Andrew Affrunti

Quick Answer A plea bargain in an Illinois criminal case is an agreement where the defendant agrees to plead guilty in exchange for a possible benefit, such as reduced charges, dismissed counts, a sentencing recommendation, or a more predictable outcome. The judge must still review the plea, confirm that the defendant understands the rights being […]

Quick Answer Are Tasers legal in Illinois? Yes. Tasers and stun guns are legal in Illinois, but you generally need a valid FOID card and must follow restricted-location and transport rules. Carrying a Taser without a FOID card, keeping it accessible in a vehicle, or bringing it into a prohibited location may lead to a

Quick Answer Are suppressors legal in Illinois? No. Suppressors, also called silencers, are generally illegal for civilian possession in Illinois, even if you have federal approval or an NFA tax stamp. Illinois treats suppressors as prohibited firearm devices, and possession can lead to felony weapons charges. If police found a suppressor in your car, home,

Quick Answer What is the difference between moving and non-moving violations in Illinois? A moving violation happens when a driver breaks a traffic law while the vehicle is in motion, such as speeding, running a red light, improper lane use, or reckless driving. A non-moving violation usually involves parking, equipment, registration, or paperwork issues. Moving

Quick Answer In Illinois, you generally need a valid FOID card to possess firearms or ammunition, and you need an Illinois Concealed Carry License to carry a concealed firearm in public. You must also follow transport rules, avoid prohibited locations, and comply with Illinois restrictions on banned firearms and magazines. A mistake with licensing, vehicle

Quick Answer What happens if you fail to obey a traffic sign in Illinois? Failure to obey a traffic sign in Illinois is usually charged as disobeying a traffic control device under 625 ILCS 5/11-305. This can include running a stop sign, ignoring a red light, failing to yield, making a prohibited turn, or disregarding

Yes. Brass knuckles are illegal in Illinois. Illinois law prohibits metal knuckles and other knuckle weapons regardless of composition. Possession alone can lead to a weapons charge, even if the item was never used. If police found brass knuckles in your pocket, bag, car, or home, speak with a criminal defense attorney before explaining the

When someone threatens you inside your own home, your instinct is to protect yourself and your family. Illinois law recognizes that instinct. But after the threat passes, a criminal charge can follow, and suddenly you find yourself explaining actions you took in a matter of seconds. Understanding the Illinois Castle Doctrine before that moment, or

Quick Answer: How Do Criminal Defense Attorneys Build a Defense Strategy? Criminal defense attorneys build a defense strategy by reviewing the charges, listening to the client’s account, analyzing police reports, examining evidence, identifying constitutional issues, interviewing witnesses, filing pretrial motions, and choosing the strongest legal theory for the case. In Illinois criminal cases, the best

Quick Answer: What Happens After You Are Charged With a Crime in Illinois? After you are charged with a crime in Illinois, your case may move through arrest or summons, booking, an initial appearance, a pretrial release or detention decision, arraignment, discovery, pretrial motions, plea negotiations, trial, sentencing, or appeal. The first few days matter