Failing to return library books is a fairly common mistake. People sometimes misplace books they checked out, lose them on trips, or forget they borrowed library materials altogether. Overdue library books have even become the subject of jokes on sitcoms. One Seinfeld episode involves an investigator who launches a criminal probe into the disappearance of a past-due library book.
While it surely earned some laughs, failure to return library materials such as books or videos can be considered theft in Illinois. Since public libraries are taxpayer-funded, library items are considered property of the local government. This article will discuss when…
Continue Reading Can I Go to Jail for Failing to Return a Library Book?

The moment you hear the words “You are under arrest for drug trafficking,” your world can feel like it is crashing down around you. The weight of the situation, the uncertainty of your future, and the fear of what comes next can be overwhelming. However, it is important to remember that being charged does not mean you are guilty. You have rights, and there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your future. An Illinois lawyer can help walk you through what you need to know and do if you have been charged with drug trafficking.
Potential…
Continue Reading I Got Charged With Drug Trafficking: Now What?

Receiving a tailgating ticket can be a frustrating experience. While following too closely is a serious offense that endangers road safety, there are potential defenses that may help you contest such a citation. An Illinois lawyer can help you determine possible effective strategies to challenge a tailgating ticket.
What to Know About Tailgating Laws in Illinois
To effectively contest a tailgating citation, one must first grasp the legalities surrounding this offense. The Illinois Vehicle Code 625 ILCS 5/11-710 stipulates that drivers must maintain a “reasonable and proper” distance from the vehicle ahead. This intentionally broad language serves a dual purpose.
Continue Reading Potential Defenses for a Tailgating Ticket

With today’s online marketplaces and the ability for virtually anyone to sell things to another person, purchasing stolen items can become an issue. Under Illinois law, it is illegal to purchase or possess stolen property, and charges for purchasing or possessing stolen items can be surprising for individuals who did not know the item they were buying was stolen. A knowledgeable Illinois theft defense lawyer can help you navigate charges for purchasing a stolen item.
Understanding Illinois Theft Laws
The Illinois Criminal Code outlines theft laws for the state, stating that if a person knowingly obtains control over an item…
Continue Reading Can I Go to Jail for Buying a Stolen Item?

Secretary of State hearings occur in Illinois when you need to get your driver’s license reinstated, or when you are facing accusations of obtaining a driver’s license fraudulently. These hearings can be confusing, and it is important to have legal representation at your hearing to ensure your rights are protected.
An experienced Illinois Secretary of State hearing attorney is key to maximizing your chances of reinstating your driver’s license and making sure your best interests are protected during your hearing.
Understanding Illinois Secretary of State Hearings
In Illinois, there are two different types of Secretary of State hearings – informal…
Continue Reading What Is an Illinois Secretary of State Hearing?

While the summer months are perfect for spending time outdoors, Illinois tends to experience an increase in violent crimes during the summer months, especially in large cities. Many studies have aimed to pinpoint the correlation between violent crimes and hot weather, with several factors showing that certain crimes are more commonly encountered during the summer.
If you are arrested for a violent crime this summer, it is vital that you contact a skilled Illinois criminal defense lawyer to advocate for your rights and provide you with legal guidance.
Statistics Show Violent Crimes Increase With Hot Weather
It may come as…
Continue Reading Do Violent Crimes Increase in the Summer in Illinois?

In Illinois, trespassing charges can be handled on a criminal or civil basis. Civil trespassing charges typically end up in civil court with a lawsuit, while criminal trespassing charges can leave you with misdemeanors on your record. Criminal trespassing cases are more severe than civil trespassing cases, and it is important to consult a knowledgeable Illinois criminal defense lawyer if you find yourself faced with a criminal trespass charge.
What Is Criminal Trespass in Illinois?
The Illinois Criminal Code defines criminal trespass as entering a building illegally, entering onto private property after having been told to stay away, including by…
Continue Reading Understanding Illinois Criminal Trespass Charges

Criminal record expungement is the process of removing items from your criminal record so that they are no longer visible to the public. This can have many beneficial impacts on your life, as once your criminal record is expunged, it is essentially destroyed, and employers, government agencies, schools, and financial institutions will no longer be able to see details about your criminal history.
A knowledgeable Illinois criminal record expungement lawyer can help you learn if you are eligible for this process and guide you toward expungement.
Do I Qualify for Criminal Record Expungement in Illinois?
Only certain types of arrests…
Continue Reading What Is Criminal Record Expungement?

Even though speeding tickets are not typically seen as a huge deal, the reality is that multiple speeding offenses can land you with points on your license and the potential for serious legal consequences. Illinois takes speeding and traffic violations seriously, and you may be left facing a loss of your license, jail time, or other penalties depending on the circumstances of your speeding ticket.
A skilled Illinois speeding ticket defense attorney can help you navigate your legal options when facing a speeding charge.
Points On Your License May Result In Suspension
For every speeding ticket or other moving violation…
Continue Reading Should I Worry About My Speeding Tickets in Illinois? 

Under Illinois law, it is illegal for drivers aged 21 and older to operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher. For commercial drivers, that legal limit is 0.04 percent. If the driver is under 21, then they are subject to the state’s zero-tolerance policy that prohibits any detectable amount of alcohol in the driver’s system while driving.
Despite these legal limits, there are still some situations where a driver can be charged with DUI even if tests show a BAC under the legal limit. If you have been charged with drunk driving,…
Continue Reading DUI if Your BAC is Below the Legal Limit in Illinois

If you are convicted of a crime in Illinois, one of the potential sentences is that you can receive probation. Although probation does mean the convicted individual avoids jail time, there are constraints put in place that he or she must follow, or they risk violating their probation, which can lead to additional legal problems. Speaking with an Illinois criminal defense lawyer is critical if you have been charged with any crime or are accused of violating your probation.
What Is Probation?
The goal of probation is to rehabilitate a person who has been convicted by providing them…
Continue Reading What Happens If I Violate My Probation in Illinois?

In Illinois, like in many other states across the country, underage drinking carries significant legal consequences. The state has strict laws and penalties in place to deter minors from consuming alcohol and to hold them accountable for their actions. Understanding these consequences is crucial for both minors and their parents or guardians. If your teen has been charged with underage drinking, it is crucial to contact an Illinois defense lawyer as soon as possible.
Illinois Underage Drinking Law
The legal drinking age in Illinois, as in all states in the U.S., is 21. Anyone under this age who is…
Continue Reading Consequences in Illinois for Underage Drinking