The rules of the road are put in place to keep everyone safe, including car and truck drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists. When someone violates a traffic law, he or she may be subject to a traffic ticket. Speeding or failure to stop or yield are examples of common reasons an individual might be issued a traffic ticket by law enforcement in Illinois. Other, more serious traffic violations could result in an arrest and criminal charges, such as driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol. A conviction for DUI can result in loss of driving privileges, which can…

The Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects citizens’ rights to keep and bear arms. Although gun rights can be quite controversial, many people believe that it is important to defend themselves in the event they are ever attacked. Certain states have their own laws pertaining to concealed or open carry of handguns. Currently, open carry is not legal in the state of Illinois. Concealed carry refers to carrying a firearm or other weapon in public in a concealed or hidden manner.  Illinois gun owners must first obtain a Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) card before they can qualify for a…

Nobody really wants to undergo surgery, but in most cases, it is the only viable solution to fix a problem or injury from which a person is suffering. In these situations, the patient puts his or her trust in the doctors and medical staff. Medical professionals have a legal duty of care to their patients, and if they breach that duty, it may be considered negligence or malpractice. If you or your loved one was hurt during a medical procedure of any kind, an experienced personal injury attorney can help determine liability and seek compensation for your damages. Depending…

In today’s modern world, people are busy, often juggling taking care of a family while working or going to school. It is not uncommon for parents to take their kids on a quick errand. In some cases, they may even leave them in the car while they run into the bank or store if they can keep an eye on them through the window. However, in some cases, this can result in criminal charges for the parent, depending on the ages of the children who are left unattended. Illinois law specifies penalties for adults who endanger the life of a…

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…