From Roger Stone to Jussie Smollett, there have been a number of recent high-profile court cases going before grand juries at the federal and state level. We have heard of grand jury indictments handed down and hours of grand jury testimony given. So, what exactly is a grand jury? Many people have misconceptions about how grand juries work, often confusing them with the juries that would decide the verdict in a criminal case. There is an assumption that a grand...

The scene is a common one in Illinois: You are out with friends and the police pull you over, perhaps for a relatively minor traffic violation, like rolling through a stop sign, speeding, or having a broken taillight. Officers conduct a search and find that another person in the car has marijuana. Instead of a traffic ticket, now you are charged with possession of drugs. You could face jail time, steep fines, probation, and other penalties – even if you...

We previously covered the standards of school searches from the perspective of administrators. It is also important to review the constitutionality of investigations from another key individual’s point of view — the student that is being searched. As shootings, bullying, and violence are on the rise, teachers and administrators will intensify their efforts to keep students safe. Though security and safety issues are critical, searches must still comply with an individual’s civil rights, even if that individual is a minor....

Today, students from kindergarten up to college face safety threats that were unimaginable a generation ago. School shootings, bullying, beatings, and other issues have prompted many administrators to take a hard stance against criminal activity on school grounds. As part of their strategy to make the premises safe, many administrators resort to conducting searches of their students – either individually or as part of a systematic approach. These searches prompt many questions about the scope of school searches, particularly what...

Following in the footsteps of New York, Washington recently became the second state to prohibit an insurance product offered by the National Rifle Association (NRA), Carry Guard, which provides monetary benefits to legal gun owners who are arrested in connection with gun crimes. In a January 16, 2019 statement, the Washington Insurance Commissioner announced that the insurance product violates state law barring policies that protect criminal activity. According to the Chicago-Sun Times, California has also taken similar action, prompting many...

Assault and battery are often confused. Many people consider them the same criminal offense, but they are actually two distinct crimes under state law. The Illinois Criminal Code includes the specific definitions of both assault and battery, but the terminology can be difficult to understand. If you were arrested on assault and/or battery charges, it is important to reach out to an experienced criminal defense attorney right away. The following is some important information about assault and battery crimes in...

In every Illinois divorce case, the parties will have to address what happens to their property. What many do not realize is that debt is also a key component in the process. An Illinois allocation of debt attorney can provide information on your specific situation, but here are some answers to frequently asked questions about debt in divorce cases. What Does Illinois Law Say About Debt in Divorce? The Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act states that all “marital...

Congratulations are in order for Attorney Thomas T. Glasgow of the Schaumburg, IL law firm of Glasgow & Olsson, who was recent selected to the 2019 Illinois Super Lawyers list for his work in the area of criminal defense. Being named in this prestigious directory is one of the highest honors in the legal field, a distinction reserved for just 5% of attorneys in the State of Illinois. Super Lawyers goes through a rigorous, meticulous process when selecting lawyers to...

The Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act covers the topic of alimony in divorce cases, referring to it as “spousal maintenance.” No party is automatically entitled to receive this form of financial support, but it may be awarded by a court under certain circumstances. Once one party has established that alimony is appropriate, the next questions become the amount and how long it must be paid to the recipient. The court makes a determination by turning to the Illinois...

A slew of new laws went into effect in Illinois as of January 1, 2019, and a couple of them have significant implications for owners or potential purchasers of firearms. Both were enacted by the Illinois Senate and House of Representatives, followed up by signature of the Governor, in July 2018. If you are thinking of buying a gun, or have concerns about how one law may put a red flag on firearm owners considered dangerous to others, here is...

While most couples seek to resolve divorce issues through a smooth, amicable process, the proceedings can also bring out the worst in some people. One spouse may be tempted to conceal assets out of spite, knowing that keeping them out of court could lead to a better outcome in the case. An experienced Illinois divorce and division of marital assets attorney can assist if you suspect some type of misconduct, and an overview of finding hidden property may also help....

If you are charged with drunk driving in Illinois, there are both criminal and administrative implications that affect your life right away. When you are arrested, police will confiscate your driver’s license and your driving privileges may be suspended by the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office Department of Driver Services. There are also criminal penalties because Driving Under the Influence (DUI) is against the law. Even if this is a first-time offense, you face probation, fines, or jail time. Though...

One of the most common tips for avoiding a DUI is usually the least helpful, as well: When you see police lights flashing, it is already too late to go back in time and decide not to get behind the wheel. At this point, your best strategy to fight an Illinois drunk driving case is damage control. Fortunately, there are some recommendations that can help you through your encounter with police before, during, and after the stop. Considering the serious...

If you are pulled over on suspicion of drunk driving in Illinois, the officer may request that you take certain physical tests to determine whether there is alcohol in your system. These “field sobriety tests” are commonly conducted by police at the scene, so they can decide if a breathalyzer or other investigation is necessary. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has established three standardized tests that law enforcement across the US may use in the field. However, the test...

All U.S. states have some variation of an implied consent law, which means you automatically agree to consent to a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) test for drunk driving when you get your driver’s license. Under Illinois’ implied consent statute, you face harsh punishment if you refuse a breathalyzer or other type of chemical test. A first offense means an automatic driver’s license suspension for one year. Additional refusals can lead to a suspension of your driving privileges for up to...