One of the most popular sayings in the American crime drama is the police reciting the Miranda rights to a suspect. This starts out with the iconic, “You have the right to remain silent.” However, it is notable that Americans did not always have this right clearly...
criminal defense
How do money bonds disenfranchise the poor?
There are many things wrong with the criminal justice system in America, but few people give thought to how money bonds intensify the inequities within the system. For example, throughout the state of Illinois, there are many people currently sitting in jail only...
What does HB3443 mean for criminal justice reform in Illinois?
Police accountability has become a mainstream concern, prompting federal and state lawmakers to turn a critical eye to the use of force by law enforcement and its implications for the communities that police officers protect and serve. Residents all over the state are...
New criminal justice bill eliminates bail, aims to reduce racism in policing
Criminal justice reform is something that happens all the time. It’s necessary as laws and communities change. In Illinois, a recent change is something to address. Illinois has become the first state to end cash bail as a new part of a criminal justice reform law....
What does the Sixth Amendment have to do with my trial rights?
If you face accusations related to any crime, you may feel as if law enforcement treats you like a guilty person. You may even suffer demonization in the media or your local community. However, there are certain rights provided to you under the U.S. Constitution. ...
Illinois police no longer allowed to use investigative alerts to sidestep warrants
For the last decade, and perhaps more, police in Illinois have been allowed to use investigative alerts to take action. In many cases, they were allowed to act without a warrant due to the alert. However, a recent ruling has put an end to this process. According to...
Fixing a strained professional image
Charges stemming from criminal conduct in the workplace can damage professional reputations. Even after paying restitution and committing to act with more integrity, white-collar criminals may struggle to prove to others their loyalty. A damaged reputation can create...
Why is the U.S. known as the ‘incarceration nation?’
The United States isn't the biggest country in the world, nor are its laws the most Draconian. So why does the U.S. continue to have the highest prison population in the world?According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), roughly 2.2 million adults were behind...
What is ‘attempted’ murder?
Murder is just about the most serious criminal charge anybody can face -- and attempted murder is treated no more lightly. If you're convicted of attempted first degree murder, for example, that's a Class X felony that carries a minimum 20-year sentence (with an...
Is fingerprint evidence really conclusive?
You're hauled in for questioning, and the police seem strangely confident that you're the right suspect. Finally, one of the detectives lets it slip: There's fingerprint evidence against you.So what?Television shows that focus around forensic evidence makes it seem...
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