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Recent Blog Posts
What Are the Typical Causes of a Truck Rollover Accident?
Trucks are commonplace on our nation’s highways, and they are essential in transporting goods across the country. Every motorist who operates a vehicle has a responsibility to drive safely and defensively in an effort to avoid causing or being involved in an accident. Trucks can vary in size, from pickup trucks to box trucks to 18-wheelers. Semi-trucks can be prone to a particular type of accident depending on the driver, weather conditions, and other drivers around them. A rollover accident occurs when a truck flips over on the side of the road. This type of accident can be especially dangerous because the commercial truck can hit numerous other vehicles in the process, causing serious to life-threatening injuries. Depending on the circumstances, a victim can file a personal injury claim against one or more negligent parties for their damages.
How Are Crimes Against Children Charged in Illinois?
Most criminal acts have significant legal consequences in an effort to prevent them from occurring in the first place. Although any crime is serious, those against children are punished severely throughout the United States, including Illinois. There are many different offenses that constitute a crime against a child, and it is important to understand what they are. Otherwise, you could be facing steep fines and a lengthy prison term. In some cases, you may unintentionally commit a criminal act without realizing it was illegal. In other scenarios, you could be wrongfully accused of a crime by your ex-spouse who is seeking revenge after your divorce. A skilled criminal defense attorney can help determine the best course of action for your situation based on the details of your charges.
Illinois Laws to Protect Minors
Under Illinois law, an individual can face harsh penalties for causing a significant risk of harm to children. While many of those accused are guilty of the crimes with which they are charged, some may be innocent. Here are several examples of crimes against minors and their corresponding punishments:
Know the Difference Between Petty and Misdemeanor Traffic Violations
The rules of the road are put in place to keep everyone safe, including car and truck drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists. When someone violates a traffic law, he or she may be subject to a traffic ticket. Speeding or failure to stop or yield are examples of common reasons an individual might be issued a traffic ticket by law enforcement in Illinois. Other, more serious traffic violations could result in an arrest and criminal charges, such as driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol. A conviction for DUI can result in loss of driving privileges, which can directly affect a person’s way of life. Depending on the circumstances, a driver may have several legal options, such as paying a fine, going to court to fight the ticket, or attending traffic school. If you are facing any charges related to a traffic violation, an experienced attorney can represent your best interests and help you achieve a positive outcome.
What Are the Consequences of Illinois Concealed Carry Violations?
The Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects citizens’ rights to keep and bear arms. Although gun rights can be quite controversial, many people believe that it is important to defend themselves in the event they are ever attacked. Certain states have their own laws pertaining to concealed or open carry of handguns. Currently, open carry is not legal in the state of Illinois. Concealed carry refers to carrying a firearm or other weapon in public in a concealed or hidden manner.
Illinois gun owners must first obtain a Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) card before they can qualify for a concealed carry license (CCL). Once they have this permit, they must obey a strict set of regulations in order to keep their firearm. Not only can a violation lead to losing their license, but spending on the circumstances, an offender can face criminal charges, with penalties that include jail time and costly fines.
Is it Considered a Crime to Leave a Child Alone in a Car in Illinois?
In today’s modern world, people are busy, often juggling taking care of a family while working or going to school. It is not uncommon for parents to take their kids on a quick errand. In some cases, they may even leave them in the car while they run into the bank or store if they can keep an eye on them through the window. However, in some cases, this can result in criminal charges for the parent, depending on the ages of the children who are left unattended. Illinois law specifies penalties for adults who endanger the life of a minor child (under 18), and in some cases, these situations may result in domestic violence or abuse charges. Child endangerment is defined as placing a minor in a situation where he or she could be hurt or killed.
Child Endangerment
According to Illinois law, parents who leave their children unattended and out of their view may be charged with child endangerment, a Class A misdemeanor. This crime carries a penalty of up to one year in jail and a $2,500 fine if convicted. The law applies to children age 6 and under who are left inside a car for 10 minutes or more without anyone who is at least age 14 with them or within eyesight. These charges may apply regardless of whether the vehicle is running or not.
What Are the Criminal Penalties for Identity Theft in Illinois?
Theft can encompass many different actions, not just taking something that is not yours. Identity theft is the deliberate use of another person’s identity, typically to gain a financial advantage or obtain credit and other benefits. Often considered a “white-collar crime,” identity theft has become prevalent in recent decades due to the emergence of the Internet and online computing for banking, shopping, and other activities. Stealing someone’s identity can have serious consequences in Illinois, including prison and hefty fines depending on the circumstances of the case. If you are facing charges for any theft crime, it is imperative that you speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.
When Is a DUI Charged as a Felony in Illinois?
Studies have shown that drinking and driving is a leading cause of motor vehicle crashes. The injuries sustained in these collisions are often devastating, and some even fatal. Driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol is illegal in every state. In Illinois, the legal limit for a driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) is .08 percent. When a motorist exceeds this threshold, he or she can be arrested for DUI. The penalties for DUI range from losing driving privileges to lengthy prison sentences and steep fines. There are certain “aggravating” factors that increase the punishment for this type of criminal act. Understanding what actions could lead to a felony DUI is important for any Illinois driver to understand to avoid a criminal record.
What Is Home Invasion and How Is it Punished in Illinois?
There are certain crimes that are often misunderstood. For example, theft, burglary, and robbery are similar, but they all involve slightly different actions and can carry separate punishments. Home invasion is a related offense, and many people might think it is not that significant. However, it is actually the most serious burglary charge since it typically involves an act of violence. According to Illinois law, home invasion is committed when a person knowingly enters the dwelling place of another when he or she knows that the owner is present. With crimes of this nature, it can be difficult to prove intent in court, but regardless, it is essential that you understand your legal options when facing such charges by consulting a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney.
Actions that Constitute Home Invasion
The crime of home invasion is not just breaking into someone’s home without his or her permission. It also means the offender entered without permission, knowing that the owner was home, and includes any of the following:
Can I Suffer from Compartment Syndrome After an Illinois Car Accident?
Motor vehicle collisions can occur in all kinds of weather and at any time of the day or night. Various factors can influence the severity of passengers’ injuries, such as speed and the size of the vehicles involved. An occupant’s limbs can become pinned against the door and dashboard of the car due to the force of the impact. Certain injuries may be readily apparent, such as lacerations or abrasions, but others may not be as noticeable. Compartment syndrome is an injury that may not present symptoms right away. However, it can lead to serious complications for car accident victims. In many cases, a crash is caused by the reckless behavior of another motorist. A skilled personal injury attorney can help you explore your options for holding the negligent party responsible and pursuing compensation.
What Is Involved in the Driver’s License Reinstatement Process?
Driving is considered a privilege in many states, including Illinois. There are many traffic violations that can result in the loss of your driving privileges. Some of these include driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol, aggravated speeding, and leaving the scene of a car accident with injuries, to name a few. Depending on the severity of the moving violation, a person can have his or her license suspended or revoked for months or even years. In order to reinstate your driver’s license after a suspension, there are several legal steps that must be taken. An experienced criminal defense attorney can assist motorists with important details.
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