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Recent Blog Posts

Can I Get Out of a Second DUI? 

 Posted on October 26, 2022 in DUI

Will County Drunk Driving Defense LawyerIn Illinois, the criminal and administrative penalties associated with drunk driving charges increase with each subsequent DUI offense. For example, many first-time DUI offenders are eligible for court supervision. However, individuals accused of drunk driving for the second time are not typically eligible for supervision. There are mandatory minimum penalties for second-time DUI offenders, including five days in jail or 240 hours of community service.

Defending yourself against DUI charges is especially important if you received a DUI in the past. If you or a loved one were arrested for drunk driving for the second time, make sure to contact an experienced DUI defense lawyer for help.

Second DUI Defense Options

When you are facing DUI charges, it is important to know that you have options. An experienced lawyer will be able to review the facts of your case and help you develop the best possible defense strategy for your situation. Some common defenses to DUI charges include:

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Accused of Domestic Violence? Take These 5 Steps Now

 Posted on October 17, 2022 in Criminal Defense

Naperville Criminal AttorneyAccusations of domestic violence have the potential to be life-changing. In Illinois, domestic battery, assault, and related offenses are punishable by fines and jail time. However, the damage to an individual's personal and professional reputation caused by a domestic violence conviction is often irreversible. 

If you were accused of abusing a romantic partner or family member, you need to take swift action to protect your rights and safeguard your future. 

Speak With a Domestic Violence Criminal Defense Lawyer 

The first step is to contact a criminal defense attorney who has experience defending against domestic violence accusations. An experienced lawyer can review the details of your case and develop a strategic defense. Your lawyer will also be able to advise you on the best way to communicate with law enforcement and the prosecutor assigned to your case. Do not work with just any attorney. You need a lawyer who knows how to navigate the complexities of a domestic violence case and has a proven track record of success. 

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Can I Seal My Record If I Was Convicted of a Criminal Offense in Naperville?  

 Posted on September 26, 2022 in Criminal Defense

Naperville Criminal AttorneyEveryone makes mistakes, even good people like yourself. In order to erase your criminal records, you must discover which aspects of your criminal history are eligible for expungement (to remove the records) and which are eligible for sealing once you have obtained all the relevant data (to hide the records from the public). 

Read the basics of record sealing and expungement to learn more about your rights and how a Will County Lawyer criminal defense lawyer can help you get the best results. 

How to Seal A Criminal Record

The circuit clerk in the county where the arrests took place or the charges were filed must first receive your petition and payment. You must submit a petition in each county where you were charged or where you were arrested. You might be eligible for a fee waiver if your income is below the federal poverty level.

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Can a Lawyer Help Me After a CDL Violation? 

 Posted on September 19, 2022 in Traffic Violations

DuPage County CDL Suspension LawyerCommercial driver's license (CDL) holders need their licenses to make a living. When a CDL violation threatens a person's commercial driver's license, it can be anxiety-provoking, to say the least. If you drive a commercial vehicle for your job and you have been accused of a weight violation, a CDL license defense lawyer can help you understand your rights and options. You may be able to mitigate or even eliminate the financial and administrative consequences you face.

Overweight Truck Violations in Illinois

In Illinois, as in every other state, it is against the law to operate a commercial vehicle that exceeds the posted weight limit. The fines for overweight truck violations can be significant, and may increase if the weight exceedance is more than 10 percent. If you are cited for an overweight truck violation, you may be required to appear in court. 

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Addressing Accusations of I.D. Fraud in DuPage County

 Posted on August 23, 2022 in Uncategorized

DuPage County Criminal Defense AttorneyIf you are accused of possessing a fake ID or a related offense in Illinois, it is important to take the charges seriously. Depending on the circumstances, you could be facing a misdemeanor or felony charge, which could come with significant penalties. Even if you are not convicted of ID fraud, the state has the authority to suspend or revoke your driver's license.

If you are facing criminal charges or loss of driving privileges because of an ID-related offense, it is important to have a skilled fraud investigation lawyer advocating for you. Your attorney can help you understand the charges against you and work to get the best possible outcome in your case.

ID Fraud in Illinois

There are a few different ways that you can be accused of possessing a fake ID in Illinois. The most common is using a fake ID to misrepresent your age, usually for the purpose of trying to buy alcohol or cigarettes. However, you can also be charged with possessing a fake ID if you have altered your real ID in any way, such as changing your birthdate or adding fake information. Additionally, you can be charged with this offense if you are caught with someone else's ID, even if it is not altered in any way.

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How Can Support Groups Like Alcoholics Anonymous Help Me Reinstate My Driver’s License?

 Posted on August 05, 2022 in License Reinstatement

DuPage County DUI Defense LawyerIf you lost your license because of a drunk driving charge, you are not alone. Driving under the influence (DUI) is one of the most common reasons for driver’s license suspensions and revocations. The only way to reinstate a driver’s license and regain the ability to driver after a DUI conviction in Illinois is to meet the Secretary of State’s conditions and prove that you are capable of driving safely.

Many people facing license revocation have a chemical dependency on alcohol. They are not drinking excessive amounts of alcohol for fun; they have tried to stop but cannot. These individuals are often classified as “High Risk – Dependent” and required to take additional steps to reinstate their driver’s license. If you or a loved one are trying to reinstate your driver’s license, it is important to understand how support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous can help.

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What Do I Have to Do to Get My Driver’s License Back After a Revocation?

 Posted on July 29, 2022 in License Reinstatement

DuPage County License Revocation LawyerIf your license was revoked, this means that you can no longer drive any motor vehicle. Driving with a revoked license is a criminal offense, and if you are caught, you face immediate arrest and criminal charges. The only way to get your license back is to comply with the Secretary of State’s requirements. The requirements you must follow depend on several factors, including the type of offense, your criminal record, and whether you have an alcohol or drug addiction.

Steps to Take for License Reinstatement Depend on Your Drug and Alcohol Evaluation

The most common reason that a driver’s license is revoked in Illinois is a conviction for drunk driving. Before the Secretary of State will reinstate your license, you must prove that you have taken steps to avoid drunk driving in the future. You will need to participate in a DUI evaluation and answer questions about past and current drug or alcohol use. After you answer all of the questions, the evaluator will classify you based on your risk for repeat DUI offenses.

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Can Being on a Specific Diet Cause a False Positive on a Breathalyzer?

 Posted on July 19, 2022 in DUI

Will County DUI Defense AttorneyMore and more adults are paying close attention to the way their diet influences their health. Low-carb diets like the keto diet and carnivore diet are becoming increasingly popular – especially for those with chronic medical problems. Because these diets change the body’s chemistry and release certain chemicals into the bloodstream, there has been some concern regarding the diets’ effect on alcohol breath tests or breathalyzers. Many people wonder if being on the keto diet can increase their chances of being accused of drunk driving.

Drunk Driving Charges and Ketones

Breathalyzers or breath tests measure how much alcohol is on a person’s breath. Roadside breathalyzer tests are used as a preliminary screening measure and often provide police probable cause for a drunk driving arrest. Evidentiary breath tests are conducted at the police station and often play a crucial role in driving under the influence (DUI) cases.  

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What Happens If You Get Caught Using a Fake ID?

 Posted on June 21, 2022 in Criminal Defense

Will County Criminal Defense AttorneyIndividuals in Illinois must be at least 21 years old to buy cigarettes or alcohol. However, many teens and young adults do not want to wait until they are of legal age to purchase these products or enter 21+ establishments like bars and clubs. They instead obtain a fraudulent identification card or driver’s license with the hopes of evading Illinois law.

Possessing a fake ID is a criminal offense in Illinois. It is also illegal to create or distribute a fake state ID card or driver’s license. These offenses are punishable by driver’s license suspension, heavy fines, and jail time.

Illinois Laws Regarding Fraudulent IDs

Using a fake ID to buy alcohol or otherwise evade Illinois law can lead to criminal charges that dramatically impact your future.

You can face Class A misdemeanor charges for:

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Illinois Marijuana Laws in 2022: What You Need to Know

 Posted on June 09, 2022 in Criminal Defense

DuPage County Drug Crime LawyerLike many states, Illinois has legalized the use of marijuana or cannabis. However, there are still many rules regarding how, when, and where cannabis may be used. Possessing or consuming marijuana in violation of Illinois law can lead to serious repercussions, including driver’s license suspension or even jail time. It is important for every Illinois resident to be aware of the current marijuana laws and the penalties for violating those laws.  

Possession of Marijuana is Limited

In 2020, Illinois legalized the use of marijuana for recreational purposes. You do not have to have a medical condition to be allowed to consume marijuana anymore. However, there are certain restrictions on the amount of marijuana a person can possess. Adults aged 21 or older may possess up to 30 grams of cannabis flower or “buds,” up to 500 mg of THC in a food “edible” or other product, and up to 5 grams of cannabis concentrate. Possession of greater than these amounts can lead to criminal charges. If you are caught with greater than 100 grams (3.5 ounces) of cannabis, you could be charged with a felony. It is also unlawful to smoke or otherwise consume marijuana in schools, government buildings, or on public transportation. Only licensed marijuana dispensaries are allowed to sell marijuana.

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