Posted on July 02, 2014 in Criminal Defense

The end of a school year brings graduation and all of the celebrations that go along with the occasion. Many high school students are undoubtedly eager to enjoy the milestone and excitedly look forward to the next part of their lives. However, it is an unfortunate fact that many event celebrations for teens involve underage drinking, or at least the opportunity to do so. A recent article discusses law enforcement officials’ response in Pontiac, Illinois.

Underage Drinking

Police officers are aware of a correlation between the incidence of underage drinking and warmer weather in the summertime. Their concern, however, is that teens do not appreciate the fact that choosing to participate in underage drinking and risking an arrest can have long lasting and damaging effects on their lives in the future.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on June 30, 2014 in Child Custody

If you and your child's other parent have opted to go your separate ways, you may be feeling a bit disoriented to say the least. Regardless of how your child custody arrangements are structured, you are now facing the reality of moving from a two-parent household to a single-parent household.

If you have questions about how to navigate the legal rights and responsibilities of single parenthood, do not hesitate to reach out to your attorney. But chances are that legal questions are not the only considerations crowding your mind right now. You are likely concerned about your children's emotional health as well as your own wellbeing. While you are navigating this transition to single parenthood, it may help you to keep the following tips in mind.

Understand that you have both a responsibility and a right to both grieve and heal. Sometimes parents are so concerned with their children's healing processes that they hesitate to give themselves time and space to heal. You likely understand that it is hard to raise children who are happy, healthy and resilient if their parents are not happy, healthy and resilient. Please remember to take time and space to become healthier, happier, more healed and more whole. Your kids will almost certainly thank you for doing so in their own ways.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on June 28, 2014 in Criminal Defense

Assault and battery are two serious offenses that are treated as such in criminal courts in the state of Illinois. Those charged with such crimes are advised to immediately seek the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney to protect their rights. Below are some of the basics regarding relevant assault and battery laws in Illinois.

Assault

In the state of Illinois, an assault charge is usually graded as a Class C misdemeanor. The penalties associated with such an offense are a maximum of 30 days incarceration and up to $1,500 in fines. Typically, the facts that give rise to such a charge involve engaging in conduct or acting in a way that places another in fear of harm. It is important to note that the crime of assault does not necessarily involve physical contact with the victim; a verbal threat or threat of physical harm is enough to meet the law’s requirements.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on June 26, 2014 in Drug Charges

Drug abuse and addiction is a problem affecting virtually every geographical location across the country to some extent. In an effort to combat drug use, the government has declared a "war on drugs" in the past, seeking to charge individuals with drug crimes that carry harsh penalties as a way to remedy the problem. While intentions may have been noble, a recent article discusses drug testing as one of the byproducts of the war on drugs and its unintended consequences.

Employer Drug Testing

One of the scenarios most common for drug testing is in the workplace. Whether it is in applying for a job, or before officially starting a new job, many candidates are forced to submit to drug testing in order to be considered for a position. The problem, some employers are pointing out, is that the requirement of passing a drug test may be automatically screening out the best candidates for a given position. On the other hand, the testing requirement may have benefitted others, particularly minorities, by allowing them to prove they were not using drugs to potential employers. While drug testing is only necessary for government employees, other well-known employers are following suit across the nation.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on June 19, 2014 in DUI/DWI

According to an article recently published by the Chicago Tribune, one Illinois lawmaker is going against past trends of increasing penalties provided for by state law associated with driving under the influence (DUI) offenses. Instead, the representative is attempting to build support for a measure that would somewhat ease penalties faced by repeat DUI offenders.

Redemption Bill

The representative decided to sponsor what is known as the “redemption bill” after being confronted by an individual from her district. The man told his story, and the representative took a first hand look at his treatment, which proved to her that the man had turned his life around since his offense. Her measure would change the existing DUI laws in a limited way. The proposal would apply to those people found guilty of a fourth DUI offense who would have otherwise permanently lost their licenses and allow them a limited permit to only drive to and from work.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on June 17, 2014 in Criminal Defense

Citizens are bound by constitutional protection, courtesy of the Fourth Amendment, in almost all encounters with police and law enforcement. The specific protections and relevant law of Fourth Amendment search and seizure issues are broad and potentially complex. One such issue addressed in the media recently involved an incident in the Chicago area of Illinois that included allegations of racial profiling by police.

The Incident

In March of this year, two workers were arrested while doing community outreach work on behalf of an organization. On that day, their work involved going door-to-door in a predominantly white southwest Chicago neighborhood in an effort to inform city residents about the then looming deadline to sign up for the Affordable Care Act. While doing so, they were stopped and frisked by Chicago Police Officers and later charged with misdemeanor offenses.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on June 12, 2014 in Weapons

A recent news article discussed the overwhelming problem of gun crime in the city of Chicago, especially in light of the violence that occurred throughout the city over Easter weekend. That weekend, nine people were killed and at least 36 were wounded. Among the 36 wounded were six children. Now, Chicago law enforcement officials are taking a closer look at the problem.

Gun Violence

Representatives from the Chicago Police Department are saying that part of the problem of overwhelming gun violence is that there is a new trend among young men who believe the only way to solve conflict is to use a gun. They are likening the problem to a social disease and health issue, particularly in communities where the problem is especially prevalent and results in a high number of lives being lost. In addition, the authorities have reason to believe at least some of the shootings were gang related, or in retaliation for previous shooting incidents. Investigations are ongoing.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on June 10, 2014 in Criminal Defense

There is no shortage of statistics on the incidence of domestic violence across the United States, though the accuracy of the numbers is questioned due to incidents of domestic violence often being unreported.

According to the Illinois State Police, it is currently estimated that a woman is beaten every 15 seconds across the country. Domestic abuse can happen among all classes and races, and does not discriminate between income level or education. Domestic violence often occurs in a pattern of threats, insults, jealous rages, and temper-fueled outbursts that are aimed at isolating and overpowering the victim.

Illinois Law

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on June 05, 2014 in Criminal Defense

Drug use and addiction is a problem that runs rampant in the state of Illinois and across the country. The use of methamphetamine (meth) is a particular concern for residents of Illinois. In recent years, Illinois reported rising meth use along with an increased number of meth labs seized by police. Now more than ever, the importance of an effective meth treatment program for drug users is clear.

Treatment Program

There is hope for drug, and specifically meth, users in the state of Illinois. According to a recent news article, a nationally recognized meth treatment program based in Benton, Illinois, has secured continued funding. The funding includes a $1.2 million grant for the treatment program, which is geared towards serving the needs of juveniles who range in age from 10 to 18 years old.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on June 03, 2014 in Illinois Laws

One of the many recent and significant changes to the criminal laws in the state of Illinois involved legalizing the use of marijuana for medical purposes. At the time, many saw this as an important step in Illinois criminal law. However, months after the law was enacted, ABC Local reportedthat the law may not have any real effect on the public in the timeframe originally expected.

Availability of Medical Marijuana

A signed bill legalized medical marijuana in Illinois nine months ago. At that time, the plan was to make medical marijuana available to eligible patients beginning in the fall of 2014. Since then, there has been one of two planned public hearings to discuss rule proposals. That hearing made clear that the original timeframe by which to have the substance available is not realistic.

Continue Reading ››