Month: September 2017
Protecting Yourself During a Lawful Protest
As protests both peaceful and violent become more and more common in cities across the United States, it might be a good idea to understand in advance the rights one is afforded when taking part in such an activity. Of course, the 1st Amendment protects every citizen’s right to free speech, but knowing how your
Drug Possession Charges: What Do You “Know?”
Recently, a post on this blog discussed the two different types of drug possession that could lead to criminal charges. “Actual possession” refers to drugs on an individual’s person, such as in a pocket or in a backpack that he or she is carrying at the time of the search or arrest. “Constructive possession,” by comparison, refers
Actual vs Constructive Possession: Drug Possession Charges in Illinois
If you have ever watched a television show about crime such as Law & Order or COPS, you have probably heard many of the typical claims a suspect makes when he or she is found to be in possession of illegal drugs. He or she might say “Those aren’t mine!” or “These are my friend’s!”
Understanding Your Rights When Police Ask For a Blood Test
Recently, we used this space to discuss the issue of search warrants and the threshold of evidence that constitutes probable cause. Furthermore, we addressed the matter as it related to an incident involving a nurse and the police that made national news when police attempted to obtain a blood sample without a warrant from an unconscious patient in a Utah hospital.
Think Twice Before Ordering a Fake ID
A quick Google search for the phrase “fake ID” brings up more than 23 million results. Nearly all of the top results are websites purporting to offer false identification cards “that work” and “fool even experts.” Of course, fake IDs have been around for as long as the government has issued identification cards, but the
Opioid Spray Used in Fighting Overdose Deaths
According to records kept by the Federal government, the number of deaths due to drug overdoses and overdoses caused by heroin continue to increase across the country. Emergency medical professionals and law enforcement officials on the front lines are always seeking resources in an effort to combat this epidemic. Opioid Nasal Spray In 2014, the Federal Food and Drug
Quantifying Alcohol Intoxication – .08 and the Law
If you are like most people, you probably know that the 0.08 is the “magic number” regarding drunk driving. A person with a blood-alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 or higher may face charges for driving under the influence (DUI), but many people do not really understand what that number actually represents. In addition, it may be
Justifiable Force, Self Defense, and Weapons Charges
Illinois legalized the concealed carry of firearms in 2014, which led to a large number of applications for concealed carry permits. Since then, the number of applications has tapered somewhat, but the initial surge by Illinois citizens to secure concealed carry permits was likely fueled by the belief that carrying a handgun is a good way to
Illinois Law Protects Good Samaritans
Hardly a day goes by when one does not see a video, whether online or on TV news broadcasts, of a crime being committed or a person in distress. With just about every single person now equipped with a video camera as part of their cell phone, the possibility of catching one of these incidents
Speeding in a School Zone Could Result in Jail Time
School is back in session, which means that many residential areas are suddenly much quieter during the day and homework clutters kitchen tables in the evening. As families with school-aged children get back into the swing of the school year, drivers throughout Illinois must take extra precautions when driving near school buildings as speeding in a