Being accused of a felony can be incredibly scary—especially when you know the penalties for a conviction are so harsh. The types of felony charges available to the state of Illinois range between Class 1 and Class 4, with an additional type: Class X. Types of Felony Charges in Chicago, Illinois (and Beyond) Each crime…
If you’ve been convicted of a sex crime in Chicago and been ordered to register as a sex offender, you can get into serious trouble with the court if you fail to follow through—and you could end up back behind bars. What Happens if You Fail to Register as a Sex Offender in Chicago? For some crimes,…
Some people make the mistake of thinking that misdemeanor crimes don’t have serious—and long-lasting—consequences, but that’s simply not true. In fact, misdemeanors can carry extremely serious penalties; they also stay on your criminal record permanently unless you were tried, convicted, and sentenced as a juvenile or you petitioned the court to have them expunged. What to Do…
Fourth of July weekend is right around the corner, and if past history is any indication of what’s going to happen this year, the Department of Natural Resources Conservation Police Officers will be on Illinois waterways checking for people who are operating under the influence. It’s not just during the holiday weekend, though; Illinois has a reputation…
If you’re concerned that there might be a warrant out for your arrest, or if you know for sure a judge has issued one, you may not be too excited about stopping the next police officer you see and asking him. So what can you do if there’s a warrant out for your arrest in Chicago, Skokie, Rolling…
After you’re convicted of a crime, the judge will sentence you. Your sentence could include jail time, probation, supervision, or other conditions that you must complete. If you violate the conditions that the judge sets forth as part of your sentencing, you could end up back in court—and the judge can even re-sentence you. So…
Destroying or vandalizing someone’s property is a crime—and it’s one that can land you in serious hot water with the Chicago court system. If you’ve been accused of a property crime in Chicago or the suburbs, it’s a good idea to talk to a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. What Happens if You Destroy or Vandalize Someone’s…
Illinois has some of the strictest gun laws in the country—but if you have a valid Firearm Owner’s Identification card, or FOID, you’re allowed to possess a gun. That doesn’t mean you can carry it with you wherever you go, though. Unless you’re transporting your gunfrom one location to another for a valid purpose (like moving,…
The state of Illinois has two types of courts for trying crimes: juvenile court, and a court for everyone else. However, just being under the age of 18, which makes you a minor, doesn’t necessarily make you a juvenile under Illinois law. Your criminal defense lawyer will be able to explain how the law applies in your specific situation,…
Violation of a bail bond is a serious offense in the state of Illinois—and it could land you in serious hot water with the courts. What is Bond Violation in Illinois? A bond violation occurs when you do something that goes against the conditions outlined in your bond. The judge in your case is the one who…
