The Fourth Amendment protects individuals from unreasonable property searches and seizures. Illinois police officers need a legal justification to go through someone's home or vehicle. Sometimes, officers have probable cause to suspect a crime based on certain...
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Can the police ever enter without a search warrant?
It’s clear that search warrants do not give police officers the ability to do whatever they want. There are many restrictions that both homeowners and officers need to be aware of, including different ways in which the scope of a search warrant can be limited. It’s...
Why is a drug court useful?
Like many other states, Illinois has a drug court program. This is a legal system specifically set up for those who are accused of drug offenses. If you are facing these charges, or if you end up facing them in the future, it’s important to know how this works and why...
When can police enter your home without a warrant?
If the police have a warrant to search your home, they are legally allowed to enter the house. These warrants can have restrictions, such as saying what part of the house they can search, but the warrants also do give permission to override your consent. Often, the...
Accused of a DUI? You have a right to fight back
It is unfair to face a DUI charge when you weren’t driving dangerously or showed no real signs of intoxication. In your case, you may have been driving home when you blew a tire or a light went out, leading to an officer stopping or approaching you. If they decide to...
Why you need to understand the scope of a search warrant
When federal investigators or local police officers show up at your home, you may not want to let them inside. If you don't voluntarily authorize a search, they may come back with a warrant signed by a judge. A search warrant gives police officers the legal right to...
What you need to know about your right to remain silent
When the police arrest you or decide to question you after your arrest, they will likely inform you of your Miranda Rights. Those rights include the right to remain silent and the right to legal representation. Too many people ignore their right to remain silent and...
Child Access Prevention and Firearms
Child access prevention laws protect minors from getting a hold of guns. These laws serve many purposes, but their primarily purpose is protecting young people from self-harming. One University of Indianapolis study found that having a firearm in the home increased...
Trespassing Charges in Illinois
Trespassing in Illinois means more than simply walking through private property without an invitation. In fact, a person can be charged with trespassing if they enter a residence, a vehicle, an airport, state supported land, and more. Oddly enough, this past month...
Unlawful Use of a Weapon in Illinois
Being charged with Unlawful use of a Weapon (UUW) in Illinois could result in jail time. Like any serious crime, the conviction depends heavily on the circumstances surrounding the arrest and the offender’s history. The weapon in question does not have to be a firearm...