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...
Criminal Defense
Is lying allowed during police interrogation?
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...
What makes fentanyl dangerous?
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...
How does self-defense differ from domestic violence?
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...
SCOTUS reaffirms the limited use of warrantless searches
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...
Limitations on the Exclusionary Rule
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...
When do police need probable cause to search?
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...
Are eyewitnesses actually accurate?
Many Illinois court trials feature an eyewitness or two. In fact, lawyers know that eyewitnesses can be a big benefit for any case. However, more recently, experts have been questioning the accuracy of these individuals. The statistics show there is a problem As the...
Can you get your record expunged?
Illinois has its own set of laws regarding expunging a criminal's record. For those who have been accused of a crime, the accusation will stay on your record regardless of whether or not you were found guilty. This can create a great desire to have the charges that...
Drunk driving is a serious offense
Illinois law prohibits drivers from operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The legal blood alcohol limit for individuals who are of legal age to consume alcohol is 0.08, and a zero-tolerance law is in effect for those under the age of...