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Recent Blog Posts
Illinois Retail Theft Ring Broken Up
Aretail theft ring made up of six individuals has been broken up and resulted in charges being filed for all six individuals involved, according to The Times. Thousands of dollars worth of merchandise was stolen by six people throughout Illinois and Northwest Indiana. Both Illinois and Indiana police departments were investigating a string of retail theft instances. The suspects were found after detectives identified the individuals on surveillance tapes.
Additionally, detectives were able to use an informant to gain more information about the six suspects. The theft ring was targeting more high-end items, like electronics and handbags. Two of the suspects are in custody, with warrants out for the other four individuals. The investigation is ongoing as the detectives on the case are looking for additional evidence or thefts committed by the ring.
Illinois Supreme Court to Hear Case on Juvenile Sentencing
Juvenile crime should be taken seriously. Society does not want to teach young offenders that they can get away with whatever they want. However, there is a big difference in making sure that a young person knows whathe or she did was wrong and sentencinghim or her to life in prison. The Illinois Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case to determine when the length of a sentence is “too much” for juvenile offenders.
Specifics of the Case
Dimitri Buffer was sentenced to 50 years in prison at the age of 16; 25 years for murder and 25 years for the use of a firearm. Following this sentencing, the United States Supreme Court decided the case Miller v. Alabama. In the case, the Court found that mandatory life sentences for juveniles without the chance for parole amount to the level of cruel and unusual punishment. There is evidence that the human brain develops past the first 20 years of life. This can reduce a juvenile’s culpability and ability to access the dangers and wrongdoing associated with crimes.
The Use of Circumstantial Evidence in Illinois Criminal Cases
If you turn on any crime drama show, chances are you have heard a prosecutor or defense attorney utter the phrase, “you only have circumstantial evidence.” As a viewer of a television program, you might just hearthese words and not think about what circumstantial evidence is or the role it plays incriminal defense cases. Circumstantial evidence is not just a phrase you hear television lawyers throw around, however, but a real type of evidence that is at issue in criminal proceedings.
Direct vs. Circumstantial Evidence
There are two types of evidence that can be used in criminal trials. Direct evidence is actual physical evidence used to link a defendant directly to a crime. This could be a video surveillance tape, a fingerprint at the crime scene, or any other evidence that directly points to a defendant committing a crime.
Lyft Driver Charged in Fatal Crash with Intoxicated Driver
Both a driver for the rideshare company Lyft and another motorist are facing charges for driving under the influence (DUI) after a fatal crash last month.
One man was driving and crossed over the center line, according to WGN9 Chicago. He collided with the Lyft driver head-on. The passenger in the Lyft was not injured and is in good condition. Unfortunately, the female passenger in the first driver’s vehicle was killed as a result of the crash. She was taken to the hospital where she later died from her injuries.
The motorist was charged with a felony aggravated DUI that resulted in the accident and death and is also facing a misdemeanor driving under the influence of drugs charge. The Lyft driver is facing charges of driving under the influence of drugs. Again, this is a misdemeanor charge.
Teen Drivers Face Stricter Driving Laws
Few things compare in a young person’s life to finally being able to drive a car onhis or her own.He or she hastaken driver’s training, driven the required amount of hours with an experienced driver, andcan nowdrive onhis or her own.However, with this freedom comes an added responsibility.
Since teen drivers are so new and inexperienced, they face stricter rules and regulations in an effort to keep the driver, and those around them, safe.
Cell Phone Use
In Illinois, a driver is not permitted to be onhis or her cell phone or other handheld device while driving.He or she can only make calls with a hands-free option. However, the rule is different for teen drivers. A driver under the age of 18 is not permitted to use a cell phone while driving at all, even ifthe deviceis hands-free. The only exception is in the event the driver needs to call 911 or otherwise contact emergency services or the police.
Illinois Football Players Charged with Theft
Two University of Illinois football players are currently in the news for more than their football skills. The two linebackers for the Illini stole a deer sculpture from a local park. The pairis being charged with theft with a value between $500 and $10,000.
The two allegedly saw the sculpture on the ground when they were walking home, according to CBS Sports. The deer, named “Startled,” is estimated to be worth $5,000. After taking the sculpture from the park, the two football players placed the deer on their rooftop. The park district director says that steps and measures have been taken so that the deer cannot be placed on any other rooftops throughout the city.
Theft in Illinois
Overall, a theft charge is a serious offense that must be treated as such. Illinois law defines theft as when a person knowingly:
Illinois Legislature Considering Stricter Penalties for Texting Drivers
It should come as no surprise that driving with any type of distraction is dangerous to you and everyone else on the roadways. One of the biggest distractions plaguing drivers is the number of drivers who are texting and driving. Concluded in a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, texting drivers can be six times more dangerous thandrivers operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Because of the dangerous nature of texting and driving, and other types of distracted driving, Illinois lawmakers have imposed a bill that would make texting and driving offenses more serious, according to My Stateline. In 2014, Illinois passed a law that made first time texting and driving offenses a nonmoving violation. House Bill 4846 changes this law and makes texting and driving a moving offense. The bill passed in the House and moved to the Illinois Senate for consideration and vote. Bill 4846 was also passed by the Senate.
Defenses for Domestic Violence Charges
Domestic violence is a major problem across the state. In general, the Illinois Domestic Violence Act provides remedies available to those who might be victims of domestic violence. When appropriate, abusers must face consequences for their actions. However, not everyone charged withdomestic violence is guilty.
Overall, while the law is meant to protect victims, some individuals may choose to falsely allege domestic violence in order to advance their agenda. If you have been charged with domestic violence in the state, it is imperative that you fully understand the scope of the crime and how to mount a solid defense.
False Allegations
One of thegreatest concerns in domestic violence situations is determining who is telling the truth. Situations can turn into a “he said, she said” battle that is hard to handle. With sympathy usually going to the alleged victim, the best way to prove the allegations are false is to poke holes in that person’s story. If you find inconsistencies and false statements that can be corroborated, itmay be easier to prove that the alleged victim is making false accusations. False allegations are often used in child custody cases and divorce to get a more favorable outcome.
New Bill Could Lead to More Cases Tried in Juvenile Court
Everyone makes mistakes, but minors and young adults are prone to doing so because they are learning and developing. Of course, mistakes often have consequences, but they should not alter the course of a person’s life.
A new bill introduced by State Representative Laura Fine would let judges decide if misdemeanor cases of 18, 19, and 20-year-olds could be tried in juvenile court, rather than adult court, according to WSIL-TV.
Rep. Fine stated the bill was introduced to focus on misdemeanors to “give kids who make a mistake a second chance.” Science tells us that the brain is not fully developed until around the age of 26. Therefore, a young adult might not be in complete control forhis or her crimes. The purpose is to not excuse criminal behavior, but to give the young adult the chance to rehabilitate through juvenile court rather than face the harsher penalties imposed in regular court.
Illinois Cracks Down on Underage Drinking
The legal drinking age in Illinois is 21. That being said, this does not stop individuals under the age of 21 from consuming alcoholic drinks at an alarming rate.Underage drinking is dangerous and can have serious consequences. And, to be sure, there are various crimes a juvenile can be charged with in relation to alcohol— underage drinking, drinking and driving, and the use of a fake ID are just a few of the crimes. Each of these crimes can result in punishment that can greatly affect a young person’s life in the years to come.
Crimes Related to Underage Drinking in Illinois
If you or a loved one has been charged with any of the following crimes in Illinois, it is imperative that you reach out to our legal team immediately:
- Underage Drinking: It is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to drink alcohol. Illinois law states that the “possession, consumption, purchase, or receipt of alcohol by an individual under the age of 21” results in suspension of driving privileges. The first conviction results in a three-month suspension of driving privileges and court supervision for six months. A second conviction can result in suspension for one year and any other subsequent convictions can result in revocation of a driver’s license.
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