Overall, the broadening of domestic violence laws and resources has helped victims throughout the U.S. However, that does not mean that there are not people who make false accusations of abuse. If someone falsely accuses you of domestic violence, you should take the possible conviction seriously and develop an aggressive defense with a trustworthy domestic violence attorney. Although domestic violence usually implies an abusive relationship between spouses or people in an intimate relationship, Illinois law expands that definition to include more potential victims. The Illinois Domestic Violence Act states that the following parties can make domestic violence claims: Family…

At the beginning of 2020, Illinois legalized recreational marijuana for adults and vowed to expunge marijuana charges from criminal records. Not all marijuana convictions will be expunged or sealed, but you can expect the following: Cases involving 30 grams of cannabis or less are eligible for automatic expungement. People can petition to have felony charges involving 30-500 grams of cannabis expunged. These requests will depend on prosecutor approval. No offenses involving over 500 grams of cannabis will be expunged under the new provisions. Unfortunately, this will not happen overnight. It is such a complex procedure that officials can only provide…

There is a wide range of traffic offenses in Illinois, and they all result in penalties of some sort. To determine how severe a punishment a particular offense warrants, the Illinois DMV uses a “point system” to grade an offense. To understand how penalties are issued for traffic offenses in Illinois, you should take a closer look at this point system. If you ever face charges for traffic offenses, seek the guidance of a skilled and reliable traffic offenses attorney. Illinois Traffic Offense Point System The Secretary of State’s office divides traffic offenses into three categories: Immediate action: This is…

Illinois law defines five categories of felonies. Each level is associated with different crimes. All the crimes at each level tend to carry equal or similar punishments. If you, a friend, or a loved one ever face charges for a crime in Illinois, it is crucial to understand the fines and penalties that are associated with the crime. Class X felonies are the most severe category of crimes in Illinois, a step below first-degree murder. A criminal defense attorney in your area can help you understand the consequences of a Class X felony. Work with an attorney you can trust…

When confronting felony charges, it is common for the accused to take a plea deal to diminish their sentence. Defendants might plead guilty to reduce charges for less severe offenses, dismiss additional charges if they face multiple, serve a sentence concurrently rather than consecutively, or a combination of all three. Although superficially, this appears like a good deal for someone facing a lengthy jail sentence, recent investigations suggest that the prevalence of plea deals in criminal cases maintains high prison populations across the country. If you or a loved one are accused of a crime and could face felony charges,…

As a driver in Illinois, it never hurts to review the rules of the road. A law that people sometimes neglect or fail to adhere to because of a lack of awareness is Scott’s Law or the Move Over Law. We will explain what it is, why the rule exists, and what penalties a violation carries. If you face traffic law charges, speak with a traffic law attorney. With their help, you will protect your rights and potentially lessen or eliminate any unwarranted charges. Scott’s (Move Over) Law In 2000, a Chicago Fire Department lieutenant, Scott Gillen, was killed…

Knowing the rules of the road in Illinois is necessary to stay safe and avoid any unwanted fines. Speed limits in construction zones are one of the basic rules that most people are aware of, but how are they enforced? If you face fines, license suspensions, or even jail time for traffic violations, do not hesitate to get the guidance of a seasoned criminal defense attorney in Illinois. Developing a strong defense when presenting your case or contesting any charges that you feel are unwarranted is easily achieved when you have a lawyer you can trust on your side.…

Although blood testing or breathalyzer tests in traffic stops are generally acceptable under Illinois law, a recent Illinois supreme court ruling suggests that this rule is subject to a bit more interpretation. As such, it is important to remember the need for experienced and aggressive legal defense from a skilled DUI attorney. Even in cases that face charges of any kind, there might be ways to tone down any fines or sentences depending on the circumstances. People v. Eubanks On December 21, 2009, Ralph Eubanks was allegedly driving a borrowed car and hit Maria Worthon and son Jeremiah. According to…

Following the Illinois Rules of the Road can keep you from any fines, having your license revoked, and any further felony punishments. In doing so, you will also ensure your and others’ safety. As a driver, you have a responsibility to share the road properly with bicyclists, pedestrians, and horse-drawn vehicles. There are relatively new, specific laws that dictate how you are supposed to share the road, which we will explain in detail below. If you are ever charged with a traffic violation, defend your case and minimize any charges with the help of an experienced traffic violations attorney.…

Anyone with misdemeanor or felony charges on their record used to have to fear that they would be automatically disqualified from a prospective job, but recent federal and state legislation helps provide an even playing field for all job applicants, regardless of what their criminal record looks like. Employers have a little leeway in determining whether any past convictions should bar you from the job you are applying for, but there is a much greater chance that anyone can make it much deeper into the hiring process before those discussions arise. If you ever need help determining if your criminal…

Domestic abuse charges have many possible outcomes, one of which is that an order of protection will be placed against the accused. In 2020, the rules regarding how an order of protection is allowed to be issued are changing slightly to grant victims of domestic abuse more safety. However, if you are accused of domestic abuse, this new rule could change how your case plays out. During divorce proceedings or if you believe you have been wrongfully accused of domestic violence, speak with an experienced domestic violence attorney to protect your rights. New Order of Protection Laws in Illinois Before…