How to “Press Charges” on a Chicago Criminal Case
You’ve been the victim of a crime in Chicago and want to make sure that the responsible party is brought to justice. So, you contact the local Chicago Police District Station to make a report. Maybe they’ll send out a Chicago Police officer to take the report or depending upon the circumstances, the dispatcher may...
Read MoreCan You Be Arrested Because of How You Smell?
Unless you’ve purposely rolled in cow manure to annoy your neighbor, the answer of course is “no.” Not everyone smells as wonderful as you do, but a lack of personal hygiene has never been a crime in Chicago or elsewhere. Otherwise, that kid that you remember from High School might still be in jail. Take...
Read MoreWhat Should I Do if I Have a Warrant for My Arrest in Chicago?
First, let’s discuss why you might have a warrant in the first place whether in Chicago or anywhere else in Illinois. There are basically two common situations. Sometimes, a warrant is issued because you failed to comply with a lawful court order and other times it’s because the police have filed a new case against...
Read MoreCan I be Arrested for Road Rage in Chicago?
You’re driving down the street minding your own business when seemingly out of nowhere, another car cuts you off. You jam on your brakes to avoid an accident and as the other driver pulls away, he gives you “the finger”. Or you’re cruising down the Kennedy Expressway through Chicago when another car seems to be...
Read MoreCan Shoplifting Happen by Accident?
An 81 year old Chicago man was recently arrested in Arlington Heights and charged with the criminal offense of Retail Theft (also known as shoplifting). Whereas a “regular” theft involves taking something of value from another person without permission or authority, a retail theft involves taking something of value from a retail establishment. That place...
Read MoreCan CPD Arrest Me with No Evidence?
We are often called by clients who were recently arrested or who have an outstanding warrant for their arrest and asked “how are they going to arrest me with no evidence?” Well, if you’ve already been arrested, the answer is simple: they just did. That’s how. But keep in mind that an arrest or a...
Read MoreShould You Go in For Police Questioning?
You get a call from the Police. They’d just like you to come down to the station and answer a few questions. That’s all. You’re not in trouble, the officer says. Don’t worry. They just need to clear up a few things that they have questions about and to hear your side of the story....
Read MoreCan I Represent Myself in Chicago Criminal Court?
People charged with criminal and traffic matters in Chicago and in other courts across the state of Illinois ask us this question often. After all, money is tight for many people these days and if it’s possible to do something yourself and end up with the same result, many people would like to do that....
Read MoreGuide to Zoom Court Proceedings
At least for the foreseeable future, it appears that video conferencing apps such as Zoom will be a part of the legal landscape. When the worldwide pandemic hit early this year, everyone and everything was affected, including the court systems in Chicago and all Northern Illinois counties such as Cook, Lake, DuPage, Will, Kane and...
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