27
Sep
In a landmark ruling, the Illinois Supreme Court has determined that the mere smell of burnt cannabis cannot be used as probable cause for law enforcement to search a vehicle. This decision reflects a significant shift in the legal landscape surrounding cannabis use and law enforcement practices in the state, particularly in light of Illinois’ […]
24
Jun
For those that have violated Illinois gun laws, there is still an option for the state’s First Offender Gun Probation Program. Illinois is one of the few states that require a Firearm Owner’s Identification Card (FOID) in order to purchase or possess a weapon. However, even if you have a FOID card, carrying a loaded […]
15
Mar
Hiring an attorney is a crucial step in navigating legal matters, whether it’s a business transaction, personal injury case, criminal case, or family dispute. However, not all attorneys are created equal, and choosing the wrong one can have significant consequences for your case and your wallet. To ensure you’re making the right choice, it’s essential […]
21
Nov
Often times people confuse the legal terms of “assault” and “battery” and are often used interchangeably by the general public, leading to confusion about their distinct meanings. Under the law in Illinois Assault and Battery have two different but related meanings and the penalties differ for each. Battery is usually classified as the more serious […]
15
Nov
We are proud to announce that Attorney Jonathan James has published the second edition to his book on DUI Defense. The latest title covers the changes in the law that have taken place since Illinois has legalized recreational marijuana. These include, the field sobriety test license suspension that are applicable to only DUI cannabis cases, […]
14
Aug
When a person is facing a Statutory Summary Suspension of their driver’s license as a result of a DUI arrest, that incident can result in a significant impact on their ability to drive to work or otherwise provide transportation for themselves or their loved ones. An option to keep driving during the period of the […]
19
May
Getting arrested can be one of the most stressful moments in a person’s life. Because of this, it is important that you avoid some of the most common pitfalls during this process. Avoiding these 5 mistakes will improve your chances of escaping a criminal conviction and will make the whole process easier. 1) Talk […]
07
Apr
This is a tricky question and the answer has changed with recent changes in the law concerning cannabis DUI cases. Traditionally, a driver in Illinois had an absolute right under the 4th amendment to refuse all chemical testing and field sobriety testing. That is still true to some extent. However, the Illinois legislature has decided […]
05
Apr
Turn-in/Bond-out A bond is an amount of money or property given to the court as collateral to ensure that a defendant appears in court as required. When a person is arrested and taken into custody, the court will set a bail amount that must be paid in order to be released from jail prior to […]
30
Mar
We are happy to announce that Sean Thompson has joined our team and will be working as an Associate Attorney in our Rockford Office. Attorney Thompson graduated from Northern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology and a Juris Doctorate Degree. Attorney Thompson received high honors while in law school by participating […]