In the hustle and bustle of daily life, encountering law enforcement officers can be an intimidating experience. Whether it’s a routine traffic stop, a visit to your home, or being questioned in a public space, understanding your rights during these interactions is crucial. As an Illinois resident, your rights are…
When interacting with law enforcement, the stakes are invariably high. Whether you’re being questioned about a minor incident or a major crime, the implications of your responses can profoundly impact your life. This article elucidates why it is imperative to consult with an attorney before engaging with law enforcement, detailing…
Facing serious criminal charges in Chicago is a daunting experience that requires adept legal representation. For many, the choice between hiring a private criminal defense attorney and relying on a public defender is crucial. While public defenders play an invaluable role in the justice system, there are several compelling reasons…
Understanding Police Powers and the Role of Warrants When it comes to interactions between law enforcement officers and the public, the issue of trust and legal boundaries is paramount. One common question that arises is whether police can lie about having a warrant during an investigation or when attempting to…
The Department of Justice has announced charges against hundreds of individuals for COVID-19 relief fraud following an operation conducted by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Many of those facing charges have ties to organized crime, according to the DOJ. In one case, authorities allege that the pandemic relief…
Cook County prosecutors dropped charges against a man who was exonerated on an appeal for a crime he claimed he never committed. Throughout his time in prison, he maintained his innocence for a double murder that he says police pinned on him. He spent 34 years in prison on charges…
The son of notorious drug trafficker El Chapo has been extradited to Chicago from Mexico on charges of drug trafficking. Ovidio Guzman Lopez was charged in April along with two dozen others who are suspected of being a part of the Sinaloa Cartel. According to the lawsuit, the Sinaloa Cartel used…
Illinois has officially become the first state in the country to eliminate cash bail. Proponents of the measure say that it punishes the poor unfairly. The Pretrial Fairness Act prevents judges from setting bail but gives them broader discretion to deny release to those accused of violent crimes. Those opposed…
A Chicago man was recently found guilty of the rape of a 15-year-old girl while she was walking home in 2017. The 66-year-old defendant had been charged with two counts of rape, attempted rape, criminal confinement, armed robbery, and battery with a deadly weapon. The defendant was convicted on each of…
Former porn star Ron Jeremy has been declared mentally incompetent to stand trial by the judge presiding over his case. He faced dozens of rape charges but was only recently in the news after victims came out to share their stories. A judge declared that he was in “incurable neurocognitive decline,” and…