Illinois Criminal Defense Legal Guides (28 found)

Written by Michael J. Helfand
Criminal defense attorneys handle a wide variety of cases, from minor traffic tickets to the most serious felonies. In Chicago and throughout Cook County there is an overwhelming number of criminal defense attorneys to choose from. How do you choose? This guide should help you get started.
Posted in Criminal Defense 3 months ago. Jurisdiction: Illinois

Written by Michael J. Helfand
You hear it on television and in movies all the time. You have the right to remain silent. But if you find yourself in police custody, it can be easy to forget. You're under a great deal of stress, and if there's been a mistake you may feel desperate to be heard.
Posted in Criminal Defense 2 months ago. Jurisdiction: Illinois

Written by Michael J. Helfand
Criminal charges -- even a misdemeanor -- can have serious consequences including fines and jail time. I recommend at least consulting with an attorney before trying to defend yourself. Here are some tips on finding an attorney for any type of criminal case in DuPage County.
Posted in Criminal Defense 2 months ago. Jurisdiction: Illinois

Written by Steven H. Fagan
Expungement of a criminal record in Illinois is possible under specific circumstances. A compelling story can be helpful, but far more important is determining eligibility under the law. This is the information any lawyer will need to make that analysis properly - so have this information ready!
Posted in Criminal Defense 10 months ago. Jurisdiction: Illinois

Written by Michael J. Helfand
A criminal record can follow you for a long time. Even years later it can show up when an employer does a background check. Some records can be sealed or expunged, others cannot. Below are some explanations and examples.
Posted in Criminal Defense 2 months ago. Jurisdiction: Illinois

Written by Michael J. Helfand
The phrase "drop the charges" is used so frequently that it's no wonder people think they can get a case dismissed by simply saying so. The reality is that it's not completely up to the victim or person who filed the police report.
Posted in Criminal Defense about 1 month ago. Jurisdiction: Illinois

Written by Jeremy J. Richey
Illinois has three different levels of misdemeanor offenses. These levels are identified by the first three letters of the alphabet: A, B, and C.
11 of 14 users found this helpful. Posted in Criminal Defense about 1 year ago. Jurisdiction: Illinois

Written by Steven H. Fagan
A police officer in your face after you've had any alcohol and been stopped while driving is scary. With all that fear getting in the way, you need to know how to react ahead of time. Proper application of your constitutional rights can protect you like nothing else, and here's how it's done.
1 of 1 users found this helpful. Posted in DUI / DWI 12 months ago. Jurisdiction: Illinois

Written by Steven H. Fagan
Illinois' DUI Suspension law is complex, and motorists and attorneys alike need to be aware of the issues involved with challenging the suspension, and where possible, obtaining a permit to drive.
Posted in DUI / DWI 12 months ago. Jurisdiction: Illinois

Written by Donald John Ramsell
This guide, written by top Illinois DUI Attorney Donald Ramsell, discusses the new Illinois DUI laws effective January 1, 2009. The article covers the new hardship license in drunk driving cases called monitoring device driving permits (MDDPs).
Posted in DUI / DWI 11 months ago. Jurisdiction: Illinois

Written by Jeremy J. Richey
When an Illinois police officer pulls your car over and begins investigating you for driving under the influence, there is one person in your vehicle who can damage your case beyond repair and one person who can save you.
8 of 13 users found this helpful. Posted in DUI / DWI 9 months ago. Jurisdiction: Illinois

Written by Donald John Ramsell
Here are the criminal penalties that a driver faces if arrested for Illinois driving under the influence of alcohol.
Posted in DUI / DWI 10 months ago. Jurisdiction: Illinois

Written by Karyn T. Missimer
Guidance on what an Illinois driver should do when s/he is pulled over for a DUI in Wisconsin. While the first 7 steps contain advice general to all DUI stops, the last step in this guide is specific to Illinois drivers pulled over for their first DUI in Wisconsin.
Posted in DUI / DWI 8 months ago. Jurisdiction: Illinois

Written by Zedrick Thomas Braden III
In Illinois, felonies cannot be expunged. The only opportunity to erase a felony from a record is through a pardon from the Governor of the State of Illinois.
2 of 3 users found this helpful. Posted in Criminal Defense 7 months ago. Jurisdiction: Illinois

Written by Steven H. Fagan
An Illinois motorist facing a DUI may be able to drive during all but the first 30 days of a Statutory Summary Suspension. A Monitoring Device Driving Permit (MDDP) is available, requiring the installation of a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID). Here's a look at the nuts and bolts.
3 of 3 users found this helpful. Posted in DUI / DWI 7 months ago. Jurisdiction: Illinois

Written by Michael J. Helfand
Felonies in Illinois are crimes that carry a punishment of a year or more in prison (crimes punishable by less than a year are misdemeanors). Felonies vary from drug offenses to arson to stalking. Here is an overview of the different classes of felonies we have in Illinois.
Posted in Criminal Defense 5 months ago. Jurisdiction: Illinois

Written by Michael J. Helfand
If you are convicted of driving under the influence in Illinois, with a blood-alcohol level of 0.08 or higher, you are required to have a breathalyzer installed in your vehicle.
1 of 2 users found this helpful. Posted in DUI / DWI 2 months ago. Jurisdiction: Illinois

Written by Michael J. Helfand
If your license is suspended, you no doubt want your driving privileges restored as soon as possible. For most people, driving is essential for getting to and from work or school. Here are some tips on how to deal with license suspensions in Illinois.
Posted in Speeding / Traffic Ticket 3 months ago. Jurisdiction: Illinois

Written by Michael J. Helfand
If you are under 21, the drinking and driving laws are more strict, and the penalties are greater. Here are the penalties for driving under the influence in Illinois when you're under 21.
Posted in DUI / DWI 3 months ago. Jurisdiction: Illinois

Written by Michael J. Helfand
The general rule in most states, including Illinois, is that driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher is illegal and can result in significant penalties if the driver is convicted. However, there are exceptions and additional rules to be aware of.
Posted in DUI / DWI 3 months ago. Jurisdiction: Illinois