Criminal Defense
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
13
Dec
Recently, there has been a spike in shoplifting cases that has caused the Illinois Legislature to enact harsher penalties when it comes to retail theft. Several major retailers, such as Home Depot, Walmart, and Target have reported an epidemic of thefts from their stores which is starting to have a significant impact on their bottom […]
25
Aug
We are proud to announce that Attorney Jonathan James has been named to the National Trial Lawyer’s Top 100 Attorneys for Criminal Defense for the third straight year. This is no surprise considering the amount of successful litigation that Attorney James has done over the past year. During the last twelve months, Attorney James has […]