Category Archives: Lake County
Defending Drug Possession Cases in Illinois
Defending Drug Possession Cases in Illinois
Drug possession is a serious crime in Illinois, and those convicted of it can face significant penalties, including jail time, fines, and a criminal record. If you have been charged with drug possession, it is important to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help you understand the charges against you and build a strong defense.
There are a number of different defenses that can be used in drug possession cases. Some of the most common defenses include:
- The drugs were not in my possession. This is a common defense, and it can be successful if the prosecution cannot prove that you had actual or constructive possession of the drugs. Actual possession means that you had the drugs on your person or in your immediate control. Constructive possession means that you had the ability to control the drugs, even if they were not on your person. For example, if you were driving a car and the police found drugs in the glove compartment, you could argue that you did not have constructive possession of the drugs because you did not know they were there.
- The drugs were prescribed to me by a doctor. If you have a valid prescription for the drugs that you were found in possession of, this defense can be very effective. The prosecution will have to prove that you did not have a valid prescription for the drugs, or that you were not in possession of the drugs for a legitimate medical purpose.
- The police violated my constitutional rights. If the police violated your constitutional rights during the arrest, any evidence that they obtained as a result of the violation may be inadmissible in court. This could include the drugs that were found in your possession.
If you have been charged with drug possession, it is important to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help you understand the charges against you and build a strong defense.
Here are some additional tips for defending drug possession cases in Illinois:
- Be honest with your attorney. Your attorney needs to know all of the facts of your case in order to build a strong defense. If you are not honest with your attorney, it could hurt your case.
- Do not talk to the police without an attorney present. Anything you say to the police can and will be used against you in court. It is important to have an attorney present when you speak to the police, even if you think you are innocent.
- Gather evidence. If you have any evidence that could help your case, such as witnesses or video footage, be sure to gather it and provide it to your attorney.
- Be prepared for trial. If your case goes to trial, be prepared to testify on your own behalf. Your attorney will help you prepare for trial and answer any questions you may have.
Drug possession is a serious crime, but with the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney, you can build a strong defense and fight the charges against you.
Criminal Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance in Illinois and defenses.
The law of search and seizure in Illinois
A general outline of the American legal system
Illinois statutory suspension
Illinois statutory suspension law refers to the legal provisions that allow the Secretary of State’s Office to suspend or revoke a person’s driver’s license or driving privileges in the state of Illinois for certain offenses or violations. These suspensions can be temporary or permanent, depending on the severity of the offense.
The Illinois statutory suspension law covers a wide range of offenses, including but not limited to:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI)
- Refusal to submit to chemical testing for DUI
- Reckless driving
- Speeding in excess of 40 miles per hour over the posted speed limit
- Leaving the scene of an accident involving injury or death
- Driving while license is suspended or revoked
- Failure to pay child support
- Accumulation of too many points on a driver’s record within a certain period of time
- Certain drug offenses
The length of the suspension or revocation varies depending on the offense and whether it is a first or subsequent offense. In some cases, the person may be able to petition the Secretary of State’s Office for a restricted driving permit, which allows them to drive for limited purposes, such as going to work or school.
It is important to note that Illinois statutory suspension law applies not only to Illinois residents but also to non-residents who commit offenses within the state. If you are facing a suspension or revocation of your driving privileges in Illinois, it is important to consult with an experienced attorney who can help you navigate the process and protect your rights.
Biometric Information Privacy Act
Biometric Information Privacy Act |
Cothron v. White Castle System, Inc., 2023 IL 128004 (February 17, 2023) (ROCHFORD) Certified question answered.
In a case involving a certified question from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, the Illinois Supreme Court held that under the Biometric Information Privacy Act, a separate claim accrues under the Act each time a private entity scans or transmits an individual’s biometric information in violation of section 15(b) or 15(d). (NEVILLE, CUNNINGHAM, and O’BRIEN, concurring and OVERSTREET, THEIS, and HOLDER WHITE, dissenting)
What do lawyers do?
One of the most common questions people have about law and lawyers is “What do lawyers do?”
Lawyers are legal professionals who are trained to provide legal advice, represent clients in legal proceedings, and draft legal documents such as contracts, wills, and legal briefs. Their job is to advocate for their clients’ interests and provide guidance on legal matters.
Another common question people have is “How do I find a good lawyer?”
Finding a good lawyer can be a daunting task, but some ways to find one include asking for recommendations from friends or family members who have had legal experiences, looking for online reviews and ratings of lawyers, checking with local bar associations, and scheduling consultations with potential attorneys to discuss your case and see if they are a good fit for your needs.
Other common questions people have about law and lawyers include the cost of legal services, the time it takes to resolve legal issues, the qualifications required to become a lawyer, and the different types of law that lawyers practice.
Louis M. Pissios
ATTORNEY AND COUNSELOR AT LAW
across the street from the courthouse
9 South County Street
Waukegan, Illinois 60085-5567
Practicing in Criminal Defense and Personal Injury
TELEPHONE (847) 263-0001
One of the most important documents in legal history.
DUI Statistics and Consequences in Illinois
According to the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office, in 2019 there were 26,052 DUI arrests in Illinois. This number has decreased slightly from the previous year, when there were 26,649 DUI arrests.
In addition to the number of arrests, there were 309 alcohol-related fatalities in Illinois in 2019, which was an increase from the previous year, when there were 299 alcohol-related fatalities.
It’s worth noting that DUI statistics can vary from year to year, and that driving under the influence can have serious consequences, including injury or death to oneself or others, as well as legal penalties such as fines, license suspension or revocation, and even jail time. It’s important to always prioritize safety when driving and to never get behind the wheel if you’ve been drinking or using drugs.
The consequences of a DUI in Illinois can be severe, including both administrative and criminal penalties. Here are some of the potential consequences:
- Administrative Penalties: If you are arrested for a DUI in Illinois, the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office will automatically suspend your driver’s license, even before any criminal charges are filed. The length of the suspension will depend on a number of factors, including whether this is your first or subsequent offense, your blood alcohol content (BAC), and whether you refused to take a chemical test. A first-time DUI offense with a BAC of 0.08% or higher can result in a license suspension of up to 6 months.
- Criminal Penalties: If you are convicted of a DUI in Illinois, the criminal penalties can include fines, community service, and even jail time. The severity of the penalties will depend on a number of factors, including whether this is your first or subsequent offense, your BAC, and whether there were any aggravating factors, such as causing an accident that resulted in injury or death. A first-time DUI offense in Illinois is typically a Class A misdemeanor, which can result in fines of up to $2,500 and up to 364 days in jail.
- Ignition Interlock Device: In some cases, the court may require that you install an ignition interlock device (IID) in your vehicle. This device requires you to take a breath test before you can start your car, and it will prevent the car from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath.
- DUI School: In addition to the above penalties, if you are convicted of a DUI in Illinois, you will also be required to attend a DUI school. This program is designed to educate you on the dangers of drunk driving and how to avoid it in the future.
It’s important to note that the penalties for a DUI in Illinois can be more severe for repeat offenders or for those whose BAC was particularly high at the time of the arrest. In addition to legal consequences, a DUI conviction can also have serious consequences for your employment, insurance rates, and other areas of your life.
Louis M. Pissios
ATTORNEY AND COUNSELOR AT LAW
across the street from the courthouse
9 South County Street
Waukegan, Illinois 60085-5567
Practicing in Criminal Defense and Personal Injury
TELEPHONE (847) 263-0001