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Recent Blog Posts
Steps to Fight an Illinois Speeding Ticket
If you have received a speeding ticket in Illinois but know you were not driving over the speed limit, you have the right to contest the ticket. You are responsible for proving your innocence in this situation, and you should be aware of how to do so. Defending yourself can be challenging, but with the help of an experienced Illinois lawyer, you can increase your chances of success.
Gathering Evidence to Support Your Case
To fight a speeding ticket you did not deserve, you need to gather evidence that supports your case. This may include photos or videos of the road or traffic conditions, GPS data, or witness statements. An experienced Illinois lawyer can help you gather this evidence and determine the most relevant and useful evidence for your case.
Challenging the Ticket in Court
If you are contesting a speeding ticket that was undeservedly given to you, it is essential that you display respect and truthfulness in the courtroom. Your attorney can assist with court preparation by providing advice and guidance throughout this necessary process.
How Do I Know if My Rights Were Violated When I Got Pulled Over for DUI?
If you were pulled over for DUI in Illinois, it is crucial to know your rights and how to recognize if they were violated during the stop. This blog post will provide an overview of your constitutional rights during a DUI stop and how to recognize if those rights were violated, as well as what to do if you believe they were.
Understanding Your Rights During a DUI Stop
When you are stopped for DUI in Illinois, you have some constitutional rights that stop you from unreasonable searches and seizures. The Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees the right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures, which means that law enforcement officers must have a legitimate reason for stopping you, and must follow specific procedures when searching your person or vehicle.
During a DUI stop, it’s important to remain respectful to the officer, but you should also be aware of your rights.
Is Having Drug Paraphernalia the Same as Being Caught with Drugs?
You are probably aware that in Illinois it is against the law to possess illegal drugs such as cocaine or heroin. But did you know that even without the presence of uncontrolled substances, you could find yourself facing drug charges? If you are arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia you could have a legal battle ahead. At Scott F. Anderson, Attorney at Law, we have worked with many people in similar situations and are here to help you navigate through this stressful situation.
What Items Could be Labeled Drug Paraphernalia?
Under the Drug Paraphernalia Control Act, drug paraphernalia includes items that are designed to among other things, consume, package, or store illegal drugs. Here are some examples of drug paraphernalia:
- Bongs or water pipes
- Syringes
- Scales to weigh drug amounts
- Small plastic bags
- Sifters used to prepare the drugs
Under Age Drinking is Not Tolerated under Illinois Law
As a parent, you only want the best for your child. But when they make decisions that are against the law, it is natural to be upset and disappointed, especially if they find ways to get their hands on alcohol or worse yet, drink and drive. You need an experienced criminal defense attorney to help you protect your child’s future if they are facing DUI charges.
Using a Fake ID
Teens can be very resourceful and they can easily figure out a way to get a fake identification, to gain access to alcohol. But if a teen is caught using someone else’s ID or a fake ID, they could be charged with a Class A misdemeanor and face one year in jail and up to $2,500 in fines. If they possess or attempt to use a fake ID it is considered a Class 4 felony, which has a possible sentence of one to three years in prison and up to $25,000 in fines. If they get behind the wheel of a car after consuming alcohol the consequences are more serious. A conviction of any crime involving a fake ID can lead to a suspension or revocation of their driver’s license.
Defense Strategies For Sex Crimes
Being charged with a sex crime can have life-changing consequences. It can destroy your family, career, and reputation. In Illinois, if there is a conviction you could spend years in prison and be required to register as a sex offender. It is important to have an experienced attorney to help you build a robust defense to fight sex crime charges. Attorney Scott Anderson is a former prosecutor and he knows how to stay one step ahead of the other side.
Silence
If you have been accused of a sex crime, silence is the best course to protect yourself. Do not answer police questions especially if they coerce you into talking. It is simply a tactic to attain information. Under the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, you have the right to avoid answering questions that may be self-incriminatory. The best way to do this is to say nothing and simply request to see your attorney.
Pregnant Women and Domestic Violence: Understanding Potential Charges
Domestic violence is prevalent in the United States even though government officials, police, and community groups have tried to fight this problem. Many women continue to experience rape and physical injury by their intimate partners. Nationwide, about one in four women face domestic abuse. What is so alarming according to a new study is that 68 percent of pregnant women are killed with a firearm used by their partner. Depending on the circumstances of each case, in Illinois, domestic violence is a crime that can be considered a felony. If you are facing charges of domestic violence, you need the expertise of a criminal defense attorney.
Alarming Statistics
Unfortunately, domestic violence is often fatal and it is most likely among women who are pregnant or those who have just given birth. Researchers found that between 2009 and 2019, black women faced a higher risk of being killed compared to other groups. The new findings also suggest that laws that restrict a woman’s access to abortion increase the risk of death among pregnant women.
What is an Aggravated DUI in Illinois?
An aggravated felony DUI in the state of Illinois is a very serious matter. It is a drunk driving accusation that results in felony charges. Depending on the circumstances of the DUI, even a first-time aggravated DUI conviction could lead to severe criminal penalties. The consequences can range from mandatory jail time to hefty fines. If you are facing charges of aggravated DUI it is in your best interest to work with a DUI criminal defense attorney.
Aggravating Factors in a DUI Case
The following situations are some examples of what constitutes aggravated DUI under Illinois drunk driving laws:
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Driving a school bus while intoxicated with children under the age of 18.
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Being under the influence and causing an accident resulting in great bodily injury to someone else, including disfigurement or permanent disability.
Understanding the Professional and Personal Consequences of a Criminal Conviction
Every day, people are arrested and charged with criminal acts. Depending on what type of crime you are charged with allegedly committing, your biggest worry may not even be the legal consequences you will face if you are convicted of the crime. For some people, their greatest fear is how being charged with a crime may disrupt or irrevocably alter their personal and professional lives. Beyond the punishment handed down by the court, the collateral consequences of a criminal conviction can impact many aspects of an individual’s life. Today, we will examine how being charged with a crime can dramatically alter your life, from affecting your ability to get a job, to housing, educational opportunities, and more.
The first step in fighting a criminal charge is to hire an attorney. If you have been charged with a crime, consider contacting an experienced criminal defense attorney to understand your rights and best legal options.
I Was Charged with Theft; Could I Go to Prison?
Theft is a serious crime in the state of Illinois, and it carries severe consequences for those who are convicted of it. Theft can be defined as taking another person's property without permission. The severity of the punishment for theft depends on several factors, including the value of the property stolen, the type of property stolen, and the circumstances surrounding the theft.
Today, we will look at important considerations if you are ever charged with theft. Make no mistake: theft is a crime that can upend one's life if convicted. To help prevent a detrimental conviction, consider contacting an experienced criminal defense attorney who will passionately defend your rights as you fight to defend yourself and move on with your life.
What Crimes Constitute Theft?
In Illinois, theft can include a variety of crimes, such as robbery, larceny, burglary, embezzlement, and more. Robbery, for example, involves taking property from another person through the use of force or threat of force. In contrast, burglary involves breaking into a building with the intent to commit theft. Embezzlement consists of the theft of property entrusted to someone, such as an employee stealing from their employer.
Weighing Your Options: What Are the Benefits and Drawbacks of Going to Trial in a Criminal Case?
Going to trial in a criminal defense case can be a complex and highly emotional decision for any defendant. On the one hand, the Constitution protects the right to a fair trial, and the opportunity to present evidence can be crucial in securing a favorable outcome. On the other hand, the process of going to trial can be notoriously time-consuming, costly, and can bring unwanted attention and uncertainty to the defendant as well as their family. In this blog, we will look at the benefits and drawbacks of going to trial in Illinois criminal defense cases to help you make an informed decision.
First, if you have been charged with a criminal act, do not hesitate to contact a distinguished criminal defense attorney who can work to ensure your rights are protected and respected and that a positive outcome is pursued in your case.
Benefits of Going to Trial
CALL US TODAY AT 847-253-3400 FOR A FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION
Client accused of burglary was acquitted due to our skillful cross examination of eye witness identification.
Client accused of causing the death of another while driving under the influence - Acquitted.
Client accused of first degree murder - Acquitted.
Client accused of embezzlement - Charges never filed.
Hundreds of Secretary of State hearings for Drivers License Reinstatement - Won.
121 S. Wilke, Suite 301, Arlington Heights, IL 60005
847-253-3400
