In our high tech society, stealing money or property does not require a face-to-face encounter. Everything from checks, electronic bank transfers, to credit and debit cards can be used to commit crimes. In Illinois there is a specific crime for misusing a credit or debit card to try and steal money, goods, or services that you are not entitled to. There is also a law that makes it illegal to use certain deceptive practices, often involving checks, to obtain money,...

Illinois has very strict laws that govern minors and alcohol. Anyone under age 21 can be convicted of a crime just for holding alcohol, even if they never drink a sip. The consequences for any convictions relating to being a minor and drinking or possessing alcohol can impact your life even after you have completed any criminal sentence. Types of Crimes Relating to Minors and Alcohol  The most basic crime involving being a minor and having alcohol is called minor...

Throughout the United States prisons and jails are increasingly filled with people who suffer from severe forms of mental illness. One recent study found that across the country some 356,000 inmates in jails and prisons have serious mental illnesses, while only 35,000 individuals with severe mental illnesses reside in state psychiatric hospitals. Illinois, like many states, offers criminal defendants the option to raise the so-called insanity defense when charged with a crime. The Illinois Insanity Defense Under the law in...

Divorces are notoriously contentious legal matters. With emotions running high, divorce cases can often become tense and deeply adversarial. Unfortunately, in some cases the aggressiveness in divorce reaches unsafe levels. Sometimes, a party to the divorce may need to seek an order of protection against the other. Such an order can help protect a party from abuse, threats of harm, harassment and stalking. However, in order to file for an order of protection, the concerned party must take certain steps...

Whether you are a domestic violence victim, or have been accused of domestic violence, it is important to contact an attorney for an order of protection case. These cases are very fact-specific, and it takes an experienced attorney to sort through the complexities involved. Your attorney can represent you in court, and advocate for your needs. Both the petitioner and the respondent face different difficulties in the order of protection process. This legal process is not simple, but your lawyer...

Victims of alleged domestic violence, assault, or battery can seek legal protection through orders of protection. These orders of protection are broadly organized into two categories: criminal and civil. The specific facts of your case will determine whether a victim chooses to seek a criminal or civil order of protection. Whether you need to seek an order of protection, or need to defend yourself against such an order, it is important to consult with an experienced domestic violence attorney. Criminal...

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...