Posted on September 11, 2025 in Expungement & Record Sealing

Expungement of criminal records in Illinois offers a fresh start for individuals with past convictions, sealing or destroying eligible records to reduce barriers to employment, housing, and education. As a Joliet criminal defense attorney and former Will County prosecutor with over 20 years of criminal law experience, I've helped many clients in Will County successfully expunge records from misdemeanors, arrests without conviction, or certain felonies. Under the Illinois Criminal Identification Act (20 ILCS 2630/5.2), eligibility has expanded in 2025 with reforms from the Adult Redeploy Illinois Oversight Board, allowing automatic expungement for some low-level offenses and faster petitions for others. However, violent felonies, DUIs, and sex offenses remain ineligible, and priors can complicate applications—understanding the process is key to avoiding denials and reclaiming your future, especially when records impact license reinstatement or job opportunities.

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 Posted on September 08, 2025 in Criminal Defense

Prior convictions can significantly influence the outcome of new criminal charges in Illinois, often leading to enhanced penalties, longer sentences, and limited defense options. As a Joliet criminal defense attorney with over 20 years of criminal law experience, and a former Will County prosecutor , I've seen how past records affect cases in Will County courts, from misdemeanors escalating to felonies to restricted eligibility for probation or diversions. Under 730 ILCS 5/5-5-3.2, priors are considered aggravating factors during sentencing, allowing judges to impose harsher punishments based on criminal history. In 2025, with ongoing reforms from the Illinois State Commission on Criminal Justice and Sentencing Reform aiming to reduce prison populations, understanding this impact is essential—especially for repeat offenders facing charges like drug possession, theft, or violent crimes. Early strategic defense can mitigate these effects, potentially reducing sentences or negotiating alternatives to incarceration, preserving your future opportunities and avoiding lifelong consequences like employment barriers or extended license revocations.

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 Posted on September 03, 2025 in Criminal Defense

Felony crimes in Joliet and Will County carry severe consequences that can impact your freedom, finances, and future opportunities. As a Joliet criminal defense attorney and former Will County prosecutor with over 20 years of criminal law experience, I've defended clients against a range of felonies in local courts, from drug offenses to violent crimes. Under Illinois law (730 ILCS 5/5-4.5), felonies are classified from Class 4 (least serious) to Class X (most serious, excluding murder), with penalties including prison time, fines up to $25,000, probation, and extended terms for aggravating factors like priors or weapons use. In 2025, with stricter enforcement on repeat offenders and drug-related felonies, understanding these charges is crucial—especially if tied to DUI escalations like aggravated DUI with injury. Early defense can reduce charges to misdemeanors or secure alternatives like court supervision, avoiding lifelong repercussions such as employment barriers or license revocation.

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 Posted on August 28, 2025 in Traffic Violations

Scott's Law, also known as Illinois' Move Over Law, is designed to protect emergency responders on the roadside, but violations can lead to significant fines, license suspensions, and even criminal charges. As a Joliet criminal defense attorney and former Will County prosecutor with over 20 years of criminal law experience, I've defended numerous clients in Will County against these tickets, which often arise during traffic stops or accidents involving police, fire, or tow vehicles. Under 625 ILCS 5/11-907(c), drivers must slow down and change lanes when approaching stationary emergency vehicles with flashing lights—if you fail to do so, you could face escalating penalties, especially if causing injury or damage. In 2025, with recent legislative updates like HB3601 increasing fines and enforcement, understanding the law is crucial to avoid long-term impacts on your driving privileges, insurance rates, and criminal record, particularly if tied to DUI or reckless driving cases.

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 Posted on August 24, 2025 in Criminal Defense

Drug possession charges in Illinois can have life-altering consequences, ranging from misdemeanors to felonies depending on the substance and quantity involved. As a Joliet criminal defense attorney with over 20 years of experience, including as a former Will County prosecutor, I've successfully defended clients against these charges in Will County courts, often reducing penalties or securing dismissals. In 2025, Illinois law under 720 ILCS 570/402 continues to classify possession of small amounts of cannabis (up to 30 grams) as a civil violation with fines, while harder drugs like cocaine, heroin, or methamphetamine start as Class A misdemeanors (up to 1 year jail, $2,500 fines) and escalate to Class 1 felonies for larger quantities (4-15 years prison, $25,000 fines). With ongoing cannabis legalization nuances and stricter enforcement on fentanyl-laced substances, understanding defenses is key to avoiding jail, probation, mandatory treatment, license suspension, and a criminal record that impacts employment and housing.

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 Posted on August 20, 2025 in Criminal Defense

Facing an aggravated DUI charge in Illinois can drastically alter your life, with severe penalties that go beyond standard DUI offenses. As a Joliet criminal defense attorney with over 20 years of experience, including as a former Will County prosecutor, I've defended clients against these escalated charges in Will County courts. In 2025, Illinois law under 625 ILCS 5/11-501 defines aggravated DUI as a felony when factors like repeat offenses, high BAC (over 0.16%), causing injury, or driving with a suspended license are involved. This elevation from misdemeanor to felony increases the stakes, potentially leading to prison time, hefty fines, and long-term license revocation. Understanding these charges is essential for building a robust defense to mitigate outcomes like extended jail sentences or permanent criminal records.

What Constitutes an Aggravated DUI in Illinois?

Aggravated DUI occurs when a standard DUI is compounded by aggravating circumstances. Common scenarios include:

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 Posted on August 16, 2025 in DUI/DWI

If you've been convicted of a DUI in Joliet or Will County, Illinois, one of the most pressing concerns is getting your driver's license back. DUI revocations in Illinois aren't automatic lifts after time served—they require a structured process involving hearings, evaluations, and compliance with state laws. As a seasoned Joliet DUI lawyer with over 20 years of experience, including time as a former Will County prosecutor, I've helped countless clients navigate Illinois driver's license reinstatement after DUI. In this 2025 guide, we'll break down the steps, requirements, and tips to avoid common pitfalls. Whether you're dealing with a first-time offense or multiple DUIs, understanding the process can make all the difference in reclaiming your driving privileges safely and legally.

Understanding DUI Revocation in Illinois

In Illinois, a DUI conviction leads to mandatory license revocation under 625 ILCS 5/6-205. This isn't a suspension that ends on its own; revocation means your driving privileges are completely removed until you successfully petition for reinstatement through the Illinois Secretary of State (SOS). Factors like your blood alcohol content (BAC), prior offenses, and whether the DUI involved injury or fatality influence the revocation length and reinstatement eligibility.

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 Posted on August 08, 2025 in Criminal Defense

Domestic battery charges in Illinois can arise from heated family disputes but carry severe penalties that impact your freedom, family, and future. At Zaremba Law Office, serving Will County, Joliet, and surrounding areas, we provide aggressive criminal defense with over 20 years of legal experience. Jack L. Zaremba, a former prosecutor, specializes in protecting clients' rights in domestic battery cases, helping achieve dismissals, reductions, or acquittals. This blog post explores domestic battery laws, defenses, and consequences.

What is Domestic Battery in Illinois?

Domestic battery in Illinois is defined as causing bodily harm or making insulting/provoking physical contact with a family or household member, including spouses, partners, children, or roommates (720 ILCS 5/12-3.2). It's a Class A misdemeanor for first offenses without injury, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and fines up to $2,500. Aggravated domestic battery, involving great bodily harm, weapons, or strangulation, escalates to a Class 2 felony with 3-7 years prison and fines up to $25,000. In Will County courts like Joliet, charges often stem from 911 calls or visible injuries, but lack of evidence or witness recantations can lead to strong defenses. Mandatory arrest policies mean quick action is needed to build a case.

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 Posted on July 23, 2025 in Criminal Defense

Criminal trespass charges in Illinois can arise from seemingly minor incidents but carry serious consequences, including fines, jail time, and a criminal record. At **Zaremba Law Office**, serving Will County, Joliet, and surrounding areas, we're committed to defending clients against these allegations with over 20 years of legal experience. Jack L. Zaremba specializes in criminal defense, helping navigate trespass cases to achieve dismissals or reductions. This blog post explores criminal trespass laws in Illinois, common defenses, and penalties.

What Is Criminal Trespass in Illinois?

Criminal trespass in Illinois occurs when someone knowingly enters or remains on property without permission, including land, buildings, or vehicles. It's typically a Class B misdemeanor for first offenses, punishable by up to 6 months in jail and fines up to $1,500. Aggravated trespass, such as entering a school, residence, or using force, escalates to a Class A misdemeanor or felony with up to 1 year in jail or 1-3 years in prison. In Will County areas like Joliet and Plainfield, charges often stem from disputes, misunderstandings, or unauthorized entry to private property. Key elements include "knowingly" acting without authority—proving lack of intent can be a strong defense.

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 Posted on July 20, 2025 in Criminal Defense

If you're on probation in Illinois and facing allegations of a violation, the stakes are high, potentially leading to revocation and serving your original sentence. At Zaremba Law Office, serving Will County, Joliet, and surrounding areas, we're dedicated to defending clients against probation violations and protecting their freedom. With over 20 years of legal experience, Jack L. Zaremba specializes in criminal defense, helping navigate these complex cases to achieve the best possible outcomes. This blog post explores probation violations in Illinois, common causes, penalties, and defense options.

What Constitutes a Probation Violation in Illinois?

Probation in Illinois is a court-ordered alternative to incarceration, requiring compliance with specific conditions like regular check-ins, drug testing, community service, or avoiding new offenses. A violation occurs when you fail to meet these terms, such as missing a meeting with your probation officer, failing a drug test, or committing a new crime. In Will County courts, including Joliet, violations are classified as technical (minor, like missing a curfew) or substantive (serious, like a new arrest). The state must prove the violation by a preponderance of evidence, not beyond reasonable doubt. Common triggers include positive drug tests, failure to complete treatment programs, or contact with prohibited individuals. Understanding these can help prevent issues, but if accused, immediate legal action is crucial.

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