Articles Posted in Criminal Defense

Knowing your rights when police come to your door is vital. In Illinois, your home is protected by both the U.S. and Illinois Constitutions. That means officers cannot enter without a legal reason. However, it isn’t always that straightforward. Here are some important facts to remember. When police need a warrant In most cases, police…

Stun guns use electronic shock to help individuals with self-defense against an attacker in a non-lethal manner. Some stun guns require you to be in close proximity to the attacker, but others have projectile prongs that can be deployed from a longer distance. Some people assume that stun guns are legal everywhere since they’re considered…

You’re facing serious criminal charges, but you maintain your innocence. You say that you weren’t involved, and you weren’t even at the location when the alleged crime took place. You believe it’s just a case of mistaken identity and that your name should be cleared. But the prosecution has a witness. This person claims that…

The consequences of a felony conviction can extend far into your future, limiting your freedom and opportunities. One of the most significant consequences is the loss of your right to own a firearm. Is this a permanent restriction? Can a convicted felon ever legally own a firearm again, or are they forever barred from exercising…

Illinois prosecutors take drug crimes seriously, meaning they’re going to work hard to build a case that they hope leads to conviction and the imposition of harsh penalties. You have to aggressively counter their arguments if you want to protect your freedom and your future. That’s easier said than done, though, especially if you’re unfamiliar…

You have probably seen situations involving minor traffic stops that quickly escalate, resulting in an arrest and criminal charges. Many times, this happens because the police find something illegal in the person’s vehicle. When you are pulled over, the police may ask if they can search your vehicle. You might say yes, believing that you…

Many prescription drugs are controlled substances. As such, possessing them without a valid prescription is a criminal offense. Depending on the drug involved, you may even be charged with a felony offense that carries the potential for severe penalties, including extensive incarceration. With so much at stake, it’s imperative that you understand how Illinois handles…

Illinois law enforcement and prosecutors take weapons laws seriously and those who are charged with firearms or ammunition violations could face severe penalties if they are convicted. State law regarding possession of firearms or firearm ammunition dictates who can possess these items, how old they must be and what consequences they can face for a…

Allegations of any criminal wrongdoing can threaten your freedom and your future. Accusations pertaining to violent crimes, though, can be especially threatening. And all too often, individuals who were acting within their rights at the time of the alleged offense are arrested, convicted, and stripped of their liberty, all because they don’t know how to…

Under the U.S. Constitution, law enforcement officers are generally not allowed to conduct an illegal search and seizure of any area where you have a reasonable expectation of privacy without a warrant. However, under the automobile exception, there are several ways for an officer to search your vehicle without a warrant. Here are a few…