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Navigating Representation Challenges With Court-Appointed Attorneys

November 25, 2024
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For many accused of crimes, the financial realities of enduring a criminal trial can be a difficult burden. In the United States, our justice system ensures that even defendants facing financial difficulties are entitled to a court assigned lawyer. But are court appointed lawyers good?  It’s a fair question to ask, and one that we’ll […]

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What are the Consequences for DUI Charges in Illinois?

May 18, 2022
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The Illinois Criminal Code prohibits any person from driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol, drugs, or other substances. Generally speaking, a driver is considered under the influence if they are impaired and unable to operate their vehicle in a safe and responsible manner. When this happens in Illinois, DUI charges and serious criminal consequences […]

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Comparing Criminal Sexual Abuse & Assault Under Illinois Law

May 11, 2022
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Although criminal sexual abuse and criminal sexual assault might sound highly similar, there are subtle distinctions between these offenses under Illinois law. On a larger level, criminal sexual abuse typically occurs on the basis of sexual conduct, which refers to touching or fondling. On the other hand, criminal sexual assault requires sexual penetration, which refers […]

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Analyzing 4 Varieties of Illinois Arson Charges

May 9, 2022
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Arson is an Illinois crime that involves fire or explosives. Unlike accidental fires, where no one is responsible for any damage or injury, arson requires intentional action. Correspondingly, arson offenders are held criminally responsible for any damage or injury caused. Though there are actually four varieties of arson in Illinois, with criminal punishment fluctuating based […]

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How Does Illinois Define & Punish Cannabis Delivery Crimes?

March 29, 2022
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The State of Illinois legalized cannabis for recreational possession and use in January 2020. Since that time, residents and out-of-state visitors over the age of 21 can possess and use cannabis legally, subject to possession limits and other restrictions. Despite the transition to recreationally legal cannabis, Illinois maintains laws against and penalties for cannabis delivery. […]

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What is the Illinois Difference Between Battery & Aggravated Battery?

August 13, 2021

Battery is an extremely common offense under the Illinois Criminal Code. Unlike assault crimes that involve threats, battery requires physical contact between the alleged perpetrator and the victim. Absent some kind of intentional contact, battery does not occur under Illinois law. While battery is typically a lower-level, misdemeanor offense, Illinois law also provides for an […]

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How Does Illinois Differentiate Between Assault & Aggravated Assault?

July 29, 2021

In common parlance, the word assault is often used interchangeably with the term battery. Under Illinois law, however, assault and battery are completely separate criminal offenses. Whereas battery requires physical contact of a harmful or provoking nature, assault can happen based on mere words or conduct. In the most severe situations, such as use or […]

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Child Endangerment Laws & Penalties in Illinois

April 9, 2021
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Child endangerment is a serious offense under the Illinois Criminal Code. As this offense involves the mistreatment of children – and, thus, an intersection of criminal law and family law – it is severe in the eyes of the Illinois courts. Part of this reality stems from the fact that the Illinois courts have a […]

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Is There a Difference Between Protestors, Rioters & Looters in Illinois?

July 31, 2020
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In the recent past, the movement for social justice and equality has gained significant momentum across the United States. In Chicago, specifically, widespread protests have sprung up regularly since George Floyd died at the hands of police officers in Minnesota. Unfortunately, some individuals have used peaceful protests as cover to commit criminal acts, like rioting […]

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How Does Illinois Define & Punish Criminal Sexual Assault?

August 13, 2019

Criminal sexual assault is a type of sex crime punishable by prison time under Illinois law. This criminal offense occurs when a perpetrator commits an act of sexual penetration against a victim under specific circumstances. In certain cases, the perpetrator may use force or threats to complete the act. In other situations, the perpetrator may […]

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