The First 24 Hours After Arrest Booking, Processing, and the Mandatory Hold Following a domestic battery arrest in Cook County, the accused undergoes booking and processing at the police station. Illinois law mandates a minimum hold before release or bond hearing, ensuring the accused remains in custody during this period. This mandatory hold is [...]
Illinois Law Works Against You Before Any Conviction Immediate Consequences of a Domestic Battery Arrest In Illinois, domestic violence is treated as a serious crime, and criminal charges can be filed based solely on allegations. You do not need to be convicted for consequences to begin. An arrest for domestic battery triggers immediate consequences: [...]
A Federal Target Letter Is Not a Mistake What Receiving a Target Letter Means If you receive a federal target letter in Chicago, it means federal prosecutors believe there is substantial evidence linking you to a federal offense. This is not a routine notification. It signals that you are the focus of a serious [...]
Most DUIs Are Misdemeanors Until They Are Not The Default: Class A Misdemeanor DUI In Illinois, most first-time and second-time DUI offenses are charged as Class A misdemeanors. A misdemeanor DUI carries penalties including up to 364 days in county jail, fines up to $2,500, mandatory alcohol evaluation and treatment, and license suspension. While [...]
What Is Unlawful Possession of a Weapon in Illinois? If you are facing a gun charge in Chicago, you need to understand what you are up against. Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (UPW) is one of the most common firearm charges in Cook County, and it carries serious consequences. Under Illinois law (720 ILCS 5/24-1), [...]
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 [...]
