Murder and manslaughter are fatal offenses, and both fall under the category of homicide or unlawful death caused by another person. However, the determining factor lies in the intent behind the act. What classifies as murder? Murder is the intentional act of taking...
Violent Crimes
How do past convictions influence new violent crime charges?
When someone faces violent crime charges, the stakes are already high. But what happens if they have prior convictions? Understanding the potential impact of past legal struggles on new violent crime charges is crucial for anyone going through the intricacies of the...
Elements of resisting arrest and possible defenses
While arresting a suspect is a routine process for police, the act of placing a suspect under arrest is not always simple or procedural. At times, a suspect may not cooperate or create challenges. If the suspect attempts to flee or fights apprehension, they could end...
Defend against assault charges by arguing self defense
If you are convicted of assault in Illinois, you could face years in prison and thousands of dollars in fines. Assault is a crime of violence that requires knowingly engaging in conduct that places a person in apprehension of imminent physical harm. An assault in...
What’s the difference between a burglary and a robbery?
Specific measures are taken to secure and protect personal property. Whether it is in a wallet, purse, pocket, vehicle or home, individuals in Illinois and elsewhere believe that their property is safe. Thus, when property is taken or has gone missing, many presume...
What makes a crime a violent crime?
When you think of someone committing a crime, you probably naturally assume it is a violent crime. While that may not always be true, there are reasons our minds automatically think of crimes as violent. They are the types of crimes society condemns the most and the...
Due process when facing a violent crime charge
When people face a criminal charge in Illinois they can experience confusion along with fear and uncertainty. The confusion oftentimes comes from a lack of knowledge about court procedure in general, and the criminal justice system specifically. And, if you are facing...
Defendants’ options in a domestic violence case
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...
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...
Here’s why you need to know about jury selection
There are a lot of moving parts in your criminal case. And, although it may seem like a lot to tackle, you have to competently address every one of them if you hope to maximize your chances of successfully defending yourself. This means protecting your rights during...