Criminal Defense

If you get charged under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, you could face serious penalties. Originally enacted in 1970, the purpose of this act was to target criminal organizations. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, you could face charges for violating RICO if the prosecution can prove the existence of an enterprise and that this enterprise had…

When officers place you under arrest, it is imperative that you understand your rights. The goal of law enforcement is to gather evidence and information for the prosecutor to put together a case against you, so you have to look out for yourself. The Illinois State Bar Association explains you have your general constitutional rights, such as the right to…

Illinois’ Procedural Justice for Youth Act went into effect on August 13, 2021. The Act reduces the mandatory minimum sentences of convicted juveniles. As reported by WAND-TV news, Governor Pritzker signed House Bill 3513 into law as part of Illinois’ criminal justice reform initiatives. The signed bill changes how judges calculate sentences for convicted teenagers. Prior to the Procedural Justice…

Society teaches us from a young age that we should show respect to law enforcement. In some ways, the system even teaches you to fear the power and abilities that law enforcement has over the average citizen. So what happens when the police knock on your door? While it is often tempting to let them do whatever they would like…

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 spelled out for them. Specifically, what the right to be silent meant used…

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 because they cannot afford the bond that the court system imposes upon them. Money bonds effectively turn…

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 aware of historical inequalities in the use of force by law enforcement and how often the use…

If you face criminal charges and you decide to go to trial, you can choose between having a judge or a jury preside over your case. While most cases will end in a settlement or agreement outside of court, this is still something you need to think about. The American Bar Association explains many people choose a jury trial because…

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. Both politicians and the police in the state have been speaking out against the…

When you face criminal charges, you have specific rights to ensure that you get fair treatment and the chance to defend yourself properly in court. One of the rights you want to exert is your right to an attorney. You will hear this right read to you in the Miranda warning an officer gives you upon your arrest. According to…