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Recent Blog Posts

Can I Go to Jail for Unknowingly Buying a Stolen Vehicle?

 Posted on March 29, 2024 in Theft

Elgin, IL car theft lawyerCarjacking is a notorious problem in many parts of Illinois, and prosecutors are coming down hard on people caught stealing cars to try to make an example out of them. But what happens to those stolen cars? Are they ever sold and passed off as legitimate? 

Of course criminal vehicle theft carries hefty penalties in Illinois, but buying or receiving a stolen vehicle may also land you in legal trouble, even if you did not know that the vehicle was stolen. If you have been caught with a stolen vehicle, you will need the guidance of an experienced Illinois auto theft defense attorney to help you navigate these charges and show the court that you did not knowingly purchase or possess a stolen vehicle.

Penalties for Illinois Vehicle Theft

Illinois law is strict when it comes to vehicle theft, and the penalties for stealing a vehicle or possessing a stolen vehicle can be severe. Under Illinois criminal code, you can face between three to seven years in prison and fines of up to $25,000 if you steal or possess a vehicle valued at $10,000 or more; this is classified as a Class B felony.

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How Do I Handle a False Domestic Violence Accusation in Illinois?

 Posted on March 25, 2024 in Domestic Violence

Elgin, IL domestic violence defense lawyerDomestic violence is a serious issue when it occurs among couples and families, and the effects of domestic violence can be traumatic. However, false domestic violence accusations can occur, typically against men, and these accusations can cause serious damages, end in jail time, and impact your future. If you have been falsely accused of domestic violence, you need a skilled Illinois domestic violence defense lawyer on your side advocating for your rights.

Responding to an Order of Protection

In many cases, a domestic violence accusation will involve an Illinois Order of Protection. This type of order is designed to protect a victim from an abuser. A temporary Order of Protection may be granted to the individual requesting it immediately, though longer-term orders will need to be decided in court.

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Can I Go to Jail For Shoplifting in Illinois?

 Posted on March 19, 2024 in Theft

Elgin, IL criminal defense lawyerThough many people might think of shoplifting as a relatively minor crime, Illinois law can actually persecute this crime quite severely. This is especially true in certain areas that are lately making an example out of those arrested for shoplifting, as the state tries to deter the significant uptick in retail theft in recent years.

It is possible to go to jail for shoplifting, known as retail theft in Illinois, depending on the circumstances surrounding the theft. If you have been charged with retail theft, it is important to work with an experienced Illinois retail theft defense lawyer to understand the charges against you and minimize their effect on your future record.

What Counts as Shoplifting in Illinois?

In Illinois, the state Criminal Code outlines retail theft as the following activities:

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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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