Springfield Criminal Defense Blog

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…

It’s illegal to drive in Illinois with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or higher. (Note that some types of drivers are subject to an even lower limit.) Yet, you can get into trouble even when under the relevant limit if your driving has been impaired by alcohol. People are affected by alcohol differently.…

You do not normally drink and drive, and you are hoping this might end with just a warning. But the reality is that a DUI charge is a serious legal matter. If you are feeling overwhelmed, here are answers to five key questions likely running through your mind 1. Will I lose my license immediately…

Receiving a traffic ticket can feel like a minor inconvenience in your day. However, these tickets can accumulate quickly. You may brush off one or two, but too many can have serious consequences. Too many violations can affect your driving record, insurance rates and even your ability to keep your license. There is no specific…

Not everybody has a friendly bar within walking distance. Not everybody lives in places with a good public transport service. And not everyone lives close enough to those they want to go out with to make getting a cab or rideshare home affordable. Hence, a lot of people use their car to get home from…

Many people who are arrested on DUI charges get pulled over the same day that they’ve been drinking. Maybe they were out at a bar with friends and tried to drive home, but their BAC was still over the legal limit. They may be unhappy with the charges, but it’s at least understandable. One thing…

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…

It can happen to anyone. You’re on a road trip to visit family or friends, or you’re headed out on vacation, and you get pulled over for a traffic violation. While your encounter with the police can be anxiety-inducing and stressful, you might be wondering if there are other ramifications of obtaining a traffic ticket…

The legal limit for alcohol consumption can be a very important part of a drunk driving case. There are cases where drivers can face charges even if they don’t exceed this limit—such as if they are clearly impaired, but their BAC is just slightly lower than the allowable amount. An officer can still make an…