You may have heard that when the police ask you who you are, you’re legally required to answer – or maybe you’ve heard that you don’t have to answer. This guide explains when the police can demand that you identify yourself and when you have to comply. When Can the Police Force You to Identify…
If you’re caught with mushrooms or other psychedelic drugs, you can get into serious trouble in Illinois – these drugs are illegal, and you could end up spending time in jail for having them. Here’s what you need to know. What You Need to Know About Psychedelic Drug Charges in Illinois It’s pretty common for…
If you’re like many people, you know that it’s against the law to steal something from a store in Cook County (or anywhere else in Illinois) – but you may not know that in our state, it’s a specific crime called retail theft. So what is retail theft, and what happens if you’re convicted of…
Home invasion is a criminal offense – and it’s one that could put you behind bars. Unlike many other states, Illinois considers unlawfully entering someone’s property different crime than burglary or residential burglary. Here’s what you need to know. Home Invasion: Everything You Need to Know if You’re Charged in Illinois Home invasion, under Illinois…
When you’re in police custody, which means you’ve been arrested and you cannot leave, you have rights – but what are they, and what can you do? Here’s what you need to know, before and after you call a Chicago criminal defense lawyer. What Are Your Rights in Police Custody? When the police arrest you,…
If you’re like most people, you know that confessing to a crime can be devastating – the state of Illinois will lock you up and throw away the key. But what about when it comes to your attorney? Most people wonder, “Can I tell my lawyer the truth?” Here’s what you need to know. Can…
If you’ve been accused of a crime, you may need a felony defense attorney in Chicago, Skokie or Rolling Meadows. For most people, that’s the smartest course of action. Working with an attorney can help ensure that you get the best possible outcome – and it’s a way to ensure someone is always there to…
If you’re charged with a crime in Illinois, it could be a misdemeanor or a felony. Both types of crimes are categorized into classes, and each class carries its own penalties. The classes of felonies in Illinois range in severity from Class 4 to Class X, with Class 4 being the “least serious.” Here’s…
If you’re like most people who are facing criminal charges, you’re not sure how much you should tell your attorney – and how much he’s required to keep to himself. Here’s what you need to know. Is Everything You Tell Your Attorney Confidential? When you hire an attorney, everything you tell him is confidential. He…
If you’re like many people, you’re not sure what your rights are when police confront you – and that’s okay. This guide explains your rights so you know how things are supposed to go when you encounter police. What Are My Rights When Police Confront Me? Whether or not you’re being arrested or detained, and…
