Springfield Criminal Defense Blog

Weapons offenses can be significant criminal charges and can carry significant penalties for accused individuals. For accused individuals facing gun charges, they should be familiar with the criminal defense options they may have. Examples of weapons charges There are a variety of different types of weapons charges accused individuals can be facing including: Certain individuals,…

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 your best interests. Before you…

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 sales of firearms. Although current law requires law enforcement to approve or deny applications…

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 place to start is knowing what a theft offense actually…

Getting pulled over on suspicion of a DUI is a terrible experience, and a conviction for DUI can change a person’s life forever. The penalties for DUI in Illinois are harsh. First offenders may face a loss of driving privileges for up to six months, jail time of up to 364 days or community service,…

Now that restaurants, clubs and bars are re-opening, many people in Springfield are looking forward to a beer at happy hour after work or taking a date out to a nice meal and glass of wine. A nice evening out can turn awful, however, if on the way home you are pulled over by police…

Allegations of violence are serious and can result in criminal charges against Illinois residents. Too often, innocent men and women are subjected to wrongful charges based on bad information and poor police work. These problematic arrests can result when assaults are alleged and individuals attempt to use self-defense options. Illinois recognizes limited self-defense rights when…

According to some estimates, about 350,000 people across the country have ignition interlock devices. These miniature breathalyzers are wired into the car’s electronic system. The device prevents the car from starting unless the driver blows into the device and proves he or she is sober. A growing number of states require people with drunk driving…

What might seem like a rather routine traffic stop can quickly become something far more serious when law enforcement officers search you or your vehicle. In some cases, these searches lead to drug charges, whether relating to simple possession, possession of drug paraphernalia, or drug trafficking. Regardless of the type of drug crime you’ve been…

We have all scene the movie scenes where one escapes the police after a high-speed chase. The driver, sometimes, the hero, sometimes, not, breaks double digit speeds on their way to freedom. However, in real life, even if one successfully evades the police, one may still end up in jail. One local Springfield man learned…