Monthly Archives: May 2011

‘MY CHILD WAS OUT TOO LATE!”: CURFEW LAW IN ILLINOIS

Your son was at a school party. After the party, he and some friends went to the park and hung around until after midnight. That’s when the police arrived. Now your son is charged with violating curfew, and you may … Continue reading

Posted in curfew, juveniles | Leave a comment

WARRANTLESS SEARCHES: THE U.S. SUPREME COURT MARIJUANA EVIDENCE CASE AND ILLINOIS LAW

You may have heard it on the news: U.S. Supreme Court rules that police can enter home because of marijuana smell. While this statement oversimplifies the court’s decision, Kentucky v King deals with the law of exigent circumstances, or when … Continue reading

Posted in exigent circumstances, search and seizure, warrantless search | Leave a comment

‘BUT IT’S HIS GUN!”: WHEN YOU ARE CHARGED WITH POSSESSING A FIREARM

The police are at the door. Your boyfriend was involved in some kind of criminal activity—maybe it was drug dealing or robbery. Somehow the police found a gun, either in your home or in your car. Now both you and … Continue reading

Posted in firearm possession, gun possession, illegal gun, illegal weapon, machine gun, silencer, taser, unlawful use of weapon | Leave a comment

‘BUT I WAS JUST VISITING!”: WHEN YOU ARE CHARGED WITH BRINGING CONTRABAND INTO A PRISON OR JAIL

Your loved one is in trouble. You went to see them at the police lockup or in the jail. Or maybe it’s just visiting day at the prison. You knew you couldn’t bring in drugs or weapons, but all you … Continue reading

Posted in bringing in contraband, Class 1 Felony, contraband, electronic device, possession of contraband | Leave a comment