Blog

Illinois has strict laws when it comes to weapons. Anyone carrying a melee weapon, firearm, or even a taser without a permit could face unlawful use of weapons (UUW) charges. What's considered an unlawful use of weapons in Illinois? Allow us to explain. What is a UUW? There are two kinds of unlaw...

Under the Second Amendment, each U.S. citizen is afforded the right to keep and bear arms. In Illinois, however, prospective gun owners must apply for a card that allows them to own a gun before they are able to make a purchase. After that, there are different rules based on which kind of gun the...

Being put under arrest can be a scary experience. For first-time offenders trying to cooperate with law enforcement, these initial moments can be confusing and sometimes lead to statements that harm their outcome. Most of us have heard, "you have the right to remain silent," but not everyone unde...

For many people, being pulled over for DUI is the first real experience they will have with the criminal justice system. Because of this, many people unknowingly provide law enforcement with far too much information in hopes that it will exonerate them and let them off with a warning. This could ...

If you are stopped at a roadblock, it is crucial to know and understand your rights, so you can effectively protect them. Oftentimes, drivers are so overwhelmed and intimidated by the situation that they make the mistake of assuming they must fulfill the law enforcement officer's every request. B...

We see it all the time. When faced with an arrest, most people panic. They forget how to act around police, and they trick themselves into thinking that if they can find the right words, they'll get away without charges. That's never the case. To help people avoid damaging their defense case, we'...

There are two types of gun licenses for Illinois residents: A Firearm Owner's Identification (FOID) card and a Concealed Carry License (CCL). Open carry is currently not permitted in the state. FOID Every resident needs a valid FOID card to possess and purchase a firearm and/or ammunition. FOID c...

Roadblocks, also known as sobriety checkpoints, are designed to randomly interrogate suspected law violators who may be driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Although the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects motorists from unreasonable searches, roadblocks are an exceptio...

With the mythology of the prohibition and union-busting mafia conflicts, Chicago carries a reputation as a crime-ridden city when compared to other metro areas. The truth is, however, that illegal activity here measures only slightly higher than the U.S. average. 2014 marked a historic point in A...

On January 1, 2020, legal recreational marijuana in Illinois became available for purchase to residents and visitors. Illinois is the 11th state to legalize recreational cannabis for adult use. The following are the most frequently asked questions regarding the new law: Question: Who can buy recr...

In June of 2019, Governor JB Pritzker signed into law a bill that legalizes recreational marijuana use for adults 21 years of age and older. When it goes into effect on January 1, 2020, adults can legally possess up to 30 grams of cannabis and 5 grams of cannabis concentrate. The law also allows ...

With over 90% of Americans owning a cell phone, the number of people driving with them has increased in recent years. When going to or coming from a destination, individuals often reach for their devices to send a quick message or make a quick call to the person they're meeting up with or just le...

A new DUI court in McHenry County will focus on specialty driving under the influence cases. The court will handle matters in which a person was charged with multiple DUIs and generally does not have run-ins with the law for other offenses. Individuals whose cases are heard in the specialty court...

If you were involved in a car accident that was caused by another driver, you might be able to pursue a claim to collect compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain/suffering. When taking such action, you are requesting the at-fault party's insurance company to pay out a settlement. Gene...

Unlike civil cases, criminal cases are not pursued by an individual. Rather, it is prosecuted by an attorney who works for the government. In state cases, the prosecutor is generally a District Attorney. In federal cases, a U.S. Attorney will try the case. Offenses Violate Government Laws The rea...

Forgery is knowingly producing, possessing, or issuing an altered copy of a document or signature with the intent to defraud another. Depending on the type of material that was falsified, forgery can be charged as either a state or federal crime. When Is Forgery a State Crime? In Illinois, a pers...

If you have been charged with a DUI—especially if it is your first time—you might be wondering what you need to do to either get your case dismissed or reduce the charges you face. Unfortunately, many people make certain mistakes when arrested, which can result in being convicted of drunk driving...

When the time comes to place our loved one in a nursing home, it is with sincere trust the caretakers will treat him or her with dignity, kindness, and respect. Unfortunately, this isn't always the case, as nursing home abuse is on the rise in this country like never before. An ideal nursing home...

As of today, there are 33 states which have legalized the medicinal use of cannabis while 10 states allow recreational use. Since marijuana was legalized in Illinois in 2013, there are currently more than 54,500 qualifying patients in the state's medical marijuana program and retail sales have re...

What Is an Aggravated Speeding Citation? In the state of Illinois, an aggravated speeding citation is a misdemeanor speeding ticket that comes with heavier (and more painful) consequences than your average traffic offense. You may be pulled over by police and ticketed for aggravated speeding if y...

What to Expect During a Real Estate Closing It's the big day. You've done your research, viewed various properties, and settled on just the right one—but finding the right house isn't the end of it. Then comes the buying process, which can be daunting and confusing for first-time buyers. You prob...

Purchasing a home isn't just about finding a house you like and making an offer. Buying real estate involves a number of legal agreements and complicated processes, and it can be daunting to do it yourself. If you are considering buying a home for the first time, there are a few questions you may...

Commercial driving offenses are stricter and harsher for Commercial Driver's License (CDL) holders due to the dangerous nature of their work. They are often subject to additional punishments and even the loss of their CDL certification if they commit a major violation. In fact, a driver's CDL can...

DUI laws in Illinois changed when the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act was initiated in 2014. Under the current law, it is legal to be prescribed cannabis for medical conditions including cancer, multiple sclerosis, spinal and brain injuries, and more. Registered users are ...

When you are charged with an offense, a criminal record is created even if you're released or receive a not-guilty verdict. If you don't seek legal counsel, this criminal record can follow you throughout your life and ruin any job, housing or loan prospects you apply for. In the past, Illinois ma...