Yearly Archives: 2011

CAN THE POLICE USE LICENSE READING CAMERAS TO CATCH CRIMINALS? IN ONE ILLINOIS COMMUNITY, THEY ALREADY ARE

Your mobile phone isn’t the only thing getting more technologically sophisticated. So too are police crime-fighting techniques. In October, the Belleville, Illinois police department began catching criminals by using an automated camera to read license plates. The $17,000 automated license … Continue reading

Posted in arrest, arrest warrant, automated camera, traffic stop, vehicle search | Leave a comment

ILLINOIS AGGRAVATED BATTERY LAW

In Illinois, you commit simple battery if you knowingly, without legal justification, physically hurt another person or cause contact of an offensive nature, such as grabbing at them. Simple battery is a Class A Misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 … Continue reading

Posted in aggravated assault, aggravated battery, Class 1 Felony, Class 2 felony, Class 3 felony, class 4 felony, Class X Felony | Leave a comment

“I HIT A COP!:” AGGRAVATED ASSAULT OR AGGRAVATED BATTERY TO AN OFFICER IN ILLINOIS

You must have been really drunk because you don’t remember what happened. But apparently, you went berserk and hit a police officer. The officer even ended up in the emergency room. Now, you are charged with aggravated battery. What is … Continue reading

Posted in aggravated assault, aggravated battery, aggravated battery of an officer, assault, battery, Class 1 Felony, class a misdemeanor, Class X Felony | Leave a comment

IMPERSONATING PUBLIC OFFICIALS: BIG TROUBLE

Pretending to be someone you are not may bring you applause on stage and screen, but in real life, impersonation can be a serious criminal offense. Illinois prohibits impersonating a police officer, firefighter, emergency management worker, attorney, veteran, parent/legal guardian … Continue reading

Posted in Class 1 Felony, Class 2 felony, Class 3 felony, class 4 felony personation of a police officer, class a misdemeanor, impersonation of public official, personation of a fire fighter | Leave a comment

BIGGER TROUBLE: FLEEING AND ELUDING POLICE IN ILLINOIS

You’ve seen it in all the cop shows. The police take off on a high speed chase after the fugitive. Of course, you never dreamed you would be starring in your own action movie, but when you saw the police, … Continue reading

Posted in class 4 felony, class a misdemeanor, eluding police, fleeing the scene, fugitive | Leave a comment

I HAVE BEEN CHARGED WITH A CRIME IN ILLINOIS:. COULD I GO TO JAIL?

We hear this question from clients all the time. Naturally, if you are charged with a crime, the prospect of serving time is frightening. Whether you will be sentenced to jail, however, depends on a variety of factors. The good … Continue reading

Posted in driving on a suspended license, dui, felony, jail time, misdemeanor, sentencing, violation of probation, violation of supervision | Leave a comment

PARDON ME!: CLEMENCY PETITIONERS NOW HAVE A CHANCE IN ILLINOIS

It’s tough enough to find a job these days. The last thing you need on your record is that felony shoplifting hit you took for stealing that expensive dress or that domestic violence misunderstanding where you pled to supervision. Crimes … Continue reading

Posted in clemency petition, criminal record, expungement, pardon, sealing | Leave a comment

REGISTERING YOUR CHILD FOR SCHOOL CAN BE RISKY BUSINESS

It’s back to school time for many families, and along with it comes the hassle of registration. But as financial pressures on schools increase, so does the pressure to ensure that only residents of a school district are attending the … Continue reading

Posted in class c misdemeanor, providing false information, school residency | Leave a comment

‘IM WANTED IN ANOTHER STATE!”: THE LAW OF EXTRADITION

Things went sour in the state where you lived. You got into a little trouble with the law, so you came to Illinois. Now the Governor of your old state is asking Illinois to return you for trial on the … Continue reading

Posted in extradition, fleeing the state | Leave a comment

“CAN I LEAVE THE STATE?” AND OTHER BOND VIOLATIONS

You were really looking forward to that great vacation you had planned in the tropics. Unfortunately, when you were leaving a party, you got pulled over by the police. You took your vacation anyway, and now you have violated the … Continue reading

Posted in bail, bond forfeiture, bond violation, conditions of bond, leaving the state, missing a court date | Leave a comment