Posted on January 23, 2024 in Expungement & Record Sealing

If you have been arrested, charged with a crime, or convicted of a misdemeanor or felony offense, you may have a criminal record that can cause a great deal of difficulty in your life. Arrests, convictions, or other related information may show up in criminal background checks, affecting your ability to obtain a job or secure housing. Other areas of your life may also be affected, such as your ability to receive government benefits or pursue education. If you are dealing with records related to previous brushes with the law, you may be wondering if there is any way to clear your name and start fresh.

Fortunately, the state of Illinois offers options to seal or expunge criminal records in certain cases. Doing so can provide many benefits, including improved job prospects, housing opportunities, and peace of mind. An experienced attorney can help you determine your options for addressing your criminal record and receiving the fresh start you deserve.

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 Posted on January 15, 2024 in Felonies

Drug possession is a serious offense that can have long-lasting consequences. In the state of Illinois, drug possession charges can range from misdemeanors to felonies. There are various factors that can affect the severity of drug charges, such as the type and amount of drugs involved, the intent to sell or distribute drugs to others, and a person’s prior criminal record. If you have been arrested for drug possession, an experienced attorney can provide you with legal representation and help you understand your options for defense.

Misdemeanor vs. Felony

In Illinois, drug possession offenses are typically classified as felonies, although there are certain situations where misdemeanor charges may apply. Misdemeanors are less serious crimes and generally carry lighter penalties than felonies. Felonies, on the other hand, are more severe offenses with consequences that include prison sentences of one year or more and fines of up to $25,000.

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 Posted on January 09, 2024 in Driver's License Reinstatement

An Illinois license reinstatement hearing is a crucial step in regaining your driving privileges after a suspension or revocation. Understanding what takes place during the hearing and the significance of having legal representation can greatly impact the outcome of the hearing. If your license has been suspended as a result of multiple DUI convictions, obtain legal representation from a qualified attorney ready to safeguard your interests. While hiring a lawyer does not guarantee your license will be reinstated, it does ensure that you will have a fair chance at reobtaining your driving privileges.

The Hearing Process

During an Illinois license reinstatement hearing, a hearing officer from the Secretary of State’s office will evaluate your case. The hearing officer will review your driving record, the reason for your license suspension or revocation, and any relevant documentation you submit. They may also ask you questions about your driving history, alcohol or drug use, and efforts made toward rehabilitation. Ultimately, the purpose of the hearing is to determine whether you have met the requirements for reinstatement and if you are fit to drive responsibly.

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 Posted on December 28, 2023 in Domestic Violence

The holiday season is meant to be when families can enjoy being with each other, give gifts, and share positive experiences and memories. However, for some families, the holidays can be a period of heightened stress and tension, which may lead to arguments, conflicts, and accusations of domestic violence. If you have been accused of committing violence against members of your family, or if you have been arrested and charged with domestic battery, it is crucial to seek legal guidance immediately from an attorney who has experience representing clients in these types of cases.

Domestic violence may include physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual assault or harassment, financial manipulation, and other harmful behaviors within intimate relationships or family settings. False allegations of domestic violence can have severe consequences on your personal life, professional reputation, and legal status. By understanding the best ways to address these accusations, you can protect your reputation, your family relationships, and your freedom.

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 Posted on December 21, 2023 in Theft

Retail theft, also known as shoplifting, is a serious offense that can have significant legal consequences. In the state of Illinois, the severity of retail theft charges depends on various factors such as the value of the stolen merchandise and any prior convictions. If you are facing retail theft charges, an experienced attorney can help you determine your options for defense.

Misdemeanor Retail Theft

Under Illinois law, if the value of stolen merchandise is less than $300, retail theft is typically charged as a Class A misdemeanor. This classification applies to most cases where people are caught stealing items from stores.

If convicted of misdemeanor retail theft in Illinois, you may face penalties including:

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 Posted on December 13, 2023 in Uncategorized

The holiday season is usually a time of joy, but some people’s celebrations can be affected by the need to deal with traffic tickets. With more people traveling to visit family and friends, attending parties, and shopping for gifts, there are often more cars on the road and more opportunities for traffic violations to occur. Tickets can cause financial difficulties, especially for people who already need to stretch their budgets when buying gifts, and in some cases, they can lead to additional problems due to license suspension. When defending against traffic violations, an experienced attorney can help determine the best course of action that will prevent long-lasting consequences.

Some of the most common traffic violations that take place during the holidays include:

Speeding

Many of the most common traffic violations during the holiday season involve excessive speeds. Many drivers are in a rush to get to their destinations or complete their holiday errands, leading them to exceed the speed limits. Speeding can put a driver at risk of losing control of their vehicle, but it also endangers other motorists on the road, especially during periods of heavy traffic. People who are driving in unfamiliar areas when taking trips to visit family or go shopping may be unaware of the posted speed limits, and they may end up being ticketed without realizing that they had committed a violation.

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 Posted on December 06, 2023 in Uncategorized

The holiday season is a time of joy and celebration. However, it can quickly turn into a nightmare if you find yourself arrested for driving under the influence (DUI). The consequences of a DUI arrest can be severe, including license suspension, fines, and even jail time. If you ever find yourself in this unfortunate situation, it is crucial to know what steps to take to protect your rights and mitigate the potential damage to your personal and professional life. An experienced attorney can provide the legal help you need in these situations, and they will advise you to:

1. Stay Calm

Being pulled over and questioned by police, asked to take roadside sobriety tests, and arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence can be an overwhelming experience that can create a great deal of anxiety and confusion. It is important to remain as calm as possible throughout the process. Avoid arguing with police officers or resisting arrest, as this may worsen your legal situation.

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 Posted on November 27, 2023 in DUI/DWI

In Illinois, a Monitoring Device Driving Permit (MDDP) is a special type of driving permit that allows individuals whose driver’s license has been suspended to operate a motor vehicle legally. This permit may be available to qualified individuals in Illinois who have had their license suspended due to a first-offense DUI.

Today, we will discuss who can get an MDDP and the different benefits of this permit. If you want to learn more about your legal rights and options following a driver’s license suspension, contact a driver’s license restatement lawyer.  

An MDDP Can Get You Back on the Road Legally

Individuals who are at least 18 years old and have had their driver’s license suspended due to a first-offense DUI conviction are typically eligible for an MDDP in Illinois. You will not qualify for an MDDP if your driver's license was already suspended, revoked, or was otherwise invalid at the time of the DUI arrest. Individuals accused of causing death or bodily harm while driving under the influence and those previously convicted of reckless homicide or aggravated DUI do not qualify for an MDDP.

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 Posted on November 16, 2023 in Criminal Defense

A few weeks ago, an Illinois lawmaker introduced House Bill 3762. HB 3762 would remove all references to the death penalty and modes of execution from the state’s law books, as the death penalty has been outlawed in Illinois since 2011. When introducing the bill, which has since passed the House, its author observed that "The language we use influences attitudes and behavior" and argued that removing antiquated references within the state’s criminal code could help to influence the direction of the state for the better. This is a point well made, as there is arguably no set of laws that so acutely inspire life-altering consequences due to "mere" word choice as those that govern criminal prosecution and criminal defense.

Why Wording Is So Consequential 

The detailed language of criminal law dictates what charges can be levied against someone accused of a crime. It also impacts the kinds of defenses they can present in response and the types of punishments they will face in the event of a conviction.

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 Posted on November 09, 2023 in Juvenile Crimes

In theory, the juvenile justice system in the U.S. seeks not to punish juvenile offenders but to rehabilitate them and to minimize the likelihood that they will end up facing charges for criminal wrongdoing as adults. This is not always how the system works in practice. However, this is the goal of most individuals who work within it. As a result, the recent Illinois legislature’s passage of a sentencing reform bill targeted at certain alleged juvenile offenders has been greeted by many as a step in the right direction.

House Bill 3414

Currently, judges who preside over juvenile criminal justice matters in Illinois are empowered to consider a minor’s maturity, age, and potential for rehabilitation during sentencing for a conviction. House Bill 3414 – which passed 67-40 in the House and 33-20 in the Senate – would allow judges to use greater discernment when sentencing any victim of child sex trafficking in the wake of a conviction for certain crimes. Specifically, judges would be required, not just empowered, to consider factors – including the following – when sentencing these juveniles:

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