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Although Illinois has zero-tolerance policies regarding underage drinking or drug use and driving, teens and young adults under 21 frequently ignore them. Combined with inexperience, intoxication or impairments caused by drugs significantly increase the risk of teen drivers causing accidents. Being charged with a juvenile DUI can have severe consequences, especially if the underage driver injures or kills someone.
At Fotopoulos Law Office, we believe that these teens deserve a second chance. Your experienced Orland Park, IL criminal defense lawyer will work hard to develop a strong defense strategy designed to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
The
Continue Reading The Long-Term Consequences of a Juvenile DUI Conviction

Preliminary data for 2023 report 6,402 truck crashes in Illinois, an average of 17 accidents every day. Truck collisions frequently produce significant property damage and catastrophic injuries, some resulting in fatalities. If you are injured in a truck accident, you may be eligible for compensation, but you need evidence proving the truck caused your crash.
What is a truck’s black box? How can black box data support my accident claim? Your knowledgeable lawyer from Fotopoulos Law Office can answer those and other questions during your free consultation, but it is important to call as soon as possible after
Continue Reading How Can a Semi’s Black Box Help My IL Truck Accident Claim?

As parents, we want the best for our children, nurturing and guiding them from an early age. No parent wants to get a call from the police that their child has been arrested and charged with a crime, but some do.
If your child is arrested, what consequences could he face? Could he be tried as an adult? Do you need a juvenile crimes attorney? An experienced lawyer from Fotopoulos Law Office can investigate his charges and develop a strong criminal defense strategy to achieve the most favorable possible resolution to his case. Call today to schedule your free consultation.
Continue Reading My Son Was Arrested in Illinois: What Are the Consequences?

Injury accidents happen every day in Illinois. These injuries may be minor, with the victim able to recover over time with appropriate medical care. On the other hand, catastrophic injuries are more severe, typically leaving victims in life-altering circumstances. Although many of these victims can obtain compensation, it is often an uphill battle to get a reasonable amount that covers all applicable losses.
Insurance companies do not like paying claims. The higher your damages, the more likely it is that these insurers will fight their obligation to pay you. Our experienced personal injury lawyer at Fotopoulos Law Office will aggressively
Continue Reading Is Getting Compensation for Catastrophic Injuries Difficult?

It can be difficult trying to understand the laws about gun ownership, particularly because they differ from state to state. States have different restrictions on who is allowed to own a gun, what specific guns they can own, and under what circumstances. This article will review gun ownership laws in Illinois. Of course, if you have specific questions that are not addressed in this article, a knowledgeable Will County, IL criminal defense attorney can provide you with the information you need.
What Is a FOID?
Anyone who wants to purchase and own a gun in Illinois must have a Firearm
Continue Reading Overview of Illinois Gun Laws

An investigation into claims that Johnson & Johnson’s talc-based products, including its popular baby powder line, might cause cancer, the multinational company has agreed to pay a $700 million settlement. The products in question had been sold for over a century, but the investigation was a result of significant complaints that contrary to the company’s statements and marketing over the years, the products were not safe for consumption, the company was aware of the dangers, and purposely hid this information from the public while continuing to market the products. While the company didn’t confess to any wrongdoing and maintained that
Continue Reading Johnson & Johnson Pays a $700 Million Product Liability Settlement

When facing a misdemeanor charge, one of the most common concerns is whether the charge will remain on your record permanently. This is a particularly pressing issue for those charged with domestic violence misdemeanors, as these charges can have far-reaching consequences. An Illinois lawyer can help you determine the potential long-term impact of misdemeanor charges and discuss options for moving forward.
What to Know About Misdemeanor Charges in Illinois
Misdemeanors are crimes that carry a potential sentence of less than one year in jail. These charges are less severe than felonies but can still result in significant penalties. Domestic
Continue Reading Is a Misdemeanor Charge Always Stuck With You?

Public transportation is a convenient and cost-effective way to travel, whether commuting to work or exploring the city. However, public transportation accidents involving buses or trains can occur, leaving you with serious injuries and mounting medical expenses. An Illinois lawyer can help you understand your rights and the steps you should take.
Seek Medical Attention
If you sustain an injury in a public transportation accident, seek medical attention immediately. Even if your injuries seem minor, have a medical professional evaluate your condition. Some injuries, such as concussions or internal bleeding, may not be immediately apparent. Prompt medical care ensures your
Continue Reading What to Do When Injured on Public Transportation

Facing assault or battery charges is a serious matter that requires legal representation. These charges can carry severe penalties, including fines and potential jail time, depending on the circumstances of the case. If you find yourself in this situation, it is crucial to understand your rights and take the appropriate steps to protect your interests. An Illinois lawyer can help you build your case so you can potentially achieve the best outcome possible.
Understanding the Charges
In Illinois, assault and battery are distinct but related offenses. Assault is defined as an intentional act that causes a reasonable apprehension of imminent
Continue Reading How to Handle Assault and Battery Charges in Illinois

Pedestrian accidents near college campuses are unfortunately common. With so many students walking to class, crossing busy streets, and drivers who may be distracted or even impaired, collisions occur frequently. When a driver hits a pedestrian at a college crossing or intersection, the issue of legal fault often arises. An Illinois personal injury lawyer can help you prove fault.
Driver Negligence
Drivers have a duty to pedestrians to operate their vehicles carefully and avoid distractions. If a driver fails to yield when they should have, speeds through crosswalks, or is provably distracted or intoxicated, they may face criminal charges like
Continue Reading Fault in Pedestrian Accidents at College Crossings

In Illinois, a third DUI charge means facing prosecution for aggravated DUI, a Class 2 felony. If convicted, this triggers severe penalties, including mandatory jail time or extensive community service. Understanding the serious implications ahead for your rights, finances, driving privileges, and the personal record is essential as you navigate fighting aggravated DUI allegations. An Illinois DUI attorney can help navigate the steps as you move forward with this repeated charge.
Facing a Longer Jail Term
Aggravated DUI prosecution means courts can impose jail sentences of up to seven years upon conviction compared to 364 days previously. Judges must order
Continue Reading What to Potentially Expect with a Third DUI Charge

Many people use “assault” and “battery” interchangeably in everyday language. However, legally, these terms represent distinct violent crimes with crucial variations under Illinois law that carry harsh penalties if convicted. Understanding the contrasts between assault and battery allegations is vital for an effective defense. An Illinois attorney can analyze the case specifics to determine the best defensive strategies for your situation.
Defining Assault Allegations
Illinois statutes define assault as conduct intentionally or knowingly causing another person to fear imminent bodily harm or offensive physical contact reasonably—basically threats of violence. Charged assault crimes require prosecutors to show the defendant
Continue Reading Assault vs. Battery Charges in Illinois

If you suffered harm in an Illinois accident caused by negligence, taking key steps early can significantly strengthen your case. An Illinois lawyer has strategies to build a solid case, establishing liability and maximizing recoverable damages.
Securing Vital Evidence of Fault Quickly
Acting rapidly to gather tangible proof of fault lays a strong foundation right away. Police reports contain officers’ initial liability assessments based on road evidence, eyewitness accounts, and party statements. However, police conclusions should not be solely relied upon. Attorneys will interview any witnesses while events are fresh, securing official recorded statements of what they saw, which
Continue Reading Tips to Strengthen Your Personal Injury Case

Being pulled over on suspicion of drunk driving can be an overwhelming and stressful experience. Knowing your legal rights during a DUI traffic stop is critical to protect yourself. Working with an Illinois lawyer can further help you.
Reasons for a Legal DUI Traffic Stop
Police have the authority to legally stop vehicles when they have reasonable suspicion of a traffic violation or observable signs of impaired driving that establish probable cause to investigate further. Officers do not need a warrant if they directly witness driving behaviors like swerving, delayed reactions, or speed changes that indicate potential intoxication behind the
Continue Reading Your Rights During a DUI Traffic Stop in Illinois

Criminal sexual abuse is a serious offense that deeply impacts the lives of those who suffer from such abuse. This is a crime that has severe legal consequences for perpetrators. In Illinois, the law defines and addresses various forms of sexual abuse, aiming to protect people from harm and provide justice to those who are sexually abused. If you are facing charges related to criminal sexual abuse, retaining an Illinois defense lawyer is a wise first step as you look to fight these charges and move on with your life.
Defining Criminal Sexual Abuse 
Under Illinois law, criminal sexual abuse
Continue Reading Understanding Criminal Sexual Abuse in Illinois

Nursing homes serve as critical care facilities for elderly individuals who require assistance with daily activities and medical care. However, when facilities are understaffed, the quality of care provided may be compromised, leading to potential cases of nursing home abuse and neglect. If you know a loved one experiencing abuse or neglect in a nursing home, contact an experienced Illinois injury lawyer to ensure that measures can be taken to stop the abuse and seek justice for the injured party.
The Impact of Understaffing
Understaffing in nursing homes can have a range of negative consequences, including:

  • Inadequate supervision

  • Continue Reading Can Understaffing in Nursing Homes Lead to Elder Neglect?