Yearly Archives: 2021

HOW TO CLEAR UP YOUR OLD ILLINOIS ARREST WARRANT WHEN YOU LIVE OUT OF STATE

Years ago, you were arrested in Illinois. You ignored your court date, although you believe there is an outstanding warrant against you. This did not trouble you for some years, because you live out of state and did not intend … Continue reading

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ONLINE CHALLENGE CAN LEAD TO CRIMINAL CHARGES AND SCHOOL EXPULSION

Social media presents kids with ever varied opportunities for trouble. As if online sexting and bullying weren’t bad enough, now it’s “devious licks,” a challenge where students post videos of themselves vandalizing or stealing school property. If your child has … Continue reading

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WHAT IS A CHOKING OFFENSE UNDER ILLINOIS LAW?

You met with a possible “match” on one of the many dating apps. The meeting very quickly led to hookup sex. You thought you were both enjoying yourselves, and that the other party had asked you to choke them. But … Continue reading

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DID YOU CONSENT TO A POLICE SEARCH?

An officer generally must have a warrant in order to search you or your property unless an exception to the warrant requirement exists. One exception is that you consented. But did you really? While this may seem like a straightforward … Continue reading

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WHAT IS THE OFFENSE OF CHILD ENDANGERMENT IN ILLINOIS?

In Illinois, endangering the life or health of a child is a Class A misdemeanor for a first offense and a Class 3 felony for subsequent offenses. The offense includes knowingly allowing or causing the endangerment or permitting the child … Continue reading

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CAN I PLEAD ENTRAPMENT AS A DEFENSE?

(UPDATE: The Lewis case below was upheld by the Illinois Supreme Court in People v. Lewis on June 24, 2022). A friend of a friend asked you to help them get some narcotics. You don’t do drugs yourself, but you … Continue reading

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WHAT IS SELF DEFENSE IN ILLINOIS?

Under Illinois law, you act in self defense if: (1) there is a threat of unlawful force against you; (2) you are not the aggressor; (3) the danger of harm was imminent; (4) your use of force was necessary; (5) … Continue reading

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WHAT IS AGGRAVATED CRIMINAL SEXUAL ABUSE BASED ON “POSITION OF TRUST?”

Under one definition (720 ILCS 5/11-1.60(f)), you commit aggravated criminal sexual abuse if 1) you have sexual conduct with a victim who is aged 13 to 17, 2) you are at least age 17, and 3) you hold a position … Continue reading

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CAN YOU BE CHARGED WITH MULTIPLE CRIMES BASED ON ONE ACT?

The answer is yes, provided each offense contains at least one element that differs from your other offense(s). Under the one-act, one-crime rule, you may not be convicted of multiple offenses based on precisely the same single physical act. To … Continue reading

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WHEN CAN I BE CONVICTED OF A LESSER INCLUDED OFFENSE?

Police arrested you on charges that were pretty stiff, but you feel confident that the state can’t prove the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. That does not mean, however, that you are out of the woods. The court can convict … Continue reading

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