Reckless driving is a serious crime in Illinois that can result in jail time, fines, and driver’s license suspension. Under Illinois law, reckless driving is defined as driving with a conscious disregard for the safety of others or trying to make a car go airborne. The first definition is fairly broad and the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you willfully disregarded the safety of others. In some cases, your Illinois criminal defense attorney may be able to reduce the charge or have it dismissed altogether. This article will discuss when that can be done and the penalties…
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Illinois treats theft as a serious crime and attaches heavy penalties. One form of theft is shoplifting, which last year cost retailers in Illinois over $120 billion and is projected to cost them $150 billion in 2026. Retailers do not have a great success rate at catching shoplifters. Approximately two percent are caught, and police make arrests only in one out of 100 shoplifting incidents on average.
When a store does believe someone is shoplifting, however, it can take certain actions under Illinois law. In such a situation, understanding your rights is a crucial first step to defending yourself against…
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The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures by the government. Law enforcement must have reasonable suspicion of a crime to search someone’s property or they must first obtain a warrant to do so.
Sometimes police search private vehicles over suspicions of cannabis-related crimes. While marijuana is legal for recreational use in Illinois, drivers are prohibited from driving under the influence of cannabis. Furthermore, Illinois law requires drivers to keep marijuana in a container that is:

• Closed
• Sealed
• Odor-proof
• Child-resistant
• Inaccessible to the driver

Law enforcement officers who smell cannabis odors coming from…
Continue Reading Can Police Search My Car Over a Burnt Marijuana Smell?

Failing to return library books is a fairly common mistake. People sometimes misplace books they checked out, lose them on trips, or forget they borrowed library materials altogether. Overdue library books have even become the subject of jokes on sitcoms. One Seinfeld episode involves an investigator who launches a criminal probe into the disappearance of a past-due library book.
While it surely earned some laughs, failure to return library materials such as books or videos can be considered theft in Illinois. Since public libraries are taxpayer-funded, library items are considered property of the local government. This article will discuss when…
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The moment you hear the words “You are under arrest for drug trafficking,” your world can feel like it is crashing down around you. The weight of the situation, the uncertainty of your future, and the fear of what comes next can be overwhelming. However, it is important to remember that being charged does not mean you are guilty. You have rights, and there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your future. An Illinois lawyer can help walk you through what you need to know and do if you have been charged with drug trafficking.
Potential…
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Receiving a tailgating ticket can be a frustrating experience. While following too closely is a serious offense that endangers road safety, there are potential defenses that may help you contest such a citation. An Illinois lawyer can help you determine possible effective strategies to challenge a tailgating ticket.
What to Know About Tailgating Laws in Illinois
To effectively contest a tailgating citation, one must first grasp the legalities surrounding this offense. The Illinois Vehicle Code 625 ILCS 5/11-710 stipulates that drivers must maintain a “reasonable and proper” distance from the vehicle ahead. This intentionally broad language serves a dual purpose.
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With today’s online marketplaces and the ability for virtually anyone to sell things to another person, purchasing stolen items can become an issue. Under Illinois law, it is illegal to purchase or possess stolen property, and charges for purchasing or possessing stolen items can be surprising for individuals who did not know the item they were buying was stolen. A knowledgeable Illinois theft defense lawyer can help you navigate charges for purchasing a stolen item.
Understanding Illinois Theft Laws
The Illinois Criminal Code outlines theft laws for the state, stating that if a person knowingly obtains control over an item…
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Secretary of State hearings occur in Illinois when you need to get your driver’s license reinstated, or when you are facing accusations of obtaining a driver’s license fraudulently. These hearings can be confusing, and it is important to have legal representation at your hearing to ensure your rights are protected.
An experienced Illinois Secretary of State hearing attorney is key to maximizing your chances of reinstating your driver’s license and making sure your best interests are protected during your hearing.
Understanding Illinois Secretary of State Hearings
In Illinois, there are two different types of Secretary of State hearings – informal…
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While the summer months are perfect for spending time outdoors, Illinois tends to experience an increase in violent crimes during the summer months, especially in large cities. Many studies have aimed to pinpoint the correlation between violent crimes and hot weather, with several factors showing that certain crimes are more commonly encountered during the summer.
If you are arrested for a violent crime this summer, it is vital that you contact a skilled Illinois criminal defense lawyer to advocate for your rights and provide you with legal guidance.
Statistics Show Violent Crimes Increase With Hot Weather
It may come as…
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In Illinois, trespassing charges can be handled on a criminal or civil basis. Civil trespassing charges typically end up in civil court with a lawsuit, while criminal trespassing charges can leave you with misdemeanors on your record. Criminal trespassing cases are more severe than civil trespassing cases, and it is important to consult a knowledgeable Illinois criminal defense lawyer if you find yourself faced with a criminal trespass charge.
What Is Criminal Trespass in Illinois?
The Illinois Criminal Code defines criminal trespass as entering a building illegally, entering onto private property after having been told to stay away, including by…
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Criminal record expungement is the process of removing items from your criminal record so that they are no longer visible to the public. This can have many beneficial impacts on your life, as once your criminal record is expunged, it is essentially destroyed, and employers, government agencies, schools, and financial institutions will no longer be able to see details about your criminal history.
A knowledgeable Illinois criminal record expungement lawyer can help you learn if you are eligible for this process and guide you toward expungement.
Do I Qualify for Criminal Record Expungement in Illinois?
Only certain types of arrests…
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Even though speeding tickets are not typically seen as a huge deal, the reality is that multiple speeding offenses can land you with points on your license and the potential for serious legal consequences. Illinois takes speeding and traffic violations seriously, and you may be left facing a loss of your license, jail time, or other penalties depending on the circumstances of your speeding ticket.
A skilled Illinois speeding ticket defense attorney can help you navigate your legal options when facing a speeding charge.
Points On Your License May Result In Suspension
For every speeding ticket or other moving violation…
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Under Illinois law, it is illegal for drivers aged 21 and older to operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher. For commercial drivers, that legal limit is 0.04 percent. If the driver is under 21, then they are subject to the state’s zero-tolerance policy that prohibits any detectable amount of alcohol in the driver’s system while driving.
Despite these legal limits, there are still some situations where a driver can be charged with DUI even if tests show a BAC under the legal limit. If you have been charged with drunk driving,…
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