Criminal Law

Quick Answer Drug possession charges in Illinois range from misdemeanors to serious felonies depending on the type of substance, amount, prior record, and circumstances of the arrest. A defense attorney may challenge the search, possession evidence, drug testing, or whether prosecutors can prove every element of the charge. A drug possession charge in Illinois can

Quick Answer A first Illinois DUI is generally a Class A misdemeanor unless an aggravating factor applies. A second DUI is also generally a Class A misdemeanor but carries a mandatory minimum of 5 days in jail or 240 hours of community service. A third DUI is aggravated DUI and a Class 2 felony. DUI

Quick Answer Illinois no cash bail means courts no longer use money as the deciding factor for release after an arrest. Instead, a judge determines whether a person should be released with conditions or detained based on factors such as public safety, court appearance history, flight risk, and the facts of the case. Illinois no

Quick Answer An Illinois search warrant generally requires a sworn application establishing probable cause and particularly describing the person or place to be searched and the property to be seized. The warrant generally must be executed within 96 hours after issuance. Police must remain within the lawful scope of the warrant or have another legal

Quick Answer A plea bargain is an agreement in which a defendant agrees to plead guilty in exchange for negotiated terms, such as reduced charges, dismissal of certain counts, or a sentencing recommendation. Before accepting a plea in Illinois, the defense should review the evidence, possible defenses, penalties, long-term consequences, and the risks of continuing

Quick Answer Tasers and stun guns can be lawfully possessed in Illinois, but state weapons rules apply. Unless an exception applies, an Illinois resident generally must have a valid FOID card or Illinois Concealed Carry License to acquire or possess one. Carry, location, and transportation rules also matter. Criminal charges may arise from unlawful possession,

Quick Answer Generally, no. Illinois law prohibits most civilian possession of a device or attachment designed, used, or intended to silence the report of a firearm. A standard violation under 720 ILCS 5/24-1(a)(6) is generally treated as a Class 3 felony, while certain location-based violations may carry a higher classification. Federal registration or lawful possession

Quick Answer A moving violation generally involves how a vehicle is operated, such as speeding, improper lane use, or disobeying a traffic signal. A non-moving violation usually involves parking, equipment, registration, or another administrative issue. Moving-violation convictions are more likely to carry Illinois Secretary of State points and affect driving privileges, while non-moving violations generally

Quick Answer Yes, firearms can be legally possessed and carried in Illinois, but different rules apply to possession, concealed carry, transportation, and prohibited locations. Illinois residents generally need valid FOID authority to possess firearms or ammunition, while carrying a concealed handgun in public generally requires an Illinois Concealed Carry License. A firearm may also be

Quick Answer A failure to obey a traffic sign ticket in Illinois is generally a moving violation that may add points to your driving record after a conviction. Before paying the ticket, review whether court supervision may be available, whether the sign was properly visible, and whether the ticket could affect your license, insurance, CDL,