Illinois became the first state in 2019 to decriminalize the sale of cannabis. Illinois was also the first state to do so through the legislature and not a ballot initiative. The Cannabis Regulation & Tax Act of 2020 allowed adults over the age of 21 to legally purchase “recreational” marijuana from dispensaries. When this law...
Read MoreThe consequences of being falsely accused of domestic violence or abuse can be far-reaching. The allegations alone can destroy a person’s reputation and family. The alleged abuser could lose their job and face challenges looking for a new one. A conviction could also result in fines and imprisonment or probation. Fortunately, there are legal options...
Read MoreBeing arrested can be frightening and stressful. You might not know your rights or what to do next. Fortunately, you can hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer to represent you. Your lawyer can guide you through the complex legal process and create a strategy to defend you against the charge or charges that you face....
Read MoreFiguring out how much time you will actually serve on your criminal prison sentence or jail sentence can be a confusing task, even for experienced lawyers. People convicted of crimes in Illinois often mistakenly assume they will receive “day-for-day” credit automatically, regardless of their charge. The phrase “day-for-day” is a legal term of art which...
Read MoreCurrently, there are over 2,000 people on the Cook County Electronic Home Monitoring program (EM) run by the Cook County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO). The program is meant to ease overcrowding in the jails and allow an accused person in Chicago or elsewhere in Cook County to serve at least part of their sentence at home...
Read MoreWhen it comes to drug crimes in Illinois, police and prosecutors generally want to punish dealers and distributors more than users. Accordingly, the potential penalties for trafficking or distributing illegal drugs are often much harsher than the penalties for simply possessing these drugs. A possession charge could send you to jail for a few months...
Read MoreWhile the U.S. Constitution gives all Americans the right to keep and bear guns, there are strict laws concerning how and where guns and other lethal weapons can be used. Illinois has some of the toughest gun laws in the country, and violating these laws often carries stiff penalties. If you own a gun or...
Read MoreStreet racing events are becoming more popular in the City of Chicago and across Illinois. Recently neighborhoods like Pilsen, the West Loop, and the South Side have become inundated with late night ‘street takeovers’ wherein souped-up vehicles will engage in dangerous traffic stunts like donuts and “drifting” at busy intersections. The scenes attract hundreds of...
Read MoreWhile attitudes toward drug crimes are changing in Illinois, especially when it comes to drug possession, being caught with drugs can still lead to criminal penalties. The drug you are caught with makes a significant difference in terms of the potential penalties you may face, and Schedule II drugs carry some of the harshest penalties...
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