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Violating a protection order – even a civil protection order – is a criminal offense. Whether or not you were criminally charged with domestic violence, a protection order has the force of law. Violating the terms of a protection order can lead to jail time. If you were charged with domestic violence or assault against the protected party, a violation of the protection order is probably also a violation of your probation or pre-trial release. You must read the order carefully and strictly follow its terms. If you have been accused of violating a protection order in Illinois, it
Continue Reading 4 Ways to Violate A Protection Order in Illinois

Roadside sobriety tests are often used by police officers to establish probable cause so that they can make a DUI arrest. However, these tests are notorious for producing inaccurate results. A person who is perfectly sober can fail roadside sobriety tests and be wrongfully charged with a DUI for a number of reasons. Some people simply do not have good balance, and external factors can also affect your score. If you were arrested for drunk driving because you did not pass a roadside sobriety test, a Rolling Meadows, IL DUI lawyer may be able to have those results excluded
Continue Reading When Roadside Sobriety Tests Are Wrong in Illinois

Being pulled over after you have been drinking can be frightening and can sometimes cause drivers to make poor decisions due to their panic. When you see a police officer behind your vehicle with their emergency red-and-blue lights flashing, you are legally required to pull over as soon as you can safely do so. While it is understandable that some intoxicated drivers may resist stopping out of fear of being charged with a DUI, doing so can lead to additional charges for fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer. Having these charges, in addition to a DUI,
Continue Reading Fleeing a DUI Stop in Illinois

Two adults in Illinois can willingly decide to fight. This is in fact, fairly common. In some cases, adults decide to fight for recreational purposes, and it is quite clear that both parties consented to the combat. For example, if you participate in an organized wrestling or martial arts competition, you probably have to sign a document agreeing to experience physical contact that would otherwise be considered criminal assault. In other cases, it is less clear whether both adults implicitly agreed to fight each other. Bar fights are a fairly common example of a physical struggle that may or may
Continue Reading The Mutual Combat Defense in Illinois

Domestic violence charges are bad enough in their misdemeanor form. This particular offense carries a lot of stigma. Felony domestic violence is a far more serious charge. Not only will people convicted of this crime have to deal with being thought of as a “wife-beater,” they will also have to live the rest of their lives as felons. Domestic battery can be charged as a felony for several different reasons. Repeat offenses are one of the more common reasons people face felony charges for what would otherwise be considered simple domestic batteries. However, more serious forms of violence, such as
Continue Reading Felony Domestic Violence in Illinois

Any sex crime is a serious matter. All sex crimes in Illinois are felonies, except for criminal sexual abuse, which can only be committed by a juvenile. If you are convicted of a sexually oriented offense, you can expect to serve time in prison. Courts are notoriously harsh when it comes to sex offenders. These crimes are routinely treated as some of the most serious offenses a person can commit, just behind murder. Sexual assault – commonly known as rape – and assaultive sexual offenses against minors are the most likely to lead to long prison terms and lifelong
Continue Reading Most Serious Sex Crimes in Illinois

Unfortunately, there are cases where a term of incarceration is unavoidable. If you are facing a serious felony charge – especially a violent felony, a sex offense, or a high-level narcotics charge – you may not have any alternative to prison time. In those cases, your attorney’s role is to minimize the amount of time you would serve by presenting mitigating factors. However, in misdemeanor or even some felony cases, there are some alternatives to jail time courts may use at their discretion. If you are facing a more minor charge, like drug possession or simple assault, you may be
Continue Reading Options for Avoiding Jail Time

The distinction between a traffic violation and a misdemeanor offense can be confusing for people who do not work in the criminal law field. If you were pulled over by the police and given notice that you broke a law, you may wonder how serious the situation is. Traffic violations are generally somewhat minor, although they can ultimately result in a suspended license or other issues if you have enough of them. A misdemeanor traffic-related crime is a fair bit more serious. While you cannot go to jail for a simple violation, you could face some jail time for a
Continue Reading Traffic Violation or Misdemeanor Crime?

A traffic violation in Illinois is a serious offense, commonly resulting in points against your license, fines, and court costs. 
Even though a traffic violation may seem minor, a violation can remain on your driving record for four to five years. If the violation resulted in license suspension or revocation, the offense will remain on your record for up to seven years. 
A traffic violation can make it difficult to secure affordable car insurance. Do not let yourself be at a disadvantage for liability coverage. If you have received a traffic violation, you need an Arlington Heights traffic crimes defense
Continue Reading How a Defense Lawyer Can Help with a Traffic Violation

A police officer is required to read your Miranda Rights if they intend to question you following your arrest.
You have the option to remain silent and to instead call your attorney. In fact, you should only provide answers if your attorney is in the room and advises you to do so.
Our Arlington Heights criminal defense lawyer would like to discuss your Fifth Amendment rights and why you should invoke your right to remain silent following an arrest.
Invoking the Fifth Amendment
The Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution states that the government cannot force a person to be
Continue Reading Why You Should Not Answer Police Questions If Arrested

In criminal cases, a prosecutor and defense attorney may negotiate a plea bargain. This allows the defendant’s charges to be reduced, possibly dropping charges and affording the offender a more lenient sentence. 
In many cases, it is possible to have a felony offense reduced to a misdemeanor. Our Arlington Heights, IL, felony defense attorney would like to discuss what felony offenses are eligible and what is involved in getting your sentence reduced.
Wobbler Crimes
Not all felony charges are eligible to be reduced to a misdemeanor charge. Only those felonies that are “wobbler” offenses have the potential for charges to
Continue Reading Can You Get Felony Charges Reduced to a Misdemeanor?

Being charged with domestic violence can be an overwhelming and distressing experience. In the state of Illinois, domestic violence is taken very seriously, and the consequences can be severe. It is crucial to understand the potential ramifications of a domestic violence charge and the importance of seeking legal guidance. 
If you are facing domestic violence charges, contact an Arlington Heights criminal defense lawyer from Scott F. Anderson, Attorney at Law for a free consultation.
What is Domestic Violence in Illinois?
In Illinois, domestic violence refers to a pattern of abusive behavior, whether physical, emotional, or financial, committed by a family
Continue Reading Possible Consequences of Domestic Violence in Illinois

If you have been convicted of a sex crime, you will likely be required to register as a sex offender. Depending on your offense, you may be listed on the sex offender registry for ten years or for life
There are a number of crimes that require registration on the sex offender list. If you have been arrested for a sex crime, do not hesitate to contact an Arlington Heights sex crimes defense attorney as soon as possible.
What is the Sex Offender Registry?
The sex offender registry is a system for monitoring offenders who have been released from jail.
Continue Reading Sex Offender Registration in Illinois

Drivers with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent or higher will likely be charged and possibly convicted of driving under the influence (DUI)
A DUI offense will be a permanent part of your criminal record. Besides inhibiting your ability to find employment, you could be facing potential jail time and have your license suspended or revoked.
If you face DUI charges, you need to speak with an Arlington Heights DUI defense lawyer who can assist you in avoiding a conviction.
You Could Face Prison Time and/or Community Service
Since a first conviction for a DUI is a Class A
Continue Reading The Consequences of a DUI Conviction in Illinois

Across the United States, drivers with standard driving licenses must maintain a blood alcohol content (BAC) below 0.08 percent. The standard is higher for commercial drivers, who, along with having to pass rigorous testing to get a commercial driver’s license (CDL), are also legally required to have a BAC below 0.04 percent.
If you have been charged with a DUI, you will want to do everything in your power to avoid a conviction. That begins with reaching out to an experienced Arlington Heights DUI defense lawyer to defend you.
Legal BAC for a Commercial Driver
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Continue Reading DUI Charges for Commercial Drivers

In Illinois, you will be convicted for driving under the influence (DUI) if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08g/dL or higher through chemical testing or if you refuse testing. You can be convicted for a DUI if your BAC is between 0.05 g/dL and 0.08 g/dL if you are showing signs of impairment. The revocation of your driving privileges will happen through the Secretary of State, in what is known as statutory summary suspension.
If you are convicted of a DUI, you will have your license revoked for one year. However, you may qualify to get a Restricted Driving Permit
Continue Reading Can You Drive to Work After a DUI?