If you or a loved one has been arrested in Chicago, one of the first questions is whether you will remain in custody or be granted pretrial release. Illinois eliminated cash bail under the Pretrial Fairness Act, a major component of the SAFE-T Act. Today, judges determine whether a person charged will be released [...]
DUI checkpoints are common throughout Chicago, IL and Cook County, especially during holidays and late-night enforcement periods. If you are stopped at a roadside safety check, understanding your rights under Illinois DUI laws is critical. A DUI arrest can result in license suspension, DUI charges, and long-term consequences within the Illinois criminal justice system. [...]
The Chicago criminal justice system is a complex web of laws, rules, and procedures that can be difficult to navigate for those who are facing criminal charges. Even a slight misstep on your part can increase the risk of a criminal conviction and the penalties can be harsh and unforgiving. When the stakes are high, [...]
Facing criminal charges can be one of the most harrowing experiences in your life. Whether you are facing misdemeanor or felony charges, a criminal conviction can not only affect your immediate future, but also affect your reputation, livelihood, future employment opportunities, and social life. At The Law Office of Purav Bhatt, we are committed to [...]
Innocent until proven guilty is the foundation of the Illinois criminal justice system. Yet, the reality is that individuals facing criminal charges often find themselves pitted against the formidable state machinery. From the moment you become entangled in the criminal justice system – whether through arrest, investigation, or formal charges – you have to face [...]
Illinois state courts handle the bulk of criminal prosecutions in Chicago, however, the federal charges are brought in for activities that happen across state lines, like drug trafficking, or for crimes such as mail and wire fraud. Certain offenses, such as bank robberies, are also considered federal crimes, no matter where they occur. It's possible [...]
There are two types of drug-related criminal charges – possession and trafficking – that may sound somewhat similar. But where possession means you have drugs on you, trafficking is more serious because it means you are caught selling or producing drugs. If you're charged with possession, it's possible to face those charges only. With that [...]
Chicago's struggle with gun violence is evident, with reports of shootings emerging nearly every day. Looking at Illinois as a whole, the state faces over 1,300 firearm-related fatalities each year. Notably, homicides account for more than half of these deaths. The firearm death rate in Illinois is worryingly higher than the average across the country. [...]
A money laundering charge typically involves intricate financial transactions and complex legal frameworks. In Chicago, money laundering is a criminal offense that involves the concealment of the origins of illegally obtained money, typically by means of transfers involving foreign banks or legitimate businesses. This process aims to make the funds appear legitimate and obscure [...]
