The Second Amendment to the US Constitution has been interpreted as granting citizens “the right to bear arms.” However, that freedom is not absolute: every state has its own laws regulating weapons use, as well as its own penalties for breaking said laws. Illinois courts separate these crimes into a few categories, including “unlawful use...
Read MoreTheft, also known as larceny, is a crime almost anywhere you go. However, different states have different views on the severity of the sentence for the crime. Further complicating matters, Illinois courts consider some instances of theft to be worse than others and therefore warranting more jail time and heftier fines for convicted defendants. Here...
Read MoreWhat is Considered Criminal Trespassing? Criminal trespassing can, at its simplest, be defined as being on someone else’s property while knowing that you do not have permission to be there. It may not seem like a major offense, but it can be serious in the eyes of Illinois law. Depending on the circumstances, trespassers could...
Read MoreWhat Are the Different Types of Murder Charges? Any murder is horrific, but for almost all of the United States, not all murders are the same. Since 1794, most states have created distinctions between what are called first degree and second-degree murders. Some, like Florida, have a third-degree category, and some, like Kentucky, have no...
Read MoreThe criminal justice system in Illinois has undergone some major changes due to the passing of the Bail Reform Act in June of last year. This has major implications for anyone arrested in our state. Keep reading for a guide to understanding the new bail laws in Illinois. Illinois Bail Law The new law, known...
Read MorePolice, as a general rule, are there to help. It’s their job to protect and serve. But sometimes, in real life, things can get out of hand. Whether it’s because the officer is having a bad day or simply because they are in a bad mood, the incidence of police brutality is on the rise...
Read MoreWith an estimated 2.5 million traffic stops occurring every year in Illinois, and just shy of 1.5 million citations given, it’s clear that traffic violation education is something that Illinois drivers likely need. While traffic violations may not be a mortal sin, they are better off avoided. The first step in doing so is to learn...
Read MoreObeying the law is important, but so is knowing your rights. This is true even when you are not doing anything wrong. Law abiding citizens should be able to rest assured knowing that they aren’t going to be bothered by the police or anyone else. Police unjustly imposing themselves upon your rights is a major...
Read MoreStaying out of legal trouble should be at top of your to-do list. That being said, there are times when you find yourself in complicated situations or on the wrong side of an interaction with police. This raises the question: when are you most likely to be arrested? And how can you avoid it? How...
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