Springfield Criminal Defense Blog

No-knock warrants are part of a controversial practice that allows law enforcement to enter a property without knocking or announcing themselves first. They are used most commonly in cases involving drugs, weapons or other evidence that could be easily destroyed or pose a danger to the officers. However, they also raise concerns about the violation…

When a person is arrested for any reason in Illinois, it is natural for them to think about the potential consequences they might face if they are convicted. Depending on the charges, that can include incarceration, fines and other penalties. What they might not consider is the negative impact a criminal record might have as…

Illinois has strict regulations on the possession, sale and use of firearms and other weapons, and violating them can result in serious consequences. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the most common weapons-related charges. Unlawful use of weapons This offense covers a wide range of prohibited conduct involving weapons, such as carrying…

The term, “target letter” is having a moment, even though, outside of criminal defense and prosecutor circles, most people had never heard of it. However, for those facing potential federal drug crimes, this may give you hope that you will get a heads up prior to being indicted. Unfortunately, that may not be true in…

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 that it was stolen. As a result, a person could face allegations…

Possessing a stolen firearm is a serious criminal charge that comes with major potential penalties. The crime of possession of a stolen firearm in Illinois is a class 2 felony. If you are convicted of this charge, you could face between three and seven years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000. While…

Generally speaking, you cannot be deported simply for being charged with a criminal offense. This makes sense. Lawful permanent residents and other non-citizens who live in the Springfield area have the same rights as anyone else accused of a crime in Illinois’ courts. They are innocent until proven guilty. However, certain types of criminal convictions…

Some people who were behind the wheel in a fatal vehicular accident can face homicide charges. Under Illinois law, these cases typically involve charges of involuntary manslaughter or reckless homicide. While these are serious charges, they fall short of a first-degree murder charge. That’s why it was somewhat surprising to read that an Illinois man…

If a person is convicted of driving under the influence in Illinois, the penalties can be significant. They can vary based on several factors, including the driver’s blood alcohol concentration, how many previous DUI convictions the person has and whether anyone else was injured or killed in an accident while the driver was under the…

In Illinois, when people are arrested, the evidence is obviously a critical part of whether they will be convicted or acquitted. As they craft a defense, they might think about their situation and if there is a rational explanation for what they have been accused of doing. There are other strategies that can be effective…