Posted on August 10, 2023 in Criminal Defense

It is important to protect your child's privacy during high-profile sex crime charges. Dealing with sensitive legal matters and media attention can be overwhelming. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to safeguard your child's privacy and increase their chance of a favorable case outcome.

Limit Media Exposure 

High-profile cases often attract media attention, which can compound the stress your child is already experiencing. Reduce media exposure by avoiding interviews, statements, or appearances that could inadvertently reveal personal details.

Avoid photography, surveillance, or any form of invasion of your child's privacy by people or media outlets. This can cause problems for your child and possibly harm their legal defense. Tell your child not to discuss the case on social media platforms.

Rumors can spread quickly in high-profile cases. Deter family members and friends from talking or sharing information about the case. This reduces the risk of inaccurate information affecting your child's reputation.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on July 24, 2023 in Criminal Defense

In the US, the overwhelming majority of criminal cases end with a plea deal of some kind - not a conviction decided on by a jury of an alleged offender’s peers. There are myriad reasons why defendants feel the need to plead guilty. Chief among them is usually the sense that they will receive more favorable sentencing terms if they plead guilty – even if they are wholly innocent – than they would receive if they challenged their misdemeanor or felony charges in court and lost.

While it is true that accepting the terms of a plea deal or pleading guilty in the hopes that the court will be lenient is a gamble, admitting guilt rather than fighting back against the state’s case also results in a 100% guarantee of collateral consequences secondary to a defendant’s sentencing terms. These challenges should be factored into a defendant’s plea decision but are too often overlooked.  

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on July 16, 2023 in Criminal Defense

If you are like most American adults, you likely spend time on at least one social media platform regularly. Unfortunately, if you are either under investigation for criminal wrongdoing or you have already been arrested, it is time to stop logging onto your social media accounts for a while. The outcome of your criminal defense case could hinge on your ability to avoid posting, commenting, and “liking” others’ content until your legal situation is resolved.

Why is Using Social Media Risky During a Criminal Case? 

Whether it is fair or not, people often judge others based on their appearance. In the digital age, this includes the appearance you project out onto the internet. If you are facing criminal charges, your social media accounts will almost certainly be scrutinized by prosecutors, who can use anything that is publically available as evidence against you. 

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on June 22, 2023 in Criminal Defense

Drug crimes are serious offenses that can have lasting consequences on those accused. In Illinois, there are a variety of drug crime charges, including possession, trafficking, and conspiracy. As of 2023, the Illinois SAFE-T Act will bring about changes to pretrial detention and bail that may have significant implications for those facing drug charges.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Beyond drug possession, Illinois also criminalizes the possession of drug paraphernalia. Under Illinois drug law 720 ILCS 600/3.5, this offense is generally a Class A misdemeanor, with maximum penalties of one year in prison and a $2,500 fine. However, if a large amount of paraphernalia is involved, felony charges may be applicable​​.

Intent to Distribute

Possession of controlled substances in large quantities can lead to charges of intent to distribute in Illinois, a serious felony offense. Even if the defendant is only found to possess drugs, the prosecution can assume the intention to distribute and pursue charges accordingly, resulting in significant prison time.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on June 12, 2023 in Criminal Defense

In Illinois, the penalties for criminal sexual assault are life-changing. Not only do you face significant prison time if convicted, but you also face a lifetime of stigma and potential civil rights limitations.

Criminal sexual assault is typically a Class 1 felony punishable by a maximum prison sentence of 15 years and a fine of up to $25,000. A second conviction of criminal sexual assault is a Class X felony punishable by up to life in prison.

If you have been accused of sexual assault, it is important to take the following three steps immediately:

Remain Silent and Do Not Answer Police Officers' Questions

Even if you are innocent, it is best to remain silent and avoid answering any questions asked by police officers. Anything that you tell them can be used against you in future criminal proceedings, so it is best to exercise your right to remain silent.

Continue Reading ››