The Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution defends “the right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures.” Of course, there are exceptions where police officers have the legal authority to perform such actions, even without a warrant. In the past, we have covered...
Read MoreWhen people think of the trial process, many people picture heated arguments between prosecutors and defense attorneys, the presentation of evidence, the cross-examination of witnesses and the verdict from a jury. However, court proceedings always begin well before all of that. If the defendant is charged with a felony, he or she may have been...
Read MoreAt this point in history, Illinois law considers cannabis, or marijuana, a less harmful drug than other controlled substances. People are even legally allowed to possess it if they complete the process of applying for the state’s medical marijuana registry. With that said, marijuana remains illegal for recreational use, and anyone caught possessing it for...
Read MoreAre DUIs Public Record? Convictions for driving under the influence will appear on your record if someone files a request with the Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification. The Uniform Conviction Information Act states the public can access a person’s history of run-ins with the law - but people may only see convictions, not arrests...
Read MoreCell phones and other handheld devices are now seemingly ubiquitous in the daily life of Illinois citizens and the country as a whole. We use them to communicate with friends and loved ones, conduct business, stay updated on current events, and a range of other activities. Unfortunately, this means that many people feel compelled to...
Read MoreWhen people hear that Labor Day is approaching, many may think about the long three-day weekend, heading out of town, and nighttime partying. As a result of this reputation, the holiday is often associated with auto accidents caused by drunk driving, and Illinois law enforcement is therefore typically more active than usual in patrolling the...
Read MoreGetting arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) can be a stressful experience, especially for those who have never been arrested before. Lawyers are available to help people relieve some of that pressure, but while retaining the services of a DUI attorney can seem natural to some, others may have questions such as “What do...
Read MoreDriving under the influence, also known as DUI or drunk driving, is a serious charge in Illinois. However, while the courts never take these cases lightly, the exact level of seriousness of the charge may vary depending on the circumstances of the situation and the number of prior convictions for the same charge. This is...
Read MoreIn the fifth decade of the federal “War on Drugs,” imprisonment feels almost like an absolute guarantee to those being prosecuted for drug-related offenses. The ubiquity of mandatory minimum sentences in law books around the nation and the aggressiveness with which police forces and legislators approach drug issues do little to stop people from getting...
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