Most people have never had law enforcement officers place handcuffs on them. It can be a frightening and intimidating experience when it happens for the first time (or even if it’s not your first time). We generally associate being handcuffed with being placed under...
Northern Illinois Criminal Defense And Real Estate Law Blog
You really can rebuild your credit after bankruptcy
There are many reasons why people are often hesitant to file for bankruptcy. One that debtors often share is that they fear that they'll never regain creditworthy status again. A bankruptcy will indeed remain on your credit report for between seven to ten years once a...
Is bankruptcy really the nuclear option for debt relief?
Bankruptcy has certainly been portrayed as a last-ditch effort to rid a person of debt. It has been scrutinized and villainized in the media, so it isn’t surprising when people believe that it is their last option and should be avoided at all costs. Bankruptcy is...
Can the police draw your blood after a drugged driving arrest?
Certain driving behaviors might lead the police to pull you over. If you weave, drive too slowly or stop for seemingly no reason, police might suspect that you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If roadside breath testing shows no alcohol in your system or...
Significant medical debt is what plagues most bankruptcy filers
Medical costs have skyrocketed in recent years, a factor that has left many Illinois residents encumbered by debt. It shouldn't come as a surprise to learn that researchers published a 2019 study in the American Journal of Public Health listing medical bills as one of...
Does an as-is listing for cash sale mean you can hide defects in a property?
Sometimes, when there are major issues with a property, it makes more sense to sell it than to invest in repairs or upgrades. Maybe you inherited a home from your parents that is a true fixer-upper. Perhaps you just regained possession of a rental home that the same...
How do the police spot drunk drivers?
Unfortunately, many motorists haven't gotten the message about how dangerous it is to drive while intoxicated. That's why countless Illinois drivers end up facing driving under the influence (DUI) charges each year. The police are definitely watching. In fact, there...
Debt relief or bankruptcy? Here’s why bankruptcy is better
When you are struggling with debts, it’s important that you choose how you want to move forward and eliminate them. You have two main options, which are to enter into bankruptcy or seek debt relief through other methods. If debt is overwhelming you, you may not see a...
What is a zoning variance?
If you’re buying or leasing a building to use for a commercial venture, you need to make sure that it is in the right zone. Your intentions for that space may not be allowed if it is not. The most common zones are residential, commercial and industrial, but you also...
You can tell the police not to enter your home
No matter what they tell you, you do have the right to tell police officers they can’t enter your home. If they come to the door and try to badger you into opening it, you can stand your ground. You don’t even need to open the door for the officers; many people choose...
