Many people are unaware of the legal difference between theft and burglary because the terms are routinely used interchangeably. In reality, these criminal offenses are two different things under Illinois law and have their own unique legal elements. Moreover, theft and burglary have different types of penalties set out by law. If you are charged [...]
If you have been arrested or convicted of a crime in the past, you might be wondering if there's a way to clear your criminal record and get a clean slate. Fortunately, in some cases, it is indeed possible to have your record expunged or sealed, which means that it will be erased or hidden [...]
Offenses are segregated into two different groups within the criminal justice system: felonies and misdemeanors. Under Illinois law, prosecutors consider the facts of the case and the severity of a crime before classifying it as a felony or misdemeanor. Misdemeanors generally carry lighter sentences than felony charges. These crimes may not be punished with more [...]
The use of marijuana for both medical and recreational purposes is completely legal in the state of Illinois. Individuals aged 21 years or older can legally buy marijuana from licensed dispensaries across the state. At the same time, Illinois law places strict restrictions on marijuana usage and the amount of marijuana an individual can possess. [...]
What Is Shoplifting? Shoplifting, also referred to as retail theft, is generally defined as the act of stealing items from a retail store without paying for them. It's considered a criminal offense under Illinois law and can be prosecuted as a misdemeanor or a felony – depending on the circumstances. In this article, we take [...]
White-collar crime is a term used to describe a wide range of offenses that are committed for the purpose of financial gain and often involve an element of deceit, concealment, or violation of trust. The most common examples of white-collar crimes include fraud, embezzlement, insider trading, and money laundering. How Do White-Collar Crimes Differ From [...]
Being falsely accused of domestic violence can be an extremely distressing experience. Aside from the potentially irreversible breakdown of your relationship with the accuser, the possibility of facing criminal penalties can make you feel concerned about your reputation and your future. While defending against domestic violence charges can seem like an insurmountable challenge, it can [...]
Under Illinois law, criminal offenses are broadly divided into three categories – petty offenses, misdemeanor offenses, and felony offenses. Of these, felony offenses are extremely serious in nature and carry harsh penalties – ranging from thousands of dollars in fines to lengthy prison sentences. In this short guide, we will take a look at the [...]
Sexual assault is, unfortunately, more prevalent in the US than most people might like to think. Data shows that 81% of women and 43% of men are subjected to some form of sexual assault in their lifetime. At the same time, we must recognize that false allegations of sexual assault are also a problem that [...]
Being pulled over on suspicion of DUI can be an unnerving experience. The mere possibility of getting arrested can make you nervous and cause you to make mistakes. If you get pulled over, it is essential to understand your rights so you don't accidentally incriminate yourself. Under Illinois law, police officers need to have probable [...]
