Federal aggravated identity theft is not just another fraud charge—it is one of the harshest federal crimes prosecuted in Chicago. Under 18 U.S.C. § 1028A, defendants convicted of aggravated identity theft face mandatory prison time. Judges cannot reduce or suspend these penalties, which means the stakes are higher than in…
Chicago’s Role in Federal Criminal Enforcement Chicago is not only the largest city in Illinois but also one of the busiest federal jurisdictions in the country. Because of its central location, major airports, and international commerce, it draws the focus of agencies such as the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, and…
Chicago is a city with constant traffic—congested highways like the Dan Ryan and Stevenson Expressway, the busy downtown streets, and neighborhood intersections from Englewood to Uptown. With so much activity, accidents are part of daily life. But when a driver leaves the scene of a crash, Illinois law treats that…
The question of whether police can search your trunk without a warrant is one of the most common issues in Illinois criminal defense. Chicago drivers are stopped every day for minor traffic violations, and officers sometimes expand those stops into full-blown criminal investigations. Understanding your rights and the limits of…
Chicago’s Landscape and Illinois Firearm Laws Chicago’s neighborhoods are full of history and resilience, from Bronzeville’s cultural landmarks to the vibrancy of Little Village. Yet the city also faces constant challenges around youth and firearms. When a minor is arrested for possessing a gun in Chicago, the immediate concern is…
Chicago Streets and the Scope of Passenger Rights Chicago traffic stops are part of everyday life, whether you’re riding along in a car through Wicker Park, Austin, or the Near South Side. Police presence is high in many of these neighborhoods, and officers often stop cars for minor equipment violations…
Chicago’s Holiday Crackdowns on College Students Labor Day weekend is one of the busiest times of year in Chicago. College students from schools like DePaul, Loyola, and the University of Illinois at Chicago celebrate with friends across neighborhoods such as Lincoln Park, Lakeview, and Wrigleyville. These celebrations often include alcohol,…
The Reality of Holiday Weekend Arrests in Chicago Labor Day weekend in Chicago is a time of crowded celebrations, parades, and heavy nightlife activity. From downtown bars to neighborhood gatherings in Little Village, Uptown, and South Shore, police presence is heightened. Law enforcement is under pressure to reduce accidents, keep…
Understanding Criminal Records in Chicago and Illinois Chicago is one of the busiest urban centers in the country, and with its size and diversity comes an active criminal justice system. From minor misdemeanor charges like shoplifting on State Street to felony arrests in neighborhoods such as Englewood or Humboldt Park,…
Chicago is one of the busiest criminal court jurisdictions in the country. Every day, thousands of cases move through the Circuit Court of Cook County, with charges ranging from misdemeanors like disorderly conduct and retail theft to serious felonies such as armed robbery and homicide. The Illinois Compiled Statutes, including…