Reports of suspects resisting arrest and dying in police custody have dominated the news lately. Some people may think that resisting arrest involves a physical altercation or talking back to a police officer. However, there can actually be many actions that qualify as resisting arrest, of which individuals may not even be aware. As in most states, this is considered a crime in Illinois, and the penalties are often steep. If you or someone you know is facing charges for resisting arrest, an experienced criminal defense attorney can advocate on your behalf to ensure your rights are protected. 
Resisting Arrest…
Continue Reading What Actions Constitute Resisting Arrest in Illinois?

Illinois takes criminal offenses seriously, and the state charges and prosecutes sexual offenses with stiff penalties. Just being accused of any type of sex crime can significantly impact a person’s personal reputation as well as his or her career, including the suspension or termination of professional licenses. Depending on the criminal act, a conviction can result in a lengthy prison sentence, as well as being required to register as a sex offender for the rest of the individual’s life. That is why it is imperative that you seek professional legal counsel if you or someone you know is facing such…
Continue Reading How Does Registering as a Sex Offender Affect Professional Licensing?

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is a state agency in charge of public roadways that are maintained by the state of Illinois. In addition, IDOT provides funding for rail, public, transit, and airport projects and administers fuel tax and federal funding to local jurisdictions in the state. Part of IDOT’s responsibilities include setting regulations for vehicles’ weights while they are traveling on the road. If a truck or commercial vehicle is too heavy, it can damage the highways and tollways as well as local roads and side streets. Under the Illinois Vehicle Code, there are instances where IDOT can…
Continue Reading What Are the Penalties for IDOT Overweight Violations?

Illinois was one of the first states to establish child protection laws, mandating the reporting of child abuse and neglect, and it created one of the country’s first child abuse hotlines. The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) was established in 1964 as the nation’s first cabinet-level state child welfare agency. DCFS is responsible for protecting children through the investigation of suspected abuse or neglect by parents or caregivers who are in a position of trust or authority over a child. Located in Wheaton, Ill., the Children’s Center is part of the Dupage County Children’s…
Continue Reading What Is the Children’s Center in Illinois, and What Do They Do?

One of the main duties parents have is to protect their children from any harm or danger, such as abuse (physical, sexual, or emotional). This can also include neglect, which means not meeting a child’s basic needs, such as providing him or her with adequate food, housing, or medical care. Abuse can also include excessive corporal punishment or leaving a child alone at home, at a park, or in a vehicle. That is why certain people are required by law to immediately report any suspected abuse or neglect of a person under 18 years of age to the Illinois Department…
Continue Reading What Is the Role of a Mandated Reporter in Illinois Child Abuse Cases?

The state of Illinois passed several new laws that went into effect on January 1, 2020. One of these laws made it legal for Illinois citizens who are 21 or older to use recreational marijuana. However, there are certain restrictions that apply to the use and possession of cannabis, including limits on the amount of the drug a person can possess. If a person does not follow the law, he or she can face criminal charges. In addition to these concerns, cannabis users should be aware of the potential for arrests for driving while under the influence (DUI) of marijuana.  …
Continue Reading How Can I Defend Against DUI Charges Related to Cannabis in Illinois?

Laws are put in place to provide for the overall safety of a community and ensure the rights of citizens are protected. These regulations exist at the local, state, and national levels. The state of Illinois saw more than 250 new laws go into effect on January 1, 2020. Ranging from legalizing recreational marijuana to increasing penalties for certain traffic-related crimes, these changes are meant to better protect Illinois residents in a variety of areas. It is important for Illinois motorists to be aware of the significant changes to traffic laws in order to avoid criminal charges that could result…
Continue Reading How Do Recent Changes to Illinois Laws Affect Traffic Violations?

According to some studies, approximately 10,000 innocent people are convicted every year in the United States. That is why there is a process in place to protect innocent people from human error in the criminal justice system. Post-conviction matters generally refer to the legal process that takes place once a defendant is convicted for a crime after going to trial. If a defendant has been found guilty, he or she can challenge a conviction or sentence. There are different legal actions one can take to protest a guilty verdict, such as filing an appeal or a federal “habeas corpus” proceeding.
Continue Reading What Post-Conviction Rights Does a Defendant Have in Illinois?