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...
Criminal Defense
Why should you be cautious about saying “I don’t recall” under oath?
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...
What’s a hate crime?
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...
Can criminal defendants review the state’s evidence?
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...
Can you have a DUI expunged in Illinois?
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,...
What factors are considered during criminal sentencing?
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 ...
Can you get your criminal record expunged?
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...
Internet crime growing more common
There has clearly been a rise in cybercrime over the last few decades, corresponding to the general rise of the Internet. However, even when you look at recent statistics, you can see that Internet crimes are still increasing. The Internet is far from new and it is...
What everyone should know about “pleading the Fifth”
There are a lot of misconceptions about when a person can and cannot invoke their right to “plead the Fifth” or “take the Fifth” if they’re under questioning or charged with a crime. The U.S. Constitution’s Fifth Amendment says that no person “shall be compelled in...
What should you know about your Miranda rights?
If you’ve ever watched a true crime show, you’ve heard the police officers read someone their Miranda rights. This is a series of statements that are meant to tell a defendant about their rights when they’re interacting with police officers while in custody. One of...