Drinking and driving is an obvious criminal act in Illinois. But there are adjacent crimes that could land you in hot water as well. Having an open container of alcohol in your vehicle while driving is also an illegal act. Illinois open container laws state that no...
Some drivers are willing to risk driving under the influence of alcohol. In fact, according to Safe Home Research, nearly 23% of surveyed drivers in 2021 claimed to have driven drunk during the previous year. While some of these drivers make it home without incident,...
Most people have at least heard of the Miranda rights, especially thanks to shows focused on crime or police work. However, a majority of people do not actually understand how Miranda rights work or what protections they offer. What are Miranda rights? Miranda Warning...
During an Illinois traffic stop, you may find that the law enforcement officer who stopped you wants to take a look around your car. Depending on the specifics of the situation, it may be within your right to refuse such a request. Understanding when you do and do not...
An interrogation by law enforcement can be scary. You may be upset or even defiant. The officers may tell you things that you do not believe. In some cases, you may be right. The Innocence Project explains officers can lie to you during an interrogation, but the...
Synthetic opioids are responsible for over 150 overdose deaths in the United States on a daily basis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fentanyl is a major contributor to non-fatal overdoses as well as those that result in death. Because of...
If caught in a violent situation, you may have to use force to protect yourself or escape the situation. While you know you had no other choice, it is still possible to face charges. If you have domestic violence charges against you, you may have a self-defense...
The U.S. Supreme Court validated the limitations under which law enforcement may search a home without a warrant. Citing the Cady v. Dombrowski case, the court's ramifications for Illinois residents mean that police can only enter a home under very limited, exigent...
The Fourth Amendment of The United States Constitution forbids police officers from conducting searches or seizures without a valid warrant or probable cause. However, what happens in Illinois if the police officer performs a search or seizure, neglecting your fourth...
Contrary to how entertainment portrays arrests, police in Illinois cannot do anything they want. They cannot search a vehicle or make arrests just because they have a suspicion of criminal activity. They must establish probable cause, a key component of searches and...
