A little-known law in Illinois allows people to be punished for the criminal acts of another if they were present at the scene. Those who are especially vulnerable to the effects of this law are survivors of domestic violence. The story of a woman who has been in an Illinois prison since 1993 for murders committed by her boyfriend–despite a vigorous criminal defense–illustrates this point.  
The young woman met her boyfriend when she was 17 and he was 35. The boyfriend told her that he was a truck driver, but she would find out months into the relationship that…
Continue Reading Theory of Accountability and Domestic Abuse Survivors

Defending against drug crime charges can be quite difficult. An Illinois lawyer can explain how mistakes can easily jeopardize a case. Learning some of the most common pitfalls in drug crime defense and actionable tips to help you navigate this challenging situation is helpful.
Failing to Understand the Charges
One of the most critical mistakes in drug crime defense is not fully comprehending the specific charges against you. Illinois law distinguishes between various drug offenses, such as possession, distribution, trafficking, and manufacturing. Each charge carries its own set of penalties and legal implications. Take the time to thoroughly review and…
Continue Reading Common Mistakes When Defending Against Drug Crime Charges

Being charged with shoplifting, otherwise known as retail theft, can have serious criminal consequences in Illinois. Beyond the actual sentencing and punishment you receive, you could be haunted by the charge for years to come. You may face challenges when applying for college, housing, and jobs and potential romantic interests might decide to stay away. If you are charged with retail theft, a skilled Cook County, IL divorce lawyer can review your case and create a defense plan to protect your legal rights.
How is Retail Theft Penalized?
If you are charged with retail theft, your sentence…
Continue Reading Shoplifting Accusations in Illinois

There are many reasons why you might end up with a suspended driver’s license. Some reasons are more administrative, like failure to pay some fine, while others are related to some risk that your actions allegedly posed to other drivers. When that happens, you are not supposed to drive until you have resolved whatever the issue is to the court’s satisfaction, at which point you might get your license reinstated. If you are caught driving on a suspended license, you can face severe punishment. If your license was suspended and you are considering driving anyway, you might want…
Continue Reading Consequences of Driving with a Suspended License in Illinois

Drug paraphernalia laws in Illinois regulate the possession, sale, and distribution of items used for using or selling illegal drugs. It is important to be aware of the implications of violating these laws to avoid potential legal consequences. If you are facing charges related to the possession of drug paraphernalia, hiring an attorney who understands the criminal justice system is an important first step toward fighting the charges.
Since 2000, Luisi Legal Group has provided aggressive legal assistance to people facing criminal charges in Illinois. Mr. Luisi defends his clients in court every day and has a reputation for helping…
Continue Reading What You Need to Know About Possession of Drug Paraphernalia Laws in Illinois

Reckless homicide is a vehicular manslaughter charge. Committing a vehicular homicide while driving under the influence will only compound the penalties a defendant may face in a court of law. Understanding what each charge entails and the penalties for both will go a long way in helping to prepare your defense. Those looking at criminal charges should enlist the help of a skillful and experienced attorney for the best possible chances of beating the charges.
Reckless Homicide
Reckless driving on its own is defined as driving in a way that is likely to cause great bodily harm or death. Reckless …
Continue Reading Reckless Homicide While Driving Under The Influence

You take your eyes off your child at the grocery store for barely two seconds, and they vanish. Before you know it, you are being paged over the intercom to come pick up your child at the front of the store. It happens more often than you would think. It does not matter if the entire ordeal took less than ten minutes. The sad reality is that you could be charged for child endangerment in this scenario.
If this is only the first time, chances are you would only receive a misdemeanor if convicted. Subsequent occurrences could land you in…
Continue Reading Understanding Child Endangerment in Illinois

Murder charges of all types carry serious penalties that can upend the life of anyone convicted. Killing another human being is wrong, and Illinois courts will look to penalize anyone who engages in such a heinous act. However, the circumstances surrounding murder charges are not always so cut and dry, and understanding the different murder charges a defendant can face may be the difference between a few years to life in prison. The different types of murder in Illinois include:

• First-Degree Murder
• Second-Degree Murder
• Involuntary Manslaughter
• Vehicular Homicide

Anyone facing charges of this kind will require an experienced attorney to…
Continue Reading Understanding Illinois Murder Charges

Yes, Illinois does have red flag laws in place to confiscate arms if necessary. However, Illinois rarely uses the red flag law. In fact, it ranks very low on the list of states in the use of red flag gun laws. So, the chances are rather slim for the state to confiscate your lawfully acquired weapons unless you are facing gun charges in the use of those weapons. As such, it is a smart move to have an experienced gun charges defense attorney on standby to help fight them.
What Are “Red Flag” Gun Laws?
Illinois passed its own red flag…
Continue Reading Does Illinois Have Red Flag Laws?

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a bad enough legal issue without having to add something as complicated as death. Sadly, tragedies can strike even when accidental or unprovoked. Facing DUI charges that involve the death or deaths of individuals carries serious penalties. A skilled criminal defense attorney experienced in aggravated DUI cases can provide much-needed guidance and defense to your situation.
On The Shoulders of the Prosecution
Illinois statute outlines aggravated DUI as a person is guilty while driving intoxicated and involves great bodily harm or death to another person or people. Great bodily harm and death are two…
Continue Reading Facing DUI Charges That Ended in Tragedy

Homicide is the killing of one human being by another. It is a serious crime in Chicago, and anyone who is accused of it can face life in prison. However, it is important to remember that the victim of an attempted homicide can also be charged with a crime. This is because the initial criminal charges do not always distinguish between who is the aggressor and who was simply using violence to protect themselves in a situation involving violent crime.
Speaking with a criminal defense attorney can help when facing homicide charges. You do not have to face them alone.
Continue Reading Can I Be Charged with Homicide if I Was Using Self-Defense?

When it comes to criminal charges, being aware of the distinctions between different offenses is crucial for building a strong defense. In the city of Chicago, Illinois, two commonly misunderstood charges are burglary and robbery. Whether you find yourself facing burglary or robbery charges, understanding the nuances of these offenses is essential to protecting your rights and navigating the legal system effectively.
Understanding Burglary Charges in Chicago
Burglary is a serious offense in which an individual unlawfully enters a building or structure with the intent to commit a felony or theft inside. It is important to note that the…
Continue Reading Understanding the Difference between Burglary and Robbery Charges in Chicago, Illinois