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 […]
Illinois Castle Doctrine: When Can You Legally Defend Your Home? Read More »
When most people think about criminal defense, they picture a courtroom. A lawyer standing before a jury, delivering a closing argument, fighting for their client in front of a packed gallery. That image is not wrong, but it tells only a small part of the story. The truth is that the most important work in
How Criminal Defense Attorneys Build a Defense Strategy Read More »
Being charged with a crime is one of the most disorienting experiences a person can go through. One moment life is normal. Next, you are facing a legal process that moves fast, uses language you may not understand, and carries consequences that can follow you for years. Most people in this situation don’t know what
Charged With a Crime in Illinois? What Happens Next Read More »
Facing Criminal Charges in Springfield, IL? The earlier you involve a defense attorney, the easier it is to understand your timeline, risks, court dates, and defense options. Andrew Affrunti helps clients in Springfield, Sangamon County, and Central Illinois prepare for each stage of a criminal case. Call 217-528-2183 for a confidential consultation. Request a Consultation
How Long Do Criminal Cases Take in Illinois? Read More »
If you or someone you love was just arrested in Illinois, the next 24 to 48 hours matter. Illinois no longer uses cash bail, but that does not mean everyone automatically goes home. A judge may release the person with conditions or order detention if prosecutors meet the legal standard. The hearing moves fast, and
Illinois Pretrial Release Law: No Cash Bail Rules Explained Read More »
Quick Answer After a first arrest in Springfield, Illinois, the next steps may include booking, a pretrial release decision, a first court appearance, arraignment, evidence review, and additional court dates. A first arrest does not automatically mean a conviction. Keep your paperwork, follow every release condition, confirm your court date, avoid discussing the allegations, and
First Arrest in Springfield, Illinois: What Happens Next Read More »
Quick Answer Illinois courts decide child custody based on the best interests of the child. Judges consider factors such as each parent’s involvement, stability, safety, parenting ability, communication, the child’s needs, and the ability to support a healthy relationship with the other parent. Evidence, preparation, and documentation can strongly influence the outcome of a custody
How Courts Decide Child Custody in Illinois and What Judges Consider Most Read More »
Quick Answer If a court-ordered parenting plan is violated in Illinois, document exactly what happened, preserve messages and exchange records, continue following your own obligations under the order, and make a reasonable attempt to resolve the dispute when appropriate. Illinois law provides an expedited procedure for enforcing allocated parenting time. Depending on the facts, the
What to Do When a Parenting Plan Is Violated in Illinois Read More »
Quick Answer You should consider speaking with a family law attorney when divorce, parenting time, parental decision-making, child support, maintenance, property, protective orders, court-order violations, or important family agreements may affect your rights. Legal guidance can be especially important before you sign documents, respond to court papers, agree to temporary arrangements, or ask the court
When Do You Need a Family Law Attorney in Illinois? Signs You Should Act Early Read More »
Quick Answer A criminal defense attorney cannot guarantee that charges will be dropped in Illinois. An attorney may identify weak evidence, unlawful searches, unreliable witnesses, charging problems, constitutional issues, or negotiation opportunities that could lead prosecutors to dismiss or reduce charges or could support a court motion. Whether charges are dropped depends on the specific
Can a Criminal Defense Attorney Get Charges Dropped in Illinois? Read More »
