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Recent Blog Posts

Will Underage Drinking Affect My Child’s Future?

 Posted on March 05, 2024 in Underage Drinking

Kane County, IL underage drinking defense attorneyDespite popular portrayal online and in the media, underage drinking does have serious consequences. When your child is arrested for underage drinking, the penalties she faces may be serious, and she may have a permanent mark on her record. An experienced Illinois criminal defense lawyer is essential to advocating for reduced consequences if your under-21 child has been caught drinking.

Penalties for Underage Drinking in Illinois

The State of Illinois takes underage drinking very seriously, and there are consequently serious penalties when an underaged young adult is caught drinking. In Illinois, underage drinking is considered a misdemeanor offense.

The penalties for an underage drinking misdemeanor include:

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What Are Forgery Charges in Illinois?

 Posted on February 26, 2024 in Fraud

Kane County, IL criminal defense attorney

Forgery charges can be complex to deal with, and using the wrong defense strategy in court can result in serious legal consequences that follow you for a lifetime. It is important to understand the basics of Illinois forgery laws and the penalties that forgery charges may carry. A skilled Illinois forgery defense attorney can guide you through your options if you find yourself facing charges for forgery.

Understanding Illinois Forgery Laws

In Illinois, there are a few different things that may result in a forgery charge. The crime of forgery is covered in this Illinois law, and someone may be charged with forgery if they engage in one of the following actions:

How Long Will a DUI Charge Be on My Record?

 Posted on February 20, 2024 in DUI

Blog ImageDUI charges are difficult to navigate, and receiving a DUI conviction comes with a range of penalties, depending on the severity of your infraction. A strong DUI defense and awareness of your legal options after receiving a DUI arrest are essential to navigating this charge. DUI charges never leave your criminal record, which is why it is important to be aware of the impacts such a conviction may have. An Illinois DUI defense attorney is just the person to help you understand your next steps.

What Are the Penalties of a DUI?

A first DUI charge in Illinois is typically considered a Class A misdemeanor. With most first-time convictions, jail time is typically not pursued, but it is possible. Fines and penalties for a first DUI charge include a loss of license, jail time for up to a year, court fees, and fines totaling up to $2,500.

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Who Qualifies for Record Expungement in Illinois?

 Posted on February 13, 2024 in Expungement

Kane County, IL criminal record expungement lawyerA criminal record can be problematic for many reasons, especially when it comes to applying for jobs, housing, or other opportunities. In some cases, you may be eligible for record expungement, but there are specific rules surrounding criminal record expungement. An experienced Illinois record expungement lawyer can help you understand your options.

Understanding Illinois Expungement Laws

Expungement is the process of removing certain criminal offenses from your record, and Illinois only allows expungement in certain situations. In the majority of cases, individuals who do not have any prior criminal offenses and have not received a conviction for domestic violence, DUI, or sex crimes are eligible for record expungement.

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What Are the Penalties for Reckless Driving in Illinois?

 Posted on February 09, 2024 in Traffic violations

Kane County, IL reckless driving defense lawyerReckless driving can be considered a serious offense in Illinois, and the penalties associated with reckless driving can vary. If you have been arrested or issued a citation for reckless driving in Illinois, it is important to understand the penalties you may be facing. It is also essential to obtain the services of an experienced Illinois reckless driving attorney to advocate for you and protect your criminal record as much as possible.

What Type of Offense Is Reckless Driving?

In Illinois, reckless driving is generally considered a Class A misdemeanor. However, there are exceptions that can make a reckless driving charge a more serious offense, such as a felony. For example, driving recklessly in a school zone and injuring a child or school crossing guard may upgrade the reckless driving misdemeanor to a Class 3 felony.

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How To Avoid a Domestic Violence Charge on Valentine’s Day

 Posted on January 31, 2024 in Domestic Violence

Kane County, IL domestic violence defense lawyerFebruary 14 is meant as a day to show love, when you and a significant other can express it openly and often. It should not be a day for a domestic violence charge, subsequent arrest, and a night in jail. Even if no physical violence occurs, a heated argument can quickly lead to false accusations. To ensure you can keep a cool head and look to make it a positive night to remember, there are some things to keep in mind. Of course, if you are facing a domestic violence charge, a criminal defense attorney should be the first and only person you talk to.

Air Out Issues Before They Become A Problem

Do not allow lingering issues to build up over time so that they eventually boil over. Talk things over with your loved one about any annoyances, pet peeves, or anything you do not like or appreciate in the relationship. When things are out in the open between you it is a lot easier to fix them. Now you can go into Valentine’s Day with a better understanding of one another and hopefully avoid any additional problems from coming up. It will also help to avoid consuming alcohol when deciding to talk about things, as alcohol has a way of turning things from bad to worse.

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How To Fight A Criminal Conviction in Illinois

 Posted on January 30, 2024 in Criminal Defense

Blog ImageBeing criminally convicted of a crime by a judge, jury, or through your own admission does not necessarily spell the end of the journey. Unless explicitly stated otherwise during sentencing, you still have the right to fight the conviction and sentence if you so desire. Time is of the essence and you will need to file an appeal or withdraw your plea as soon as possible. For help with the entire process, consult an attorney to enlist in your fight.

How To Withdraw a Guilty Plea

You can wait until a judge or jury decides on your sentence before choosing to withdraw a guilty plea. You can ask the judge to reconsider the sentence they have chosen to hand down or withdraw the plea itself by filing a motion to withdraw. However, once you choose to withdraw a plea and the judge grants it, the case will begin as if the plea never existed.

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Illinois' Zero-Tolerance Law and The Consequences For Breaking It

 Posted on January 18, 2024 in Underage Drinking

Blog ImageUnderage drinking is a problem in Illinois. When a person younger than 21 decides to drink and drive, it is illegal, and Illinois has no problem taking away their license. Subsequent violations can see the penalties increase as they would for adults, resulting in possible jail time, fines, and further loss of driving privileges. A driving under the influence (DUI) conviction can destroy a young person's life before it has even begun. The best course of action when facing an underage drinking and driving charge is to consult an attorney immediately.

Violating Illinois’ Zero-Tolerance Law

A police officer can pull anyone over if they suspect the driver of the vehicle is driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. As Illinois is an implied consent state, when someone is pulled over, a police officer has the right to request a sobriety test of the driver. The driver can then accept or refuse the sobriety test at their discretion. This is a field sobriety test that often requires the driver to perform a set of physical coordination tests. However, even if the driver chooses to accept the test and performs without complication, the officer can choose to submit the driver for a chemical test back at the station.

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How Long Convictions Last On An Illinois Criminal Record

 Posted on January 05, 2024 in Criminal Defense

Blog ImageForever - that is how long a conviction will last on a criminal record. It is referred to as a “permanent” criminal record, after all. However, just because it remains on your permanent criminal record does not mean that all convictions will remain on your public record. Some convictions, and arrests that did not lead to a conviction, may be eligible for expungement or sealing. A solid criminal defense attorney can help determine which records can be sealed or expunged, and which cannot be washed away from the public eye.

Seal and Expunge

The primary difference between sealing a criminal record and expunging it lies in its permanence. Sealing a record still keeps the record around in both a physical and legal sense, although only certain parties will be able to see it. In contrast, expunging a criminal record strikes it from the books. It will delete any record of the criminal charge or arrest that ever occurred. Understanding which convictions can be sealed or expunged is important to keeping a clean public record. For a more in-depth conversation on which criminal records can be sealed or expunged, it would be best to speak with an attorney.

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A Look At Recreational Vehicles While Driving Under the Influence

 Posted on December 31, 2023 in DUI

Blog ImageDriving under the influence (DUI) is not specific to cars and trucks. Arrests can take place for anyone driving under the influence using other recreational vehicles, such as an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) or boat. Though they may not be common, there are attorneys with enough experience in these situations who can help defend your rights from recreational vehicle DUI charges.

What is Driving Under the Influence (DUI)?

Driving under the influence (DUI) in the state of Illinois consists of a driver who:

  • Is driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

  • Has a blood alcohol content (BAC) level of 0.08 percent or higher

Drivers for whom these situations apply can find themselves pulled over, arrested, and charged with DUI. In Illinois, a driver who is convicted of DUI while operating a recreational vehicle will suffer the same penalties as if the vehicle was a typical car, truck, or SUV. 

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