Given the greater monetary value of a typical vehicle, auto theft is considered a very serious crime in Illinois. However, the act of starting up someone else’s car and driving away is only one scenario that is related to the theft of motor vehicles under Illinois law. Since the theft of a motor vehicle must be proven to be an intentional act, it is essential that you work with an attorney who is experienced in motor vehicle theft cases and can build a strong defense for you.
Penalties and Stealing or Possessing a Stolen Vehicle
The act of stealing or…
Continue Reading What Are the Penalties for Stealing a Car in Illinois?

After crawling your way through traffic, the highway finally opens up with hardly another car in sight. Unfortunately for you, the first car you do see is a police car, and you were going well over the speed limit. What looked like an open highway just turned into an aggravated speeding charge. Given the severe consequences that aggravated speeding can bring in Illinois, it is best to seek out an experienced defense attorney.
Definitions and Consequences of Aggravated Speeding
Under Illinois law, if you are caught speeding 26 miles per hour or more over the posted speed limit, you can…
Continue Reading Slow Down to Avoid Aggravated Speeding Charges in Illinois

The Chicago area is a primary hub of railroad activity for the United States, with six of the seven largest railroads in the country, plus other smaller regional railroads running over 500 freight trains through the area daily. Add to that more than 750 daily Metra, Amtrak, and South Shore trains carrying commuters and visitors on the system. All of this railroad activity means cars and trucks in the Chicago region must navigate a lot of railroad crossings on a daily basis.
If you are a commercial driver’s license (CDL) holder, every time you drive over one of these…
Continue Reading Could Railroad Crossing Violations Cost Me My CDL?

Memorial Day weekend traditionally signals the beginning of summer. With warmer weather coming, more people will enjoy time out with friends, attend barbecues, and enjoy a few drinks at a local bar or restaurant. At the same time, Illinois police will be out in numbers looking for drunk drivers. If you have been pulled over under suspicion of driving under the influence, there are certain things you should and should not do.
What Not to Do When Pulled Over on Suspicion of DUI

• Don’t become combative or defensive – Remain polite and civil to the officer and do not

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Everyone has made mistakes they wish they could erase, but if you have a criminal past, it could have a daily impact on your life. From finding a job to buying a house, you could be paying for your mistake for the rest of your life. However, in the state of Illinois there is a way to have certain arrests and criminal charges expunged from your record or have your record sealed to allow you the opportunity to move forward and earn additional freedoms back. While some criminal charges will always stay on your record, by contacting an experienced expungement…
Continue Reading Can I Have My Criminal Record Expunged in Illinois?

With warmer weather finally coming to Illinois, motorcyclists will be out and ready to ride. If you ride to and from work or just like to hit the road on the weekends, safety is key for enjoying your ride. Committing traffic violations while riding your motorcycle can put you and others at physical risk and also can lead to traffic citations and in more serious cases license suspension and criminal charges. If you are facing any charges related to riding your motorcycle or from operating any motor vehicle, it is important to contact an attorney who will fight to protect…
Continue Reading Common Violations Among Motorcycle Riders in Illinois

If you have been arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in Illinois, you are facing serious consequences, including to your driving privileges. While even a first-time DUI conviction will result in your license being suspended for at least one year, it is possible to regain limited legal access to drive. It is essential to work with an attorney who has experience needed to help you navigate the legal process. 
Illinois Consequences for a First-Time DUI
If it is the first time that you have been arrested and convicted of DUI, you may be able to regain driving privileges while…
Continue Reading Will I Need an Ignition Interlock Device After a DUI?

Graduation parties and other events at the end of the school year can be a popular time for underage drinking. Many minors and even parents are unaware of the severe consequences Illinois teens face if they are caught underage drinking or possessing alcohol. Penalties for underage driving under the influence (DUI) can be even harsher. Even passengers in a car can be charged for illegal transportation and have their license suspended for one year. At The Law Office of Brian J. Mirandola, we can represent your child if they have been accused of underage drinking and are committed to…
Continue Reading What if My Teen is Caught in a Car with Alcohol in Illinois?

The Constitution of the United States protects citizens from unjustified searches and seizures by government entities. This right is typically exercised by individuals who feel that they have had an illegal search or confiscation of property by a police officer either in their home or in their vehicle. Without a warrant or strong probable cause, officers are not allowed to search your private property. If you were charged with a crime after an officer searched or invaded your property without reason, a skilled defense attorney might have a solid foundation to build your defense case. 
What is a Justifiable Search?
Continue Reading Maintaining Your Fourth Amendment Rights — How to Defend Against an Illegal Search and Seizure