Having a judge issue a defendant a bail that a defendant can afford is part of the criminal judicial process. In many of my cases, the issue of bail and bond is ongoing throughout the case. What a judge setting bail or bond on a defendant does is sets a dollar amount the defendant must [...]
My clients bring every scenario in the book to me when I meet them. One of the most common is when my client is at someone else’s house for a party and the police show up. When you are at a party and the police have a valid warrant authorizing a search for contraband, they [...]
My clients come to me and tell me about how they were passengers in a friend’s car that was searched by the police. After some initial questioning of the driver, the police officer leans over to the passenger and asks, “Do you have anything illegal on you?” All of a sudden, as a passenger, you [...]
Just because the police ask to talk with you does not mean you are under arrest. This is an important concept to understand because if you are speaking with the police and make a voluntary statement against your interest, your casual conversation with the police could lead to you being placed under arrest. Understand that [...]
Dogs are a powerful tool for law enforcement to find drugs and explosives. Oftentimes, courts, civilians and police officers take a positive hit from a canine as definitive proof that drugs or explosives exist. Unfortunately, dogs, like any other tool, must be calibrated and understood to be used properly. Because officers interpret any reaction from [...]
Often, my clients will tell me that their constitutional rights have been violated by the police. Sometimes this is the case but sometimes individuals do not have a firm understanding of the constitutional provision that protects them from illegal search and seizure. The following are some considerations a citizen should consider to determine whether their constitutional [...]
sexual assault attorney Sex offenses are found in all walks of life and every part of society. Oftentimes, and, tragically, minors are the victims of these offenses. If an individual is facing a sexual assault charge, he or she could be facing a criminal conviction that could lead to several years in jail and life [...]
Methamphetamine possession is regulated under 720 ILCS 646 - Methamphetamine Control and Community Protection Act. Here are some facts about Methamphetamine use in Illinois and the United States. Methamphetamine accounts for 80 to 90% of clandestine lab production. In the past 15 years it has become far easier to produce Detailed instructions are available online Most ingredients [...]
Starting next year potential employers will not be allowed to ask about criminal histories of job applicants. Beginning January 1, 2015, Illinois Law will not allow employers from asking about, requiring to disclose or using as a hiring factor, a person's criminal history. This law may sound curious at best, dangerous at worst, but the new [...]