Mortgage fraud is a crime that prohibits certain acts in conjunction with selling a mortgage or obtaining a mortgage. Prosecutors can charge loan applicants, brokers or other third parties depending on the illegal act committed. Applicants face charges for knowingly...
Firm News
How long can the police detain me?
The sound of sirens and the sight of flashing lights are strong indicators that a police officer is approaching and wants to pull you over. It is not a situation you are looking forward to, but you decide to pull over and comply with the police. You may not know,...
Can your employer search you at work?
As an American, you have a fundamental right to privacy. The United States Supreme Court first recognized this right in the landmark 1965 case of Griswold v. Connecticut. But does this right exist at all times and in all places? Does it, for instance, extend to your...
What is the right to a speedy trial?
If law enforcement arrests you and you face charges for a crime, you have the right to a speedy trial. However, what this means is often misunderstood. Part of the issue is the definition of speedy depends on the law in your state. According to the Illinois General...
Possible sentencing outcomes for fraud charges in Illinois
Because the Illinois statutes codify a mail fraud or wire fraud offense as a Class 3 felony, penalties upon conviction could be severe. For a first offense, a Class 3 felony sentence may include between two and five years of incarceration. A repeat offense may result...
The governor to sign new criminal justice reform HB 3653
Criminal justice reform is a hot topic these days. Every state and even the federal government seems to be working towards trying to change the criminal justice system to help make it fairer and to reduce prison populations. In Illinois, a recent move to bring some...
Do drug sniffing dogs violate your rights?
Police dogs often have various roles. Some can help locate missing children, detect cadavers, chase suspects and sniff out illegal substances. Though most people will praise a dog that helps locate a missing child, the situation can be different when the dog alerts an...
Can a work environment encourage white collar crime?
The motivation behind why a person carries out a particular action can play an important role in any given situation. In particular, authorities often look for motive when investigating crimes, and in some cases, people of interest may have no motivation to commit...
Cash bail system needs urgent reform
Someone who the police have arrested can expect to face a judge for arraignment. The judge will formally read the charges and set bail. If the defendant can come up with the bail money, the court will release him or her from jail until the time of trial arrives. If...
Don’t face embezzlement charges without a strong defense
If your employer has entrusted you with keeping the books or managing the financial accounts of his or her business, you may have felt honored with the level of trust imparted to you. However, you undoubtedly felt the weight of that trust. Handling the money and...