can encompass many different actions, not just taking something that is not yours. Identity theft is the deliberate use of another person’s identity, typically to gain a financial advantage or obtain credit and other benefits. Often considered a “white-collar crime,” identity theft has become prevalent in recent decades due to the emergence of the Internet and online computing for banking, shopping, and other activities. Stealing someone’s identity can have serious consequences in Illinois, including prison and hefty fines depending on the circumstances of the case. If you are facing charges for any theft crime, it is imperative that you speak…

Having a baby can be one of the most joyful moments of someone’s life. However, in certain cases, the mother and baby can experience complications. Injuries suffered during childbirth can be serious to life-threatening. Problems during labor and delivery can occur for various reasons, even after a normal pregnancy. Doctors and nurses are responsible for ensuring a certain level of care, but sometimes medical mistakes or errors are made. When birth injuries occur as a result, this may be considered negligence. If you or your child was harmed during childbirth, it is important to understand what caused the injuries. You…

Studies have shown that drinking and driving is a leading cause of motor vehicle crashes. The injuries sustained in these collisions are often devastating, and some even fatal. Driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol is illegal in every state. In Illinois, the legal limit for a driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) is .08 percent. When a motorist exceeds this threshold, he or she can be arrested for DUI. The penalties for DUI range from losing driving privileges to lengthy prison sentences and steep fines. There are certain “aggravating” factors that increase the punishment for this…

There are certain crimes that are often misunderstood. For example, theft, burglary, and robbery are similar, but they all involve slightly different actions and can carry separate punishments. Home invasion is a related offense, and many people might think it is not that significant. However, it is actually the most serious burglary charge since it typically involves an act of violence. According to Illinois law, home invasion is committed when a person knowingly enters the dwelling place of another when he or she knows that the owner is present. With crimes of this nature, it can be difficult to prove…

Motor vehicle collisions can occur in all kinds of weather and at any time of the day or night. Various factors can influence the severity of passengers’ injuries, such as speed and the size of the vehicles involved. An occupant’s limbs can become pinned against the door and dashboard of the car due to the force of the impact. Certain injuries may be readily apparent, such as lacerations or abrasions, but others may not be as noticeable. Compartment syndrome is an injury that may not present symptoms right away. However, it can lead to serious complications for car accident victims.…

Driving is considered a privilege in many states, including Illinois. There are many traffic violations that can result in the loss of your driving privileges. Some of these include driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol, aggravated speeding, and leaving the scene of a car accident with injuries, to name a few. Depending on the severity of the moving violation, a person can have his or her license suspended or revoked for months or even years. In order to reinstate your driver’s license after a suspension, there are several legal steps that must be taken. An…

Laws are put in place to deter crime and maintain public safety. When these laws are broken, there are criminal consequences. There are many actions that constitute a crime in Illinois. Depending on the nature of the act as well as the intent and extenuating circumstances, an offense can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. In Illinois, the lowest classification of a crime is a misdemeanor and the highest classification is a felony. Felony crimes are typically violent acts that are committed against a person or property. In most cases, a defendant faces significant fines and/or jail time,…

Statistics show that people are living longer these days. Today, there are more than 46 million adults aged 65 and older living in the United States. In 2034, the U.S. Census Bureau estimates that number to be 77.0 million. Based on these projections, the older generation will likely need assistance later in life. Many elderly people reach an age where it is not safe for them to drive a car or live on their own. The decision to put your family member in a nursing home or assisted-living facility can be challenging. Entrusting his or her health and safety with…

Many people have family members who reside in nursing homes or similar long-term care facilities. The elderly make up a large population of those who live in assisted-living centers, but younger people who have certain medical conditions may also need the extra assistance that these facilities provide. In most cases, families entrust their loved one’s safety with medical professionals. Unfortunately, reports of abuse or neglect at nursing homes are not uncommon in the United States, including in Illinois. It is important to be aware of signs and symptoms that indicate your relative may have suffered injuries at the hands of…

Arguments and disputes can sometimes turn into physical altercations, and if deemed serious enough, could even involve the police. Many people think that assault and battery go together, but they are actually two distinct criminal offenses under Illinois law. Assault is defined as inflicting physical harm, or in some instances, a threat or attempt to commit such an action. Either act can result in criminal prosecution and/or a civil liability depending on the circumstances. However, there are certain factors that can elevate the charges to aggravated assault, which can result in serious penalties in Illinois, including a lengthy prison sentence.…

Dogs can be some of the most friendly, giving, and loving companions. They can be there by your side on your worst and best of days. However, there are times when dogs can be provoked or have continual behavior issues that cause them to be aggressive and lash out at whoever is around. In many cases, the individuals who are most prone to dog attacks are postal service carriers trying to deliver mail. Although this may seem like a cliche, it exists for a reason. According to the United States Postal Service (USPS), over 5,800 postal carriers were victims of…

occur regularly on our nation’s back roads and highways. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), more than 4,000 people died in large truck crashes in 2018. The majority of these fatalities in truck crashes were passenger car occupants. One of the main reasons for these statistics is the difference in size and therefore, the vulnerability of people traveling in smaller vehicles. Trucks can weigh 20 times heavier than passenger cars and are much taller. However, truck drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists can also be injured. Even if someone is not injured fatally in a truck crash, the…

There are many acts that can result in a criminal charge. For some offenses, physical harm or the threat of harm is involved, but that is not the case in other crimes. Many people have heard of the phrase “disorderly conduct,” but they may not know what exactly that entails. Some may think it is simply disturbing neighbors by playing loud music, yelling during a domestic argument, or revving a motorcycle or car engine.  Under Illinois law, disorderly conduct is a criminal charge that includes numerous actions or behaviors. The statute defines it as “an act in such unreasonable manner…