Articles Posted in Felony

The process of expungement and sealing offers individuals with past criminal records a chance to move forward with a clean slate. These court actions provide relief from barriers associated with prior convictions. Governed by 20 ILCS 2630/5.2, expungement and sealing are legal actions that remove or restrict access to records of certain criminal cases. Expungement…

The Drug Court Treatment Act offers individuals grappling with substance abuse disorders a lifeline. In Illinois, drug court gives people a chance to break free from the cycle of addiction and incarceration. It accomplishes this through a specialized court program tailored to address their needs. Learn what it takes to enter drug court, the requirements…

What Does It Mean When a Crime Is “Aggravated”? If you are charged with an “aggravated” crime, you face serious consequences. “Aggravated” means made more serious by attendant circumstances. The penalty range may be more than you have bargained for based upon some factor. Whether it’s the victim’s age or race, where or when the…

What Does It Mean? Understanding minimum and maximum penalty ranges for any given charge is critical to determining how to proceed in criminal cases. A knowledgeable lawyer knows this and can help you navigate this confusing but area of the law. A good attorney requires their client to understand the difference in concurrent sentencing versus…

You plead guilty and sentenced to supervision or probation. While on term, you are prohibited from taking any controlled substances and are required to submit to random drug testing. You were notified by your probation officer you tested positive. Your probation officer sends your case back to court to inform the judge of the violation.…

Specialty Courts The law is always evolving. It is important to have a lawyer that follows the changes in the law, especially when the changes are designed to benefit the accused. Addiction is a medical disease recognized by the DSM5. Many counties in the Chicago land area have created specialty courts including first offender drug…

Should I Just Plead Guilty? If you are charged with a criminal offense, it is imperative that you consult with a lawyer. You need to discuss the facts of your case and the potential consequences you will face. A criminal conviction can have serious consequences related to your ability to secure employment, housing, financial aid,…

Mental Health Court Alternative Programs A person is in the throes of mental illness may commit crimes. If this happens to you or someone you know, contacting a lawyer may help with getting the necessary medical help, but also keep a serious crime off your criminal record. Many counties in the Chicagoland area have developed…