Posted on September 21, 2023 in Criminal Law

When it comes to criminal convictions, it is a common misconception that only felonies carry the possibility of imprisonment. However, in certain circumstances, people convicted of misdemeanors can indeed face incarceration. Many different factors are involved regarding whether a misdemeanor conviction will land someone in jail. If you are facing a criminal charge, whether a misdemeanor or felony, contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer to ensure you have the legal guidance and protection necessary to fight the charges against you proactively.

Misdemeanor Classification

Illinois misdemeanors are generally considered less serious offenses compared to felonies, but they can still carry the risk of imprisonment. In Illinois, misdemeanors are categorized into different classes, such as Class A, Class B, or Class C, depending on the jurisdiction. Class A misdemeanors are typically the most serious. They can carry penalties of up to one year in jail. In contrast, Class B and Class C misdemeanors may have shorter maximum sentences or alternative punishments, such as fines, probation, or community service.

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 Posted on August 17, 2023 in Criminal Law

One of the most recognizable aspects of the criminal justice system is the reading of Miranda rights to individuals upon arrest. Failing to have your rights read can raise questions about the validity of your arrest. Today, we will explore whether the failure to read your Miranda rights automatically results in the dismissal of your case. If you are facing criminal charges, contact a defense attorney at once to ensure your rights can be protected moving forward.

Understanding Miranda Rights

Miranda rights, derived from the landmark Supreme Court case Miranda v. Arizona, are constitutional safeguards designed to protect the rights of individuals detained or arrested by law enforcement. These rights include the right to remain silent and the right to have an attorney present during questioning. The arresting officer must inform suspects of these rights before proceeding with any interrogations to ensure a fair trial and avoid self-incrimination.

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 Posted on July 18, 2023 in Criminal Law

Being arrested for methamphetamine possession in Illinois can be a daunting experience. While each case is unique, it is crucial to understand the possible legal consequences one may face in such a situation. While the state takes a tough stance on meth-related offenses, such as possession, the outcome of the charge is dependent on various factors. Today, we will explore the potential legal consequences of being convicted of meth possession. As with any drug charge, contacting a criminal defense lawyer is essential to protecting your rights throughout the legal process.

Legal Consequences

Upon being arrested for meth possession in Illinois, an individual may face several legal consequences. Possession of meth, a Schedule II-controlled substance, is deemed to be a felony drug offense in Illinois. If convicted for possession of 4.9 grams or less of meth, this is considered a class 3 felony, carrying between 2-5 years in prison and fines up to $25,000. If convicted for possession of between 5 to 14.9 grams, the penalty is between 3-7 years in prison and fines up to $25,000. Like with many drug charges, the severity of the consequences is directly linked to the amount you are convicted for possessing.

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 Posted on June 16, 2023 in Criminal Law

Assault and battery are two separate but related crimes in Illinois. While both fall under the category of violent crimes, they differ significantly for residents of Illinois. If you have been charged with assault, battery, or both, contact a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible since violent crimes of this nature are prosecuted aggressively.

Assault and Battery Definitions in Illinois

In Illinois, an assault occurs when one person puts another person in reasonable apprehension of either harmful or offensive contact. Therefore, for an action to constitute assault, a perpetrator’s conduct, like an action, word, or gesture, must intend to cause fear or panic in the targeted individual. Meanwhile, a battery occurs when one person causes bodily harm to another through offensive or harmful contact.

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 Posted on May 15, 2023 in Criminal Law

In Illinois, forgery is a form of white-collar crime that occurs when an individual deliberately signs a document falsely or introduces a fraudulent document with the intent to defraud or deceive the other party. In Illinois, forgery is a serious offense that is punishable by imprisonment and significant fines. Therefore, if you are facing forgery charges in Illinois, you should call a criminal defense attorney sooner rather than later to ensure you understand what you are being charged with and what options you have available to you.

Types of Forgery to Be Aware Of

If there is one thing to know about forgery, it is a crime that can come in all shapes and sizes. For example, forgery may include creating or altering public documents, falsifying identification documents, or creating and issuing checks using someone else's accounts. Other forms of forgery include the use of digital signatures and symbols or electronic data like computer programs or files.

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 Posted on April 12, 2023 in Criminal Law

A criminal conviction can have significant non-legal consequences that impact various aspects of a person’s life. These consequences can be long-lasting and have a ripple effect on an individual’s personal and professional life. Even after serving time or completing probation, a criminal record can follow a person for the rest of their life. Therefore, if you are facing criminal charges, it is likely in your best interest to hire a criminal defense attorney, as they will help protect your rights as you work to overcome the charges against you.

Non-Legal Repercussions of a Criminal Conviction

1. Employment – A criminal record can make it difficult for a person to find employment. Many employers conduct background checks as part of their hiring process and may hesitate to hire someone with a criminal record. This can limit job opportunities and make supporting oneself or a family challenging.

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 Posted on March 10, 2023 in Criminal Law

Being charged with a crime is a moment most will never forget. After being charged, you may be at a loss for what to do or who to turn to. While being accused of a crime can seem overwhelming, staying focused on how you can best help yourself in this pivotal moment in your life is essential. There are few better ways to fight a criminal charge than hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney. Today, we will discuss how a skillful criminal defense attorney can help you in your time of greatest need.

The Many Ways a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help You

If you are facing criminal offense charges, you likely want to do everything possible to avoid a conviction. Here are some of the different ways a criminal defense attorney can help you fight the charges:

• Protect your rights – One of the most important roles of a criminal defense attorney is to protect your rights. They will ensure that you are treated fairly by law enforcement and that your constitutional rights are not violated. This can include protecting you from illegal searches and seizures, ensuring that you receive due process, and protecting your right to a fair trial.

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 Posted on February 03, 2023 in Criminal Law

In Illinois, arson is a serious property crime that, if convicted, can upend someone’s life in a multitude of ways. For example, someone can be charged with arson if they use fire to deliberately damage an individual’s property, including your property, or if they use fire or explosives to damage a building. Sometimes, someone may commit arson to try and commit insurance fraud. Whatever the case, arson is a crime taken very seriously by the authorities and, thus, must be taken equally seriously by whoever is charged for allegedly committing such an act.

Like with many serious crimes, the circumstances surrounding the act can significantly impact the severity of the charges brought against the alleged offender. For example, in cases involving arson, the targeted building can have a serious impact on the type of arson charges levied against the alleged perpetrator. In this blog, we will look at the penalties for arson and essential things to know if you are ever facing such charges. If you are ever charged with committing arson, do not hesitate to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney who can help guide you through the legal process while ensuring your rights remain protected and respected.

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 Posted on January 12, 2023 in Criminal Law

One of the more common myths regarding police officers, especially in recent years, is that they must identify themselves as police officers. This is not true. We often see this myth perpetuated in the media and on television. But as it is often said, do not believe everything you see on television or in the movies. Relying too heavily on what you read in the media or see on the big screen can result in believing in certain falsities.

Make no mistake, the police can and will lie. If you have been accused of participating in illegal activity, it is critical to hire a criminal defense attorney to protect your rights and avoid incriminating yourself. In this blog, we will take a deeper dive into situations in which police may or may not lie to suspects.

Police Officers, Sting Operations, and Entrapment. What Does It All Mean?

You may have heard of something referred to as a “sting operation,” which are operations that try and catch criminals in the act of committing a crime. For example, an undercover police officer may pose as an underage girl online in order to lure child predators into breaking the law. These types of operations are perfectly legal. On the other hand, entrapment is not legal. Entrapment involves forcing someone or coercing them to break the law. In comparison, a sting operation allows someone the opportunity to break the law.

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 Posted on December 06, 2022 in Criminal Law

You are likely aware of the term “white-collar crime.” Generally speaking, white-collar crime refers to financially motivated crimes such as mail fraud, wire fraud, insurance fraud, forgery, embezzlement, and more. Many people do not know that while white-collar crimes are not violent, they are very serious and can be exceedingly complex. Just because a crime is not violent does not make it a non-serious offense.

White-collar crimes can bring with them hefty fines and lengthy prison sentences. This blog will look at common myths associated with white-collar offenses and how to avoid falling victim to common misconceptions. At the outset, we cannot stress enough that if you have been charged with a white-collar crime, it is critical that you contact an attorney at once to put yourself in the best position possible to pursue a positive result in your favor.

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