Under Illinois law, the answer is yes “if the court finds prima facie evidence that a crime involving domestic violence, a sexual offense or stalking has been committed.” (See 725 ILCS 5/112A-11.5.) Prima facie evidence can include the complaint against you or a protective order in a separate civil case brought by the same petitioner. You may, however, present evidence that you had a valid defense in which case the court may decide not to issue the order. If you are facing a possible protective order due to a criminal offense, contact an experienced attorney immediately. An attorney can
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WHY AM I GETTING POSTCARDS FROM LAWYERS? HOW DO I CHOOSE A GOOD ONE?
Once you are charged with DUI, some counties will sell the list of new DUI defendants to attorneys who request it. These attorneys often send postcards or letters offering services for a seemingly reasonable fee. While we cannot comment on the quality of these attorneys, beware of those who nearly always plead their cases out. They may not be doing you a real service. For a limited fee, they may simply show up once to plea you out, and frankly, you could probably manage that on your own.
A quality attorney will likely cost more. But he or she will
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Guide to Illinois Driver’s License Suspensions and Revocations
The Illinois Secretary of State can suspend or revoke your driver’s license for a variety of reasons. A license suspension lasts for a set period of time. After it ends, you can automatically regain your driving privileges after paying a reinstatement fee to the Secretary of State. Depending on the reason(s) for the suspension, there may be additional conditions before full license reinstatement such as completion of a remedial driving course.
In contrast, a license revocation lasts for a minimum of 1 year or longer depending on the violation that caused the revocation and your overall record of previous violations.
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Defense Strategies for a DUI in Illinois
A DUI may feel like an inescapable sentence. However, there are a variety of tried-and-true strategies that someone may use to successfully defend against a guilty DUI charge in the state of Illinois. When facing a potential DUI conviction, time is of the essence. Evidence may be piling up against you, and the first line of a good defense is strategizing with an experienced attorney.
Understanding your DUI
DUI charges can range in severity and sentencing. Each individual’s case will vary depending on the details and circumstances of their unique situation. A DUI charge in the state of Illinois is
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Can My Social Media Posts Put My Illinois Nursing License in Jeopardy?
Social media platforms have become an integral part of many people’s daily lives, often without realizing just how integral. People post photos, comments, opinions, and memes on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, SnapChat, and several other sites on a regular basis. While social media is often a good place for keeping in touch with family and friends, and even networking, it is crucial to be vigilant about what you are posting, especially if you work in certain fields, such as nursing. In fact, items from your social media posts could ultimately be used against you in any actions taken against you by
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Can I Get a DUI for Marijuana in Illinois?
Illinois legalized recreational marijuana in 2020. However, the drug is still regulated by the state. It is also illegal to drive a vehicle while under the influence of cannabis. If you are pulled over by police and they suspect you of “drugged driving” or driving under the influence of marijuana, you can be arrested and charged with driving under the influence (DUI).
Drugged Driving DUIs
Marijuana affects cognitive abilities, decision-making, and reaction time. Consequently, legislators have made it illegal to operate a car while under the influence of marijuana. You can be charged with DUI for using marijuana in
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When Can a Person Face Criminal Charges for Retail Theft in Illinois?
There are a variety of situations where a person may face criminal charges based on accusations of theft. Some of the most common charges in these cases involve claims that a person has committed retail theft, which is commonly known as shoplifting. While this may seem like a relatively minor offense, there are a variety of factors that may result in serious charges that can lead to large fines or significant jail time if a person is convicted. By understanding the types of actions that could lead to these charges and the potential penalties for these offenses, those
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New Secretary of State Rules for 2022
The Secretary of State has enacted new rules, which became effective on January 1, 2022, addressing out-of-state petitions for reinstatement; formal hearing procedures; informal hearing eligibility; time limits to complete restricted driving permit and reinstatement requirements; designation of four (4) different types of restricted driving permit and standards governing each type; using the restricted driving permit for other reasons; breath alcohol ignition interlock device (BAIID) violations; definition of a “DUI disposition”; updated evaluations; opiate substitution programs; medical cannabis; and prescribed opiate medication.
Additional details regarding these new rules can be found on this earlier blog post.
Attorney Larry A.
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Building a Defense for Drug Trafficking Charges
When faced with drug trafficking charges, the arresting officers will inform you that you have the right to remain silent. Many people will take law enforcement up on this offer. It is often in your best interests to avoid speaking to law enforcement without your lawyer present. The right to an attorney is another one of the Miranda rights. Upon speaking with a criminal defense lawyer, you will become familiar with the process of building a defense for drug trafficking charges.
If you are awaiting a consultation with a lawyer, you may be wondering what you can expect. The following
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3 Tips for Your Formal Driver’s License Reinstatement Hearing
In Illinois, drivers can lose their driving privileges due to a conviction for driving under the influence (DUI), multiple traffic violations, or conviction for a felony offense involving a vehicle. Driver’s license suspensions eventually terminate and the driver can pay a small fee to reinstate their driving privileges. However, once your driver’s license is revoked, the only way to get it back is through a driver’s license reinstatement hearing. Formal hearings are held at one of four Secretary of State locations in Illinois.
Understand the Requirements for License Reinstatement
Formal driver’s license reinstatement hearings are usually required when a
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Do I Need an Attorney to Defend My Professional License Against a Complaint?
In Illinois, there are a number of different professional licensing boards that all fall under the umbrella of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). Any individual who holds a professional license in the state of Illinois is under the oversight of whatever board issued that license. When there is a complaint or other issue filed against an individual, that board will be the one to investigate the complaint, determine if there is validity to it, and decide if any disciplinary action should be taken against the person who holds that license.
Anyone who has been notified that
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What Happens If You Are Accused of Forgery in Illinois?
Forgery refers to the falsification of documents. In Illinois, forgery is a crime punishable by significant penalties, including imprisonment. You could be charged with forgery if you allegedly sign someone else’s name on a financial document or use deception to commit theft. If you or a loved one were charged with forgery, you should know that the state of Illinois takes forgery very seriously. You or your loved one could be facing life-altering consequences.
Understanding Forgery Charges
When someone lies or fabricates information or signatures, they can be accused of forgery. Just the act of possessing a forged document can
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WHAT IS LEAVING THE SCENE OF AN ACCIDENT INVOLVING PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH IN ILLINOIS?
Let’s say you were distracted by some family problems, ran a stop sign and hit a car that was already in the intersection. You panicked and drove away. The officer somehow tracked you down, and now you are charged with leaving the scene of an accident involving personal injury or death.
What does that mean? What can you do?
In Illinois, you have a legal duty to remain at the scene of an accident, provide information and render aid. To convict you, the state must prove:
1) You were the driver of a vehicle involved in an accident;
2) The
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What You Need to Know About Criminal Charges for Cocaine in Illinois
Public opinions about certain substances, like marijuana, have changed significantly in the last few decades. However, cocaine is still an illicit substance and criminal charges for cocaine possession are harsh. If you or a loved one were charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance, reach out to a lawyer for personalized guidance on how to handle the situation.
Possession of Cocaine
Cocaine is considered a Schedule 1 controlled substance in Illinois. Schedule 1 drugs have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical purpose. Consequently, possession of cocaine is considered a serious criminal offense. If you are caught
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How Much Do Driver’s License Reinstatement Fees Cost in Illinois?
If you are looking to have your driver’s license reinstated in the state of Illinois, you might be curious about what you can expect along the way. Whether your license was revoked or suspended, reinstating a driver’s license usually comes with a fee attached.
The Fourteen Types of Driver’s License Reinstatement Fees in Illinois
The amount of money you will owe in order to reinstate your license will depend on the reason it was suspended or revoked. That is because the reason behind your revocation or suspension is penalized with a fee that the state of Illinois deems reasonable as
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Should I Take a Plea Deal if I am Charged With a Crime in Aurora?
Being charged with a crime is a confusing, frightening experience. Many criminal defendants have little to no experience in the criminal justice system. They are unaware of their rights and options. Plea bargains are often especially confusing. Many criminal defendants are unsure of whether they should accept a plea bargain or fight for an acquittal. They do not understand the potential benefits and risks of accepting a plea deal.
If you or a loved one have been charged with theft, drug manufacturing, reckless driving, or another criminal offense, contact a criminal defense lawyer right away. Your attorney can evaluate your
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