether police need a warrant for certain bodily evidence. The Court
How can I Defend Myself Against Marijuana Possession Charges in Illinois?
Knowing that Illinois still criminalizes marijuana, despite major changes in public opinion, there are a number of things that you can do to avoid being
What are the Marijuana Laws in Illinois?
The Chicago Tribune recently reported that the majority of Americans now support legalization of marijuana. Though marijuana possession remains illegal under federal law, a number of
What is the difference between an OUI and a DUI in Illinois?
In Illinois, it is illegal to operate virtually any time of motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The two most commonly
Is Computer Hacking a Serious Crime in Chicago?
The Chicago Tribune recently reported about a young man living in Chicago who recently plead guilty to computer hacking. The defendant, James Hammond, admitted to hacking into
Are Suspicionless Searches Allowed in Illinois?
Typically, Fourth Amendment jurisprudence requires probable cause in order for a search or seizure to be valid. There are circumstances where the Fourth Amendment isn’t
What are the Proposed Changes to the Sex Offender Registry in Illinois?
There were several changes to the Sex Offender Registration Act that became effective at the beginning of this year. There are also many new changes being proposed
Where Can Police Search Near my Home?
According to the Fourth Amendment, our home is afforded the most protection from unwarranted intrusion by law enforcement. Even though the law recognizes the sanctity and privacy
What is the Criminal Law Process in Illinois?
The criminal justice system can be an intimidating and daunting experience, especially if your freedom, reputation, and future are on the line. There are many
What is Second-Degree Murder in Illinois?
Second-degree murder is similar to first-degree murder under the laws of Illinois. The State must still prove that the defendant killed the victim without legal justification
What is First-Degree Murder in Illinois?
Classifications for crime are categorized based on the degrees of severity. First-degree murder is arguably the most serious crime that exists and it carries the
What is the Offender Initiation Program in Illinois?
Having a criminal record can be a big obstacle in moving on with your life. Especially if you are a convicted felon, you may have
What is the Legal BAC in Illinois?
It is fairly common knowledge that the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit while driving a vehicle is 08. However, there are some variations to
What is the Attorney-Client Privilege in Illinois?
The laws of evidence determine what kinds of communications, documents, and information is considered privileged and thus not available for use as evidence at trial.
Is there any Defense to Statutory Rape in Illinois?
Sexually based offenses are a sensitive and contentious category of crimes. Statutory rape is a criminal act that is based more on a technicality rather
Can Evidence be Excluded at a Criminal Trial in Illinois?
The short answer to this question is yes, some evidence of a crime can be excluded at trial. There are many reasons for suppressing evidence,
Are Synthetic Drugs Illegal in Illinois?
Synthetic drugs are chemically laced substances manufactured to mimic the effects of illegal drugs like marijuana and methamphetamines. Common names for these synthetics drugs are
Is a Warrantless Blood Test Allowed in Illinois?
Under Illinois Statute 625-5/11-501.1, drivers are required to submit to a blood, urine, or breath test if arrested for a DUI in Illinois. Authority for this
What is Involuntary Manslaughter in Illinois?
Involuntary manslaughter is the term used to describe the unintentional killing of another person. It is the least severe charge for the crime of homicide.
What is Assault and Battery in Illinois?
Although these two terms are closely related, they are two distinct criminal offenses. In order to understand the crime of assault, you must also understand
Is Intoxication a Valid Defense to a Crime in Illinois?
The basic principles of Criminal Law require that a criminal act be committed voluntarily and with some sort of statutorily prescribed intent in order to
What is Considered Disorderly Conduct in Illinois?
The charge of Disorderly Conduct is a criminal offense under Illinois Law. Disorderly Conduct is a broad term that encompasses a lot of activity and
What is Considered a White-Collar Crime in Illinois?
The term “white-collar crime” is one that you may have heard, but it doesn’t really describe what this classification means or includes. You may also
What are the Consequences of a No-Contest Plea in Illinois?
When charged with a crime, you must enter a plea to that crime. You can plead not guilty, guilty, or no-contest. You are likely familiar with
