Yearly Archives: 2013

HOW TO CHOOSE A CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY

No matter how great they are, not all attorneys are right for all clients. So how do you choose the criminal defense attorney that will best represent you? Here are some pointers: 1) Communication: This factor would likely be at … Continue reading

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“BUT I DIDN’T START IT!”: THE ILLINOIS LAW ON SELF-DEFENSE

He just came at you. To protect yourself, you pulled out a knife or maybe a gun. He turned to run away. Pumped with adrenalin, you couldn’t stop yourself from going after him. Now, he’s in the hospital, and you’re … Continue reading

Posted in aggravated battery, aggressor, assault, battery, burglary, forcible felony, self defense | Leave a comment

TAPING AN ASSAULT OR BATTERY TO BE AN AGGRAVATED OFFENSE IN ILLINOIS

As of January 1, 2014, Illinois has taken a step into modern media times by adding a video/audio component to its aggravated assault and battery laws. The changes in Illinois law upgrades assault or battery to an aggravated offense if … Continue reading

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“I DIDN’T KNOW!”: WHEN IGNORANCE IS A DEFENSE

As the saying goes, ignorance of the law is no excuse. Generally, that statement is true. All persons are presumed to know the law. There are rare occasions, however, when ignorance can be a defense. In Illinois, ignorance can be … Continue reading

Posted in defense, ignorance, intent, order of protection, retail theft | Leave a comment

NEW ILLINOIS LAW ALLOWS MORE NON-VIOLENT FELONY OFFENDERS TO SEAL CRIMINAL RECORDS

Beginning January 1, 2014, certain types of felony offenders will now be eligible to leave their criminal record in the past. Under the new law, offenders with convictions for non-violent Class 3 and Class 4 felonies may petition to seal … Continue reading

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I’VE NEVER BEEN IN TROUBLE BEFORE! DOESN’T THAT MATTER?

You’ve never been in trouble before. That retail theft or marijuana bust is your first arrest of any kind. You’ve never even blown a stop sign. Doesn’t that help? The answer is yes and no. A first offender may be … Continue reading

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RETAIL THEFT: SECOND OFFENSE AND BEYOND

Retail theft the second time around can be a much more complicated affair than your first offense. Repeat offenses may lead to stiffer charges, violation of supervision, and a conviction that stays on your record. For starters, a second offense … Continue reading

Posted in bond violation, retail theft, shoplifting, theft, violation of supervision | Leave a comment

ILLINOIS CRACKS DOWN ON DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OFFENDERS

As of January 1, 2014, those accused of domestic violence could face more severe penalties. A change in Illinois law stiffens the charges against repeat offenders. Domestic battery is defined as knowingly and without legal justification causing bodily harm or … Continue reading

Posted in Class 2 felony, Class 3 felony, class 4 felony, domestic battery, domestic violence, felony, misdemeanor, repeat offender | Leave a comment

MEDICAL MARIJUANA LEGALIZED IN ILLINOIS

On August 2, 2013, Illinois Governor Patrick Quinn signed the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Act. But this does not mean that home growers or casual users can inhale easily. The law creates a four-year pilot program which goes into … Continue reading

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CAN POLICE USE YOUR BODY AGAINST YOU?: DNA SWABS, BLOOD DRAWS AND OTHER EVIDENCE

Recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions have spotlighted when police can force you to testify against yourself—through your own body. Here is some new and not so recent law: 1) DNA Swabs: Police may take a DNA swab from inside your … Continue reading

Posted in arrest, blood draw, DNA evidence, evidence, fingerprints, handwriting samples, search and seizure, voice prints | Leave a comment