Springfield Criminal Defense Blog

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…

Cameras are everywhere today: traffic and security cameras, news crews and other professional productions, and nearly everyone around us has a video camera on their phone. Most of us have become accustomed to this idea, but it can have profound implications for us if we are ever accused of a crime. Police often dig through…

The Federal Bureau of Investigation works closely with local law enforcement officials to investigate and break up large, formally organized gangs that sell illicit drugs produced by Mexican drug cartels. The FBI operates such joint task forces out of all of its 56 field offices in the United States. Some task forces are organized to…

When we think about traffic tickets, we think about tickets we get while driving. However, in Illinois, traffic laws extend beyond motorists to include pedestrians and cyclists. Both pedestrians and cyclists can receive tickets for various offenses, such as failing to yield, disregarding traffic signals or impeding traffic flow. Understanding these regulations is crucial for…

Have you been charged with drug possession? If so, then you’re probably worried about the impact it can have on your future. This is understandable given the stakes involved. After all, a conviction could leave you facing jail time and a haunting criminal record that can make it hard for you to secure and maintain…

Owning a firearm is a right afforded by the second amendment, and many residents in Illinois choose to exercise this right. While this is established to be a right, it is a right that could be revoked if one is convicted of a serious crime. The misuse or mishandling of a firearm could have dire…

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…

A DUI conviction can derail life as you know it. It can lead to jail or prison time, hefty fines, license suspension or revocation, loss of employment, and damage to your reputation and career. Thinking about all of that can be stressful, for sure, but you shouldn’t let your fear of the possibilities paralyze you…

No one wants to get pulled over for DUI, especially if you did have one or two drinks before you got behind the wheel. Even though you might be convinced you are not over the legal alcohol limit to drive, the entire experience can make you so nervous that you appear drunk. Police officers must…