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...
Northern Illinois Criminal Defense And Real Estate Law Blog
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...
Credit card balances could slowly push you to bankruptcy
When you don't make quite enough to cover all of your expenses out of pocket each month, credit cards are invaluable. They help you cover expenses until you have another paycheck in the bank. People tend to lean on them even more during the holidays to cover gifts,...
How can you protect your assets during bankruptcy?
One big question that people considering bankruptcy ask is what kinds of assets creditors can take during the bankruptcy. The answer depends on the kind of bankruptcy you have as well as the exemptions you take. If you go through a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you will not...
Breathalyzer tests aren’t foolproof: Here’s why
Imagine being behind the wheel and having an officer pull you over. They might claim that you were driving in an unusual way or being reckless. They could claim that you have a light out or ran a stop sign. Then, they might ask if you’ve been drinking. While you don’t...
Are there any drawbacks of Chapter 7 bankruptcy?
If you’re unhappy with your financial decision, it never hurts to learn more about Chapter 7 bankruptcy. As you come to better understand the benefits, you’ll find it easier to decide if this is the right way to escape many of your financial problems. The primary...