A DUI charge in Illinois often starts as a misdemeanor, but certain facts can raise the charge to a felony. The Illinois Vehicle Code classifies these cases as aggravated DUI offenses. Because felony driving under the influence (DUI) charges may bring more serious...
Criminal Defense
Waiting to report a crash risks hit-and-run charges in Illinois
A split-second crash can leave you shaken, but Illinois law gives you no grace period to collect yourself. The state does not distinguish between panic, confusion or deliberately fleeing. Waiting even a few hours to report an incident, regardless of your reasons,...
What an order of protection really means — and what it does not
An order of protection may be issued shortly after an arrest or court filing. It can limit contact with a spouse or partner, require changes to living arrangements and affect access to children. Many people read these orders and assume the court has already made up...
What rights do minors have when they’re facing juvenile charges?
Juvenile crimes are relatively common. Teenagers lack the ability to thoroughly assess the implications of their choices. Even relatively mature and responsible young adults can make impulsive choices that lead to criminal charges. Common juvenile offenses include...
3 common juvenile crimes and their potential consequences
Young adults lack the impulse control that adults eventually develop. Their youthful brains can turn curiosity into criminal activity relatively quickly. Juveniles often face criminal charges for the impulsive decisions that they make. Young adults may find themselves...
What role does intent play in juvenile drug cases?
It is alarming how drugs have infiltrated our schools, influencing many young adults and teens. Drug rings often target juveniles as unknowing mules. They carry drugs without understanding the risks. This protects the real criminals from facing justice. If you find...
Can a domestic violence conviction be expunged?
A domestic violence conviction can have long-lasting consequences on your life. However, you might wonder whether you can get it removed from your record. The process of expungement can provide an opportunity to move forward without the burden of a criminal record....
Does a domestic violence charge stay on your record?
Domestic violence charges carry serious consequences that often last for years. Whether a charge remains on your record depends on the specifics of your case and the legal process. Knowing how these charges impact your record helps you plan your next steps...
Retail theft: categories and consequences
In Illinois, retail theft is not treated uniformly; rather, it is categorized based on the value of the merchandise that is stolen and other factors. These factors, including the value of the items, result in this crime being punished differently. Retail theft or...
Will domestic violence charges affect career opportunities?
Criminal background checks are more common than ever as part of the application process for job seekers. Although every case is unique, a domestic violence charge on your record can have significant consequences for employment opportunities. Several things contribute...





