Firearms Offenses

Truth-in-sentencing: defendants must serve more than 50% of the sentence imposed

March 20, 2013
Thumbnail image for Truth-in-sentencing: defendants must serve more than 50% of the sentence imposed

Defendants in felony cases are subject to special rules in sentencing. Compared to misdemeanor sentencing, felonies are complicated. The court is governed by obscure rules that can sometimes produce unexpected results. And the last thing a defense attorney wants in court is to advise a client on a sentence and have something unexpected come up. [...]

Read the full article

New seat belt law in Illinois could increase profiling in traffic stops

February 9, 2012
Thumbnail image for New seat belt law in Illinois could increase profiling in traffic stops

Illinois lawmakers made a significant change to the vehicle code that is effective in 2012. Starting January 1, 2012, anyone who drives or rides in a motor vehicle in the state of Illinois will be required to wear a seat belt. This was not always the law. Prior to 2012, a backseat passenger in Illinois [...]

Read the full article

Aggravated unlawful use of a weapon under Illinois law

October 5, 2011
Thumbnail image for Aggravated unlawful use of a weapon under Illinois law

The state of Illinois has some of the nation’s toughest laws on firearms. It is tragic because Chicago is one of the most violent places in America. If there is any place in America where a person would need a firearm for protection, it would be Chicago. Although the Second Amendment gives each person the [...]

Read the full article

Illinois State Police can deny Firearm Owner’s Identification Card to persons convicted of domestic offenses

March 6, 2010
Thumbnail image for Illinois State Police can deny Firearm Owner’s Identification Card to persons convicted of domestic offenses

Illinois requires all persons who own or purchase firearms to register for a Firearm Owner’s Identification Card (FOID card). It is a criminal offense to possess a weapon without a FOID card. The firearms owner must submit the application to the Illinois State Police, who will conduct a thorough background check to see if the [...]

Read the full article