If police get contacted about a family fight or argument between two people in a relationship, there is always a chance that a Springfield-area resident can wind up facing a charge related to domestic violence. Domestic battery is a separate criminal charge in...
Criminal Defense
Four reasons to consider private representation in your case
If you’ve been charged with a drug crime, your future is on the line. To protect yourself, you might have three options. The first is to represent yourself. The second is to be represented by a public defender, if you qualify for one. The third is to seek out private...
Know the basics about search warrants when facing a drug charge
Criminal cases that involve drug charges are serious—there are no “minor” drug cases. Yes, possession charges may come with the potential for a less-severe sentence than, say, distribution or manufacturing of illegal drugs, but any type of conviction for drug charges...
What happens if the “victim” drops the charges?
When you face an assault charge or any other charge that results from a crime of violence, you have likely already been told about how much of an effect these charges can have on your life. Depending on the severity of the charges, you could face thousands in fines...
Four key ways to deal with a witness who lacks credibility
Although the prosecution may present physical evidence against you in your case, they’re probably going to heavily rely on witness testimony to try to obtain a conviction. Since the trier of fact, either the judge or jury, will be tasked with assigning that testimony...
When is self-defense a legitimate defense to battery charges?
Facing criminal charges for physical battery is a serious matter, and a conviction can have lasting consequences for your life. The situation is even worse when you feel that you don’t deserve the charges because you were merely defending yourself or someone else when...
Bloomington man arrested, jailed on burglary charges
Home security systems may not always prevent a burglary or other crime, but these systems often provide convincing evidence that the prosecutor can use at trial. A home security system may have recorded crucial evidence in connection with a recent burglary attempt in...
Here’s how a criminal conviction could affect you
It can be scary to face criminal charges. After all, the stakes are high, and you’ve probably never been in this position before. With so much on the line, you might find yourself tempted to take a plea deal offered by the prosecution. However, doing so may not be in...
Recent gun control laws aimed at FOID requirements
Illinois gun owners may need to follow up on new ownership requirements and background restrictions on sales. A bill in the Illinois House is aimed at modernizing the state’s firearm owner’s identification card (FOID) law and requiring background checks on private...
How does Illinois classify theft offenses?
Theft offenses can be some of the most complex crimes committed in Illinois. They can involve many people performing different acts, not all of whom are necessarily aware of exactly what is going on. If you find yourself embroiled in a theft investigation, a helpful...