Posted on October 10,2024 in DUI

Many people who are charged with a DUI will simply plead guilty in order to have the matter over and done with. This is virtually never the best course of action. The reasons it is worth it to fight your DUI charges are discussed in detail below, but the best reason to have a DUI attorney by your side is that the prosecutor and judge will immediately have more respect for you, your rights, and your case. After being charged with DUI, if you stand before a judge on your own, without legal representation, there is little incentive for the judge to do anything other than impose the maximum penalties.

On the other hand, when you have an experienced DUI lawyer, you are likely to have one or more valid defenses to your charges. Being convicted of a DUI has many harsh consequences that can alter your future for a very long time. When you plead guilty, you can be sure that all those consequences will affect you, your employment, your relationships, and your finances. Having a Waukegan, IL DUI attorney from The Law Offices of Matthew R. Gebhardt, P.C. as your advocate throughout the process is much more likely to result in the most positive outcome possible.

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 Posted on September 24,2024 in Criminal Defense

For a prosecutor to prove you were in possession of drug paraphernalia, it must be shown that an otherwise ordinary household item was used to ingest or store drugs. For this reason, it can be difficult for the prosecution to prove possession of drug paraphernalia because many items that we all use on a daily basis could potentially be used to deliver or store drugs. Two examples are plastic Ziploc storage bags, often used to store leftovers, or a digital scale, which can be used to weigh your food or determine postage. Prosecutors will typically rely on other evidence to suggest the household items were actually paraphernalia.

So, for example, even though most households in Illinois have a drawer with plastic bags stored inside, if those bags just happen to be near illegal drugs or cash, you might be charged with possession of drug paraphernalia. If you find yourself facing charges of drug paraphernalia, you should take these charges seriously. A knowledgeable Buffalo Grove, IL attorney can provide a solid defense on your behalf.  

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 Posted on September 09,2024 in Domestic Battery

When we think of domestic battery, we generally think of an abuser and a victim. In many cases, this is the reality of the situation, but sometimes a relationship can be mutually abusive – that is, both parties consistently exhibit violent physical and emotional behaviors toward the other. Some studies have concluded that between 40-60 percent of domestic violence and abuse happens in mutually abusive relationships.

When the police show up and both parties are alleging abuse, the situation becomes very complex. If you have been charged with domestic abuse, you need an aggressive, experienced Libertyville, IL criminal defense attorney from The Law Offices of Matthew R. Gebhardt, P.C..

What is Mutual Abuse?

Some relationships are more volatile and emotionally intense than others. This volatility can result in heated arguments that rapidly progress to physical violence. If both people involved are abusive to one another, the term mutual abuse applies. In situations like this, each party may accuse the other of violence, making it difficult for law enforcement to determine the primary aggressor.

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 Posted on August 29,2024 in Criminal Defense

State gun laws vary considerably from state to state, as do federal firearm laws. State gun laws may be broader or more limited in scope than federal gun laws. Every state except California, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, and New York has a provision in their state constitutions protecting the right to keep and bear arms under the Second Amendment. Reciprocity may exist between states regarding concealed carry permits, but this is not always the case.

As an example, Oregon does not recognize an Idaho concealed carry permit, but Idaho does recognize a concealed carry permit from Oregon. Because state laws can differ so significantly, you should never travel with a handgun unless you are familiar with the laws of the states you will be traveling through, as you could end up facing weapons charges. Illinois does not recognize concealed carry permits from other states. If you have been charged with a firearm offense in the state of Illinois, you can benefit significantly from speaking to a knowledgeable Libertyville, IL weapons charges attorney from The Law Offices of Matthew R. Gebhardt, P.C..

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 Posted on August 15,2024 in Juvenile crime

Getting a call that your teenager has been arrested for selling drugs at his or her high school is a call no parent wants to get. Aside from the immediate concern of finding an attorney who is experienced in drug charges and Illinois juvenile crimes, there is the looming possibility of a trial and a potential conviction. As a parent, you also know there are long-term consequences to any criminal conviction, even for a minor.

In some cases, penalties for drug crimes can be as harsh for a minor as for an adult. Your child may also find it more difficult to be accepted to college, secure housing, or even find a job following a drug conviction. With so much at stake, it is essential that you not only find a lawyer but that you find the best lawyer for your situation. When you choose a Libertyville, IL juvenile crimes lawyer from The Law Offices of Matthew R. Gebhardt, P.C., with added experience in drug crimes, you can rest easy, knowing your child’s future is in good hands.

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 Posted on July 30,2024 in DUI

Imagine spending an hour with some work friends to celebrate a recent promotion. You have a couple of beers during the celebration, then head home. Suddenly, you see flashing lights in your rearview mirror. Despite your best efforts to convince the officer that you are far from impaired, you find yourself under arrest for DUI. A DUI arrest can seriously affect your future – and not in a positive way.

You could find yourself without a driver’s license, facing harsh legal penalties, perhaps even time in jail. What if your BAC tested barely at 0.08 percent – or even below? Will an Illinois judge look more leniently at your DUI charges? It is important that you speak to a knowledgeable Barrington DUI attorney. A skilled attorney from The Law Offices of Matthew R. Gebhardt, P.C. has years of experience dealing with situations just like yours and will know the best steps to take to resolve the issue and secure the most positive outcome possible.

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 Posted on July 10,2024 in Domestic Battery

Domestic violence is a persistent issue across the United States, with the CDC estimating that more than a third of all adult women and men (36 percent and 34 percent, respectively) have been harmed by an intimate partner during their lifetime. In Illinois, those numbers are even higher for women (42 percent) but lower for men (26 percent). Arguments frequently happen between married couples and between others who reside in the same home.

Although domestic violence has been an issue for decades, studies show that since the 2020 pandemic lockdown, incidences of domestic violence have increased by more than eight percent. Most experts believe that unemployment, lack of affordable childcare, and increased financial insecurity are at the core of this increase. Unfortunately, arguments between those living in the same home can erupt when these stresses build up.  

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 Posted on June 29,2024 in DUI

Driving while under the influence of alcohol is illegal in Illinois and across the United States. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.08 percent in every state except Utah. Most adults are aware they could be charged with DUI if they are pulled over and given a breathalyzer test that reads at or above the legal limit. Far fewer are aware they could be charged with DUI when they were not driving.

Illinois state law requires that a driver be in "actual physical control" (625 ILCS 11-501) to be charged with a DUI. If you have been arrested and charged with DUI, you need solid legal advice from an experienced Libertyville DUI lawyer. Having a skilled attorney by your side advocating on your behalf gives you the best chance of a positive outcome.

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 Posted on June 18,2024 in Domestic Battery

Being charged with domestic battery—whether or not the charges are true—brings a host of negative consequences, both now and in the future. It is common for a no-contact order to be issued against the charged individual. This no-contact order prevents the person charged with domestic battery from having any contact with the alleged victim. This can create serious difficulties for the person charged if he or she currently resides in the same home as the alleged victim.

Most Americans are barely getting by financially, so being required to find another place to live can be prohibitively expensive. Even those who can find temporary living quarters may need things from their home like clothing and medications. Can you go home following charges of domestic battery? The answer is not as straightforward as most people would like.

If you find yourself being charged with domestic battery, you need immediate legal assistance. An attorney who is highly skilled in Illinois domestic violence cases will make sure your rights are fully protected throughout the process.

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 Posted on May 03,2024 in Traffic Law

When emergency responders are on the side of the road assisting during an incident, safety is vital. In Illinois, Scott’s Law is a crucial piece of legislation that aims to protect these brave individuals who put their lives on the line to serve the community. This law not only enhances road safety but also serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility to ensure the well-being of those who respond to emergencies. An Illinois lawyer can help if you get charged with violating this law.

Background on Scott’s Law

Scott’s Law, or the Move Over Law, was established in honor of Lieutenant Scott Gillen from the Chicago Fire Department. Gillen tragically passed away after being hit by a driver while he was stationed on the shoulder of the Dan Ryan Expressway. This law mandates that drivers switch lanes when they come upon an emergency vehicle parked on the roadside, creating a safe area for emergency personnel to operate.

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