Illinois law places clear limits on when police can search a cell phone during a drug investigation. They usually cannot search your phone without a warrant, even if you are arrested for a drug offense. Cell phones contain large amounts of private information, and courts treat them differently from other items. There are a few narrow exceptions, but they do not apply in most cases. If you think your phone was illegally searched during a drug case, an Aurora, IL illegal search and seizure lawyer can help determine whether your rights were violated.
What Does Illinois Law Say About Police…
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Finding out your child has an underage drinking charge can raise many concerns. In most situations, one little mistake is not going to follow your child for years. Many students still move forward with college plans after an underage drinking charge, particularly when the case is handled carefully. Speaking with our Elgin, IL underage drinking defense lawyer early can help families understand what the charge really means and what steps may protect future opportunities.
Does an Underage Drinking Charge Show Up on College Applications?
College applications are not all the same. Some ask only about criminal convictions. Others may ask…
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Forgery charges often come as a surprise, especially when a situation involves shared documents, business records, or financial transactions. These cases can be complex, and building a strong defense strategy without an experienced Kane County, IL forgery defense lawyer would be difficult. At The Law Office of Brian J. Mirandola, we focus on protecting your rights and helping you fight the allegations.
What Is Considered Forgery Under Illinois Law?
Under 720 ILCS 5/17-3, forgery generally involves altering, creating, or using a document in a way that is meant to mislead another person. This may involve checks, contracts, vehicle titles,…
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In most situations, driving under the influence is charged as a misdemeanor in Illinois. However, when certain circumstances aggravate the charge, it may be classified as an aggravated DUI. These cases carry greater potential penalties, including jail time, higher fines, and longer license suspensions. If you are facing a DUI charge, our experienced Aurora, IL aggravated DUI defense lawyer can help.
What Makes a DUI an “Aggravated” Offense in Illinois?
Under 625 ILCS 5/11-501, Illinois law defines driving under the influence as operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher, or while…
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Search warrants are issued and should be executed under strict rules. Law enforcement must follow specific procedures when they receive and carry out a search warrant. If they make mistakes, the evidence they find could be thrown out in court. If you believe something was done incorrectly in your arrest, our Elgin, IL criminal defense lawyer can review what happened and help protect your rights.
What Makes a Search Warrant Legal in Illinois?
Illinois statute 725 ILCS 5/108-3 says that police must have probable cause before a judge can approve a warrant. That means there must be real evidence…
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Body-worn cameras are now a common sight during Illinois traffic stops. The footage they capture can become significant evidence in your defense. A bodycam recording shows what actually happened during the stop. This includes the officer’s actions, the surrounding conditions, and your responses. This helps your attorney challenge mistakes or assumptions that may appear in the police report. When you work with a Kane County, IL aggravated speeding defense lawyer, the video can become a key part of building a strong and accurate defense strategy.
What Does Bodycam Footage Typically Show During an Illinois Traffic Stop?
Bodycam footage…
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The first court appearance for a motor vehicle theft charge happens quickly. What will happen? What should you do to prepare? Do you need to bring anything with you? These are common questions. Working with an Aurora, IL motor vehicle theft defense lawyer can help you understand the process and ensure no one violates your rights.
What Charges Am I Facing for a Motor Vehicle Theft Case in Illinois?
Illinois law includes several different charges related to motor vehicle theft. One of the most common charges is possession of a stolen or converted motor vehicle under 625 ILCS 5/4-103.
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Terms like “expungement” and “record sealing” are often used interchangeably, but they mean very different things. Both options can help you clear your name and make it easier to apply for jobs, housing, or education programs. If you are unsure where to begin, our experienced Elgin, IL expungement lawyer can explain the options and whether they apply to your situation.
What Is Criminal Record Expungement in Illinois?
Expungement means removing your criminal record completely. When a record is expunged, it is no longer available to the public or most law enforcement agencies. In other words, it is as if the…
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Witness statements often play a big role in burglary cases, particularly when a jury decides whether to believe you meant to commit a crime or were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. Burglary cases involve questions of intent and entry, so what a witness remembers can have a serious impact on the outcome. If you are being investigated or charged, our experienced Kane County, IL burglary defense lawyer can help. We will work to ensure false or mistaken statements do not decide your future.
What Counts as a Witness Statement in an Illinois Burglary Case?
Under 720 …
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If you are facing a charge for driving under the influence (DUI), you may hear about the possibility of a “wet reckless” plea. In Illinois, this refers to a reckless driving charge that involves alcohol. Prosecutors and defense attorneys often use the phrase when a DUI is reduced to reckless driving through a plea deal. While this option is not available in every case, it is worth discussing with your attorney. Speak with our experienced Aurora, IL DUI defense lawyer about whether this could be a good option for you.
What Does Wet Reckless Mean in Illinois?
Illinois law does…
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In most cases, Illinois police do not need a search warrant to look through a car if they suspect a drug crime has occurred. The law gives officers some flexibility during traffic stops, but there are limits to what they can do. Knowing your rights can help you protect yourself and your case. An experienced Elgin, IL criminal defense lawyer can review what happened during your stop and explain whether the search was legal.
When Can Police Search Your Car Without a Warrant?
Illinois law has an “automobile exception” to the warrant requirement for a search. It exists because cars…
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Very few things are more frustrating than being accused of something you did not do. When that something is as serious as domestic violence, it can have a major negative impact on every part of your life. The legal process can move fast, but you have the right to defend yourself and tell your side of the story in court. An experienced Kane County, IL domestic violence defense lawyer knows the laws that apply to these cases and will help you build a strong defense to fight the false allegations.
How Does Illinois Law Define Domestic Violence?
The Illinois …
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You can face serious charges in Illinois if you are caught with a stolen vehicle. This can happen even if you did not realize the vehicle was stolen. You may have bought a used car from someone, borrowed a friend’s car, or driven a vehicle without carefully checking the title and registration. Even in these situations, prosecutors may still try to build a case against you. Working with an experienced Aurora, IL vehicle theft defense lawyer means you will understand the charges against you and how to fight them.
Understanding Illinois Law on Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle…
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