Misconceptions can cause unnecessary fear, confusion, and poor decision-making. When it comes to criminal charges, misconceptions can lead to serious consequences, impacting the accused's decisions and overall legal strategy. As such, it is important to dispel myths...
Individuals accused of crimes in the United States have rights that help ensure fair treatment and due process from the moment of arrest to the end of the case. The country's forefathers enshrined them in the U.S. Constitution, particularly within the Bill of Rights,...
The surest way for police officers to conduct a legal search is to obtain a warrant signed by a judge. Search warrants can give police officers access to homes and vehicles. They can also compel people to submit to testing that they might otherwise refuse. There are...
If a police officer is asking you questions during a traffic stop or after an arrest, they may say something like “I need you to be honest with me.” There is clearly an expectation that they want you to tell them the truth. You may expect that they are also telling...
You may have seen media clips in high-profile criminal and civil cases of people giving the response “I don’t recall” to questions. Sometimes, they rely on that answer throughout their testimony to the point where it seems ridiculous. The only time that’s an...
The social climate of the United States keeps changing, and one of the results is an increase in tensions between different groups of people. According to recent reports, hate crimes in this country have been steadily rising for some time. With all of the attention on...
Many people feel surprised to learn that they are the subject of a law enforcement investigation. Adults arrested at their home or place of employment may initially not even understand the justification for the arrest. During police questioning or an arraignment, a...
Getting a DUI can severely affect your life now and later, especially in Illinois. The state of Illinois takes DUIs exceptionally seriously, making expungements difficult, if not impossible. Unfortunately, a DUI on your record will not only stain your past history,...
The court has to consider various factors when trying to determine what sentence a person should face if they’re convicted of a crime. Sentencing factors can be divided into two main categories: aggravating factors and mitigating factors. Aggravating factors ...
If you have been convicted of a crime, you may be wondering if there is any way to get your criminal record expunged. This process can be complicated, but it may benefit you in the long run. What are the requirements and the process for having your criminal record...
