As of 2025, nearly every sworn law enforcement officer in Illinois is required to wear a body camera. What began as a pilot program in a handful of agencies is now the statewide standard. That means body camera footage is now a common feature in criminal trials, civil lawsuits, and even routine hearings across Illinois….
Text messages have replaced phone calls as the primary way people communicate. Quick, casual and often unfiltered, they capture everything from jokes to serious conversations. But what many people don’t realize is that those same texts can become powerful evidence in Illinois courts. Judges and juries may see your digital words displayed on a screen,…
In today’s digital world, almost every question, curiosity or impulse gets typed into a search bar. From recipes to medical advice to directions, Google has become an extension of human memory. But what happens when those searches show up in a courtroom? In Illinois, prosecutors increasingly look to Google search history as evidence in criminal…
A grand jury indictment is a formal accusation that someone committed a crime. It is issued after a grand jury reviews evidence presented by the prosecution and determines there is probable cause to move forward with criminal charges. In Illinois, grand jury indictments are often used for serious crimes, including felony cases, but they are…
Animal cruelty is taken very seriously under Illinois law, which prohibits acts of abuse, neglect, or mistreatment toward animals. Depending on the circumstances, animal cruelty may be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, with penalties ranging from fines to prison time. Illinois has some of the strictest animal protection laws in the country,…
Perjury is a serious offense in Illinois that involves knowingly providing false information under oath. Whether it occurs in court, during a deposition, or in a signed legal document, perjury undermines the justice system and is treated as a felony offense. Under Illinois law, a conviction for perjury can result in jail time, fines, and…
Forensic evidence often plays a significant role in criminal trials in Illinois. It can provide scientific and technical proof to support the prosecution’s case or help the defense challenge allegations. Whether you’re facing a misdemeanor or a felony, forensic evidence may include DNA, fingerprints, ballistics, or digital data, depending on the nature of the case….
Providing alcohol to individuals under 21 is prohibited under Illinois law and carries significant legal consequences. Whether you supplied alcohol at a private gathering or unintentionally sold it to a minor, you could face charges ranging from a misdemeanor to a felony, depending on the circumstances. Penalties may include fines, jail time, and even liability…
Witness testimony often plays a key role in criminal trials, as prosecutors use witnesses to establish the facts of the case and strengthen their argument. In Chicago, prosecutors can bring in witnesses to testify about events, provide expert analysis, or explain technical evidence. Whether you’re facing a misdemeanor or felony, understanding how witness testimony might…
An order of protection is a legal tool designed to protect individuals from harassment, abuse, or contact with another person. Violating such an order in Illinois is a serious offense, whether the violation is accidental or intentional. Depending on the circumstances, a violation can result in a misdemeanor charge or escalate to a felony in…
