Illinois Criminal Defense Blog

Traffic violations: Protect your Illinois driver's license

On behalf of Richard F. Blass & Associates, LLC posted in traffic violations on Wednesday, March 13, 2019.

Do you know you can go to jail for driving at excessive speeds? Misdemeanor speeding typically involves tickets that list drivers' speeds at 35 miles per hour or more over a posted limit. A conviction can lead to nearly 12 months behind bars. In fact, many traffic violations prompt severe penalties, including suspension or revocation of your Illinois driver's license.

Motorists under age 21 are at particular risk for license suspension. If a driver in this age group is ticketed twice in two years, he or she may not only face license suspension but loss of insurance as well. The good news is that there are often ways to mitigate such circumstances.

Criminal defense: When a juvenile is tried as an adult

On behalf of Richard F. Blass & Associates, LLC posted in criminal defense on Tuesday, February 26, 2019.

Every state has its own laws regarding issues that might warrant a juvenile being tried as an adult. In Illinois, if a minor has had his or her sixteenth birthday, there are certain situations that may activate criminal charges that would be adjudicated in the court system for adults. In fact, a 17-year-old is currently preparing a criminal defense regarding similar circumstances.

He is said to have been involved in a shooting. State law automatically transfers juvenile cases to adult court if a minor is 16 or older and is accused of committing aggravated battery with a firearm. Police say a gunshot victim had wounds in his leg and abdomen and identified the defendant as one of the suspects who shot him while trying to commit a robbery.

Police received call that led to drunk driving charges

On behalf of Richard F. Blass & Associates, LLC posted in drunk driving charges on Wednesday, February 13, 2019.

Illinois police say several people reported a concerning situation just before noon on a recent Thursday. Officers were dispatched to the scene after reports were called in stating that a vehicle near a local golf course had been veering into oncoming traffic and had come quite close to causing multiple collisions. The incident ultimately resulted in drunk driving charges against the man who was behind the wheel of the vehicle in question.

When police arrived, they say they located the car in the parking lot of the golf course. Officers also stated they suspected the driver of the car was intoxicated, so they requested that he submit to field sobriety tests. As is the right of any person facing such a request in a similar situation, the man refused to take the field tests.

Illinois man focused on criminal defense after drug charges

On behalf of Richard F. Blass & Associates, LLC posted in criminal defense on Tuesday, January 29, 2019.

Illinois police often show up at someone's house if they suspect that one or more residents inside may have committed a crime. Often, officers will ask to be allowed in to have a look around. It is critical that anyone who encounters police in this manner understands his or her personal rights and also where to seek a criminal defense attorney if a problem arises.

One man recently wound up facing arrest after a task force dispatched by the Champaign Police Department searched his home. Investigators claim the 48-year-old man was in possession of more than 100 pounds of cannabis. They also say the discovered heroin, crystal methamphetamine and numerous firearms at the residence.

4 common defenses for DUI

On behalf of Richard F. Blass & Associates, LLC on Friday, January 25, 2019.

Illinois State Police recently announced the results of a new initiative. The police department began a counter-measure known as Ace Patrol that resulted in writing 14 citations and arresting one person for DUI. The goal of the program is to remove potentially dangerous drunk drivers from the road.

When going to court after a DUI arrest, it is vital for defendants to have proper legal counsel and be honest with the attorney about what transpired during the arrest. With this information, those facing charges can develop a viable DUI defense.

Celebrating Richard Blass’s 7th nomination to Super Lawyers list

On behalf of Richard F. Blass & Associates, LLC posted in criminal defense on Tuesday, January 15, 2019.

Richard F. Blass & Associates, LLC is pleased to announce that founding attorney Richard F. Blass has been included in the 2019 Super Lawyers list in Illinois. This marks Mr. Blass’s 7th time being honored by Super Lawyers, having been nominated twice on the Rising Stars list and appearing on the Super Lawyers list for Illinois every year since 2015.

No more than five percent of attorneys in the state are selected by Super Lawyers each year. The honor is given to those who have demonstrated a high level of professional achievement and recognition from their peers.

Illinois police search home, resident arrested re drug offenses

On behalf of Richard F. Blass & Associates, LLC posted in drug offenses on Wednesday, January 2, 2019.

When Illinois police suspect someone of a crime, they often pay a surprise visit to that person's home. Homeowners may exercise their personal rights in such situations, which is why it is critical to understand ahead of time what those rights are and how to invoke them. Situations like this often include police appearing with signed warrants, then making arrests for suspected drug offenses after searching a premises.

That is basically how recent events unfolded at one man's house. The 34-year-old was reportedly at home when local police officers, accompanied by a state police SWAT unit, arrived at his doorstep. A search took place and concluded with the man being arrested and taken to a county jail.

When holidays are cut short due to charges for drug offenses

On behalf of Richard F. Blass & Associates, LLC posted in drug offenses on Wednesday, December 19, 2018.

Many Illinois residents are currently planning or already enjoying holiday celebrations for 2018. Most can relate to high levels of stress that often accompany the holidays -- some, more than others. If serious personal problems arise, such as marriage trouble or getting arrested for alleged drug offenses or other crimes, it can bring the festive mood of the holidays to a screeching halt.

A group of young adults ranging in age from 22 to 27 will no doubt have to change any plans they might have made for the holidays because they were arrested on a recent Sunday and are now being held in a county jail. Police paid a visit to a home the three defendants are said to have been renting. They apparently acquired the rental property through a website on the internet.

New Year DUI statistics

On behalf of Richard F. Blass & Associates, LLC on Wednesday, December 5, 2018.

Every year, New Year's Eve celebrations coincide with a dramatic spike in DUI arrests and car accidents. If you are planning to consume alcohol while ringing in the new year, it is vital for you to know about the risks. A DUI accident can cause injuries and fatalities to others, along with a criminal conviction involving fines, jail time and license restrictions.

Here are some sobering DUI statistics and tips for staying safe as you celebrate the new year.

Drunk driving charges: What are the options for fighting them?

On behalf of Richard F. Blass & Associates, LLC posted in drunk driving charges on Wednesday, December 5, 2018.

In Illinois and most other states, the penalties under conviction for illegal operation of a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol are quite severe. When a man or woman suddenly finds himself or herself facing drunk driving charges, many worries may come to mind, especially regarding issues such as whether or not he or she will go to jail. Many people also worry about their drivers' licenses, especially if it's not the first time they have been charged with such crimes.

Under Illinois implied consent laws, you automatically agree take a chemical test when requested to do so if a police officer arrests you on suspicion of impaired driving. If you refuse to take the Breathalyzer, blood or urine test, an automatic administrative penalty will be enforced. If you believe your rights have been violated, this may be the first place to start when trying to build as strong a defense as possible.