Anyone who’s embarking on a sexual encounter with another person has to ensure that the person is consenting to the intimate contact. It’s possible that you could face criminal charges for sexual assault or rape if they didn’t consent to the activities. What does it...
Criminal Defense
How do courts define fraud?
If someone asked you what fraud meant, you would probably be able to come up with a general definition – for example, obtaining money by deceit. Yet, if you find yourself on the end of fraud charges, you need a much more precise legal definition to understand exactly...
The white collar crime realm: a vast, varied and complex universe
Following are two misplaced assumptions concerning the white collar criminal realm. First, there is this widespread belief: The penalties applied to defendants charged with white collar crimes are lax when compared with sentencing outcomes imposed on individuals...
When can police search your person during a traffic stop?
You have protection against unreasonable police searches under the Bill of Rights and important high court rulings. However, your opinion is not what determines whether a search is reasonable or not. A combination of existing law and court precedent establishes when a...
Was the evidence in your case acquired lawfully?
Evidence forms a crucial part of every trial. Its purpose is to prove that the crime was committed and help the judge or jury decide your case. For a guilty verdict, the evidence against you must be overwhelming. However, if the evidence presented against you was...
Can your drinking give you a defense against assault charges?
Most of the time, you are a good-natured and amiable person. You get along with others and have fun in social settings. However, at a party or maybe a bar, someone starts an argument with you. If you've already had a couple of drinks, things get heated more quickly...
Can the police enter your home when they’re pursuing you for a minor offense?
Just how absolute is your right against the warrantless intrusion of your home by the authorities? Broader than you may realize. The police generally have the right to enter a home when they’re in “hot pursuit” of a suspect or “exigent circumstances” make them believe...
What are the assault and battery laws and penalties in Illinois?
Most states treat violent crimes harshly, and Illinois is no exception. Assault and battery are two violent crimes that often lead to severe penalties if the state succeeds in its prosecution efforts. However, you can overcome your situation. The first step is...
When do police have the right to handcuff a person?
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...
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...