The law allows stalking victims to seek out a court order barring contact between them and their stalkers. These orders of protection can be useful legal tools that both establish the pattern of abuse as well as provide the victim real help. If you want to seek an order of protection, you must first prove several facts to the court. It can be difficult to concentrate on your legal case while simultaneously coping with the trauma of your situation. Fortunately,...

Like many states, Illinois has created a specific state agency to handle regulation of certain professions that require licenses. In Illinois, the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) handles licensing and creates regulations for such medical, financial, and other professionals within the state. The IDFPR also deals with any formal complaints against the professionals in its jurisdiction. The IDFPR Complaint Process Complaints can arise from a number of different circumstances. An individual, such as a displeased former client,...

If you are facing a complaint in the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), there is important information you need to know. Regardless of how the complaint was initiated, the IDFPR is required to investigate. During this investigation the IDFPR will gather information about you, your firm or practice, and any evidence of alleged violation of Department regulations or other wrongdoing. Whether or not you believe the complaint lacks substance, these matters should always be handled seriously. IDFPR Complaints...

Gun owners’ rights have long been a controversial topic in Illinois. In fact, Illinois was the last state in the entire country to allow gun owners to carry weapons in public. In 2013, state law expanded to allow not only public carry, but concealed carry as well. However, the same law restricts where a state resident can carry his or her concealed weapon in public. Every gun owner should be aware of these restrictions, and potential legal consequences of violating...

Are you a licensed professional facing a DUI in Illinois? If so, you should be aware of how a DUI conviction could impact your life. If convicted of a DUI, you could face not only legal penalties, but licensure issues as well. A DUI can seriously affect your professional certification. Contacting an experienced DUI defense lawyer can help you explore your options. DUI Penalties Driving under the influence is a serious crime in Illinois. The law forbids drivers from unsafely...

Countless licensed professional across Cook County and Illinois are required to obtain their licensure from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). These professionals come from numerous industries, including the nursing, banking, and medical fields. Because these professionals rely on the IDFPR to grant their licenses, their careers are inextricably tied to this department. This means that the IDFPR can investigate licensed professionals for alleged misconduct, and penalized those found in violation of this Department’s rules. If you...

Marital Property Defined Generally, marital property is all property acquired during the parties’ marriage. Marital property usually includes property that is solely titled in one spouse’s name, such as a house or vehicle. This rule also applies to each spouse’s income, and many other financial assets. Since a marriage is not only a romantic commitment but also a legal union, spouses essentially become one financial entity. This is why spouses can split up financial assets such as income during divorce....

Currently, Illinois drivers face tough penalties if convicted on DUI charges related to drugged driving, even in cases where the driver is not impaired. A recent proposal in the Illinois legislature could lighten some of the restrictions placed on drivers who use marijuana. All drivers should be aware of both current DUI laws and the how these laws could change in the near future. Current Marijuana DUI Laws The term DUI, or driving under the influence, actually applies to instances...

Filing for divorce is a decision that will affect nearly every aspect of your life. When you do choose to file for divorce, the ensuing legal process may become quite complex. No divorce is ever “simple,” and it can lead to challenging legal issues. Often, an important part of many cases is recovering information through the process of discovery and depositions. Your attorney can use what is gained during a deposition to help in the resolution of your case. Like...

Choosing to file for divorce initiates a complex legal process. There are many legal steps to take as your divorce case continues. Before actually filing, you must first provide a legal reason for the divorce. Selecting the grounds for your divorce can be complex, as there are many factors to consider. Before filing, read the information below. Then, contact an experienced family lawyer to discuss your options. Fault-Based Divorce The grounds for divorce are essentially the legal reasons you provide...

Not only is a divorce a complex personal issue, but the legal process can be quite complicated as well. There are many steps to getting divorced, beyond filing for divorce in court. While some cases are more lengthy and complicated than others, there are many legal steps that are standard to most divorce matters. In a contested divorce (where the spouses cannot agree about getting divorced or about major issues like property division), a common part of the process is...

If your child has been arrested or charged in a juvenile criminal case, there is important information you need to know as the parent. Juvenile cases are given special considerations under Illinois law. The law imposes certain requirements on police when detaining and interrogating alleged juvenile offenders. If your minor child is facing charges, learn more about their rights below. Then, contact a local juvenile defense lawyer. How Are Juveniles Charged? As with all criminal charges, juvenile charges depend on...

Illinois police officers and prosecutors have been cracking down on motorists driving under the influence (DUI). When a driver is stopped for a DUI, police may administer a breath test to help them determine whether the driver was in fact under the influence of alcohol at the time. You have a right to refuse these tests.  In some cases, an officer will request that you submit t a breath test during the stop. Other times, the police will request a breath...

In Illinois, a driver who is unsafely impaired by drugs or alcohol could face a DUI charge. DUI, or driving under the influence, is a serious criminal charge in Illinois. A driver convicted of DUI, even for a first offense, can face stiff penalties. State DUI laws are complex, and are made even more complicated by recent changes to Illinois medical marijuana laws. If you are a medical marijuana user, read the important information below. Changes to Illinois DUI Laws...

Drug laws are changing in many state throughout the country, and Illinois is no exception. Recent changes to state law create new drug charges and harsh penalties related to buying, selling, making, and possessing synthetic drugs. Some of these drugs used to be legal to buy and sell, so some users may not realize they are breaking the law. As with all drug charges, the state aggressively prosecutes synthetic drug crimes. Read the information below, and learn more about how...