Driving under the influence is a serious matter in Illinois. With the average cost of a DUI conviction in Illinois costing over $18,000, an offender may have to pay a steep fine and face losing certain civil rights.
Penalties for a DUI can vary based on whether the driver was transporting children, if the driver had any prior offenses if your blood alcohol content is excessively elevated, and if anybody was injured.
Aggravating factors can result in your DUI being charged as a felony, also increasing jail time and potential fines. If you are facing aggravated DUI charges, you need…
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Protecting ourselves is a basic human instinct. Without this innate trait, the human race would have become extinct thousands of years ago.
In Illinois, a person commits assault if the individual physically threatens another. If you are facing assault charges, you may be able to negate criminal liability by proving that you acted in self-defense. 
If you believe your use of force was necessary, an Arlington Heights criminal defense lawyer will know what steps need to be taken to create the strongest defense.
What Qualifies as Self-Defense in Illinois?
According to Illinois law, “a person is justified in the…
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Impaired driving remains a major concern in Illinois, and arrests happen daily. While the police only need to have probable cause to arrest you for a DUI, a prosecutor must have sufficient evidence to convict you.
If you have been charged with a DUI, you need the experience that can only be found in an Arlington Heights DUI defense lawyer.
Standard of Proof
Law enforcement must have probable cause to arrest you for driving under the influence (DUI). Probable cause means that the police have reasonably trustworthy information regarding a situation. That information is enough to convince a…
Continue Reading How Do Prosecutors Prove DUI Charges?

Although a misdemeanor is punished less harshly than a felony, you could still face serious penalties. If you are charged with a misdemeanor in Illinois, there is a chance that you could spend up to one year in jail.
If you have been convicted of a misdemeanor, reach out to an Arlington Heights criminal defense lawyer today. 
What is a Misdemeanor?
Crimes are categorized as either misdemeanors or felonies. A misdemeanor is a less serious crime that usually penalizes the wrongdoer with fines, community service, probation, and at most one year in prison.
In Illinois, the following crimes are classified…
Continue Reading Possible Penalties for Misdemeanor Convictions in Illinois

Criminal offenses are categorized as either felonies or misdemeanors. Although a misdemeanor carries less severe penalties than a felony, you should still hire an attorney to represent your interests.
If you have been charged with a misdemeanor in Illinois, keep reading to learn about the possible penalties you may be facing and the reasons you should hire an Arlington Heights criminal defense lawyer.
What are Considered Misdemeanor Crimes in Illinois?
According to Illinois law, misdemeanors are classified as either Class A, Class B, or Class C. A Class A misdemeanor is the most serious type of misdemeanor, with a…
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Did you know that drivers under the age of 21 are involved in 17% of fatal DUI crashes, even though they represent only 10% of licensed drivers? 
A driver under the age of 21 will face more severe consequences for drunk driving than a driver who is arrested for a DUI and is of legal drinking age. 
With minors facing harsh penalties, you need your teen to be represented by an experienced DUI criminal defense attorney. Look no further than our Arlington Heights criminal defense lawyer.
What is the Zero Tolerance Law in Illinois?
If a police officer or…
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If you are caught driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you can expect to lose your license for a period of time. The length of revocation will depend on if you have prior convictions. 
If you have been charged with a DUI, you will need an attorney who can protect your rights and get you back behind the wheel. You need an Arlington Heights DUI defense attorney.
Is My License Automatically Suspended after a DUI Conviction?
To be charged with a DUI, you must have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. The length of…
Continue Reading Reinstating Your License After an Illinois DUI

You are stopped while driving by a local law enforcement officer who has asked you to participate in a field sobriety test. Now what? 
At this point, many drivers think that they are either not as intoxicated as they actually are or that they are smart or coordinated enough to beat the field sobriety test. No matter how well you do on this performance test or even if you refuse, you may soon need the services of a knowledgeable Arlington Heights, IL DUI lawyer.
What is a Field Sobriety Test?
Sometimes referred to as a roadside sobriety test, law…
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DUI/DWI convictions come with many serious consequences. Winning a DUI case begins with an experienced Arlington Heights, IL DUI defense attorney who can develop a strong defense strategy grounded in the specific details of the individual case as well as the goals of each individual client. These cases are often complex, allowing room for law enforcement to make mistakes when they gather evidence and make a DUI arrest. However, without knowledge of the law and potential defense, it can be difficult for those charged with a DUI to fight back. 
An Illegal Stop
The arrest process can be flawed if…
Continue Reading Potential Defenses to DUI Charges

If you or someone you know has recently found themselves in legal trouble, you might wonder what your options are. No matter what kind of criminal charges you face, you can always hire an Arlington Heights, IL criminal defense lawyer to help you weather this storm. In fact, hiring an attorney is in your best interest, even if this is your first run-in with the law.
You may worry about your reputation or how this charge will impact your work or family life. By working with a lawyer, you could decrease the impact that your charges have on your…
Continue Reading When Should You Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

Drug charges are some of the most severe charges someone in Illinois can face. While many different defenses exist, using a defense that works well for your specific case is imperative. To find the best defense for your case, you will want to talk to an experienced Rolling Meadows, IL drug crimes attorney who is well-versed in state drug laws and your local court system. The most common defenses to Illinois drug charges include the following.
Unintentional Possession
To be convicted of possessing a controlled substance, you must knowingly have the substance in your possession. In some cases, there is…
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Attorney-client privilege is a fundamental legal concept crucial in protecting the privacy and confidentiality of communications between clients and their attorneys. Particularly in criminal law, understanding the scope, exceptions, and limitations of attorney-client privilege is essential for preserving a client’s rights and facilitating an effective defense. If you are facing criminal charges, it is important to understand the concept of attorney-client privilege and how it may be a factor in your case as you work with your lawyer to fight the charges against you. 
Defining Attorney-Client Privilege
Essentially, attorney-client privilege is a legal principle that guarantees the confidentiality of…
Continue Reading What You Need to Know About Attorney-Client Privilege in Criminal Law