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Recent Blog Posts

Can You Get a DWI Charge Dropped?

 Posted on February 16, 2024 in Criminal defense lawyer

Northbrook criminal defense lawyerA DWI (driving while intoxicated) charge can have severe consequences that impact your freedom, finances, and future. While a DWI charge should always be taken very seriously, in some cases, it is possible to get them dropped. An Illinois criminal defense lawyer can help you explore if a dismissal is likely in your specific situation.

The Stop Itself Was Not Lawful

The very first thing a DWI defense attorney will look at is the legality of the initial traffic stop. Police must have proper reasonable suspicion that a traffic violation or crime has occurred in order to pull you over.

If the traffic stop is found to violate your Constitutional rights or lack enough evidence to justify reasonable suspicion, any resulting DWI charges could be dismissed by filing a motion to suppress evidence with the court. An attorney can review dashcam footage, statements, and other records to assess if there are reasonable grounds to challenge the validity of the stop.

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Can You Get a Retail Theft Charge Dropped?

 Posted on January 30, 2024 in Criminal Defense

Northbrook criminal defense lawyerGetting caught shoplifting can result in serious penalties like fines, probation, and even jail time. The stakes for your future are high. Sometimes, an Illinois criminal defense lawyer can negotiate with the prosecution to reduce or even drop your charges.

When Evidence is Weak or Nonexistent

Getting a case thrown out is most realistic when the evidence against you is flawless. Suppose sloppy police work results in gaps in the evidence trail or unclear records of your arrest and inventory of items. In that case, an attorney can often successfully argue to get charges dismissed. If video footage of the incident is missing or fails to identify you shoplifting merchandise clearly, the prosecution will have difficulty proving their case, making dismissal a real possibility.

When Your Rights Have Been Violated

Another common way lawyers get charges dropped is by demonstrating that police violated your rights upon arrest or seizure of evidence. That information can typically be suppressed if you were detained and questioned improperly or arrested without probable cause. If evidence like CCTV footage or witness statements were obtained illegally by police, your lawyer can fight to bar them from your case. Getting key evidence thrown out often leaves the prosecution without enough proof to continue, allowing your attorney to pursue dismissal.

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Contesting Your Traffic Citation During a Car Accident

 Posted on December 29, 2023 in Criminal Defense

Cook County criminal defense lawyerTraffic tickets happen, but sometimes they can happen unfairly during a car accident. You still have options to dispute unfair or inaccurate citations. It is essential to know that you do not have to just be silent if you receive an unfair ticket. You have rights, and an Illinois criminal defense lawyer can help you figure out how to fight for your rights with this ticket.

Respond Quickly

After receiving any traffic summons, immediately review the court date printed on the ticket. Mark calendars to ensure you attend this hearing or contact the court beforehand. Missing the initial court date almost automatically requires paying fines. Contest the violation early to avoid limiting options later.

Gather Case Materials

Next, compile evidence to refute the traffic allegations against you. Gather photos/videos documenting road conditions, witness statements, police reports, driving records printouts, or other relevant materials. If tickets often lack intricate details, build your evidence trail to reveal actual events more clearly. Any documentation weakening officers’ claims or strengthening your defense helps achieve ticket dismissal.

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What to Do When You Get Arrested For Someone Else’s Drugs

 Posted on November 29, 2023 in Criminal Defense

Skokie criminal defense lawyerGetting arrested is traumatic enough on its own. But getting arrested for a crime you did not actually commit can turn your whole world upside down. If you have been wrongly accused of possessing illegal drugs that belonged to someone else, you need an Illinois lawyer on your side.

You Can Be Charged Even If They Are Not Your Drugs

Under Illinois law, you can be charged with drug possession even if the drugs did not actually belong to you. The prosecution only needs to prove that you exercised control over the area where the drugs were found. So, if illegal drugs are found in your car, purse, pockets, or a similar area, you could face charges. The fact that they were left there by someone else likely will not get you off the hook on its own.

Act Quickly To Build Your Defense

As soon as you are arrested or charged, get in touch with a criminal defense lawyer. An attorney can start working immediately to build a strong defense by gathering evidence and lining up witnesses. If illegal drugs were left in your possession without your knowledge, witnesses who can testify to those circumstances will be vital. An early consultation also gives your lawyer time to negotiate with the prosecution or identify any improper police procedures.

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The Illinois Criminal Process for Domestic Violence Defendants

 Posted on October 30, 2023 in Criminal Defense

Cook County criminal defense lawyerIf you have been accused of domestic violence in Illinois, it is vital that you understand the legal process and procedures in order to build the most robust defense. An Illinois lawyer can guide you through each step.

The Arrest

Suppose the police are called for an alleged domestic incident. In that case, they will interview all parties, assess the situation, document any evidence of abuse, and make an arrest if they feel it is justified. Do not resist arrest or make any statements to the police without your lawyer present. The arrest means formal charges will be brought against you.

The Arraignment

Your first court appearance after arrest is the arraignment hearing. This is when formal charges are presented. You will enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. The bail terms and pre-trial release conditions, like a no-contact order with the alleged victim, are also imposed.

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Diversion Programs for First-Time Shoplifters in Illinois

 Posted on September 15, 2023 in Retail Theft

sIL defense lawyerBeing arrested for shoplifting can be a terrifying wake-up call, especially for first-time offenders who made a foolish mistake. While retail theft charges must be taken seriously, some first-time shoplifters may qualify for pretrial diversion programs that can lead to dismissal of charges. For the right candidates, diversion provides an opportunity to get your life back on track with an Illinois attorney.

What is Diversion and How Can it Help?

Diversion programs are designed to give alternatives to criminal prosecution for select defendants. With retail theft diversion, instead of going through a traditional conviction and sentencing, eligible shoplifters enter into agreements that impose certain requirements. By completing classes, community service, counseling, and restitution as required, you can earn dismissal of the charges.

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Illinois Supreme Court Allows for the Elimination of Cash Bail

 Posted on August 10, 2023 in Criminal Defense

Northbrook pretrial detention attorneyIn 2021, the Illinois General Assembly passed the Safety, Accountability, Fairness and Equity-Today (SAFE-T) Act, which made a number of reforms to the state’s criminal justice system. Some of the most notable changes were known as the Pretrial Fairness Act, which eliminated cash bail for people who are arrested and charged with crimes. While this provision was originally meant to go into effect on January 1, 2023, legal challenges have been raised, and courts halted the implementation of these changes to the law. However, a recent ruling by the Illinois Supreme Court will allow the law to go into effect.

On July 18, 2023, the Illinois Supreme Court ruled that the Pretrial Fairness Act is constitutional. The court stated that the provisions of the law maintain the balance between the rights of criminal defendants and the rights of crime victims that is required by the Illinois Constitution. The stay on the implementation of the Pretrial Fairness Act will be lifted on September 18, 2023, and as of that date, cash bail will be abolished in Illinois.

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Alternatives to Sentencing for Illinois Drug Crime Convictions

 Posted on July 11, 2023 in Criminal Defense

Skokie Criminal LawyerIncarceration, as a form of punishment and rehabilitation, has been a widely used approach in the criminal justice system for centuries. The primary objective of placing someone in jail or prison is to deter them from engaging in criminal activities in the future, protect society from potential danger from the individual, and provide an opportunity for their rehabilitation. When it comes to incarceration as a way to prevent drug addiction and the crimes associated with addiction, there has been much debate on its actual effectiveness.

The Pros

One argument in favor of incarceration's effectiveness is that it serves as a deterrent to other people who may be considering committing crimes. The fear of incarceration and the loss of personal freedom may discourage individuals from engaging in criminal behavior. The threat of punishment can act as a deterrent factor, preventing some individuals from committing crimes. And since jailing an offender removes them from society, there is the added benefit of protecting the public from any potential harm from criminal acts the offender could engage in if they were still on the streets.

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What Not to Do in a DUI Stop

 Posted on June 08, 2023 in DUI

Lake County DUI attorneyIf you are pulled over by law enforcement for suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI), it's crucial to handle the situation carefully to protect your rights and minimize potential consequences. The following are mistakes that many people make during the encounter that results in further legal trouble than the initial stop itself.

Admitting Guilt or Providing Incriminating Information

When interacting with law enforcement, it is important to remain calm and respectful, but you must avoid admitting guilt or providing self-incriminating information. You have the right to remain silent and can politely decline to answer any questions that may be used against you in court. It is advisable to provide only necessary information, such as your identification, and refrain from volunteering any additional details that could be used against you. Never admit to an officer you have had any alcohol. You should also not agree to let the officer search your vehicle. 

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Consequences of OWI Charges in Wisconsin

 Posted on May 09, 2023 in Criminal Defense

shutterstock_1249101349-min.jpgIf you live in Wisconsin, you are likely aware that the state has some of the strictest drunk driving laws in the country. A driver convicted of operating while intoxicated (OWI) faces serious consequences, including license suspension, high fines, and even possible jail time, depending on their past driving/criminal record and circumstances of the arrest. If you have been charged with drunk driving, make sure you have a skilled defense attorney protecting your rights.

What Is the Legal Limit in Wisconsin?

Under Wisconsin law, a driver is considered legally intoxicated if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08 percent or higher. The state also has a zero-tolerance policy for drivers under the age of 21. Any driver under 21 can be charged with OWI if they have a BAC of 0.02 percent or higher.

There are also different standards if you are a CDL holder. Wisconsin allows a 0.0 BAC percent for CDL holders. A conviction for a BAC of 0.04 percent can result in license suspension and more.

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