Articles Posted in Criminal Defense

Recently, scientists have discovered that the brain does not fully mature until the early 20s, and the last to mature are the areas responsible for controlling impulses and considering the consequences of one’s actions. In fact, there is evidence suggesting that the process of brain development is gradual and based on an individual rate of…

The Whitey Bulger trial is one of the most-watched trials of the century. Reminiscent of something from 1950s film noir, the mob trial has captured national attention largely because of the enormous scale of Bulger’s criminal operations along with the added intrigue of his status as an FBI informant. America’s fascination with Godfatheresque characters and…

Every once in a while, you need a little levity. And when you spend your days defending those accused of serious crimes and coming into contact with those who, in a gross aberration of justice, are wrongly accused of crimes they did not commit, it is important to take a look at the sometimes humorous…

What can be done when funds and public defenders are scarce? John Stuart, Minnesota State Public Defender, wrote an editorial in the Star Tribune back in March on the 50th anniversary of Gideon v. Wainwright to call attention to the issues facing the public defense system in our nation. It seems, writes Stuart, that access…

A 45-year-old male is facing a litany of criminal charges following a routine traffic stop. Officers initially stopped the driver for failure to dim his headlights, but by the time it was all said and done, he was charged with improper lane use, speeding, driving without a valid license, DUI, and the illegal transportation of…

If you are convicted of a weapons charge in Chicago, the penalties can be severe, even if you are a first time offender. The problem is that you could end up with a criminal record without ever having had criminal intent at all. The weapons laws governing the area, and the entire state of Illinois,…

A recent situation in the area highlights how relatively easy it is for someone to make a criminal accusation that is untrue. If you are ever faced with such a situation, a knowledgeable, experienced criminal lawyer in Chicago will be your most valuable asset as you attempt to defend yourself and protect your rights and…

If you are facing felony charges in Chicago, the penalties you will face if convicted are severe. Inevitably, it will involve incarceration, often for many years—possibly for life. If you are released from prison, probation will be involved, and your entire future will be damaged. You will face scrutiny at every turn and will have…

If you are facing charges in Chicago and you have a previous criminal history, only a tough, smart, and aggressive Chicago criminal attorney can obtain the best possible outcome in your case. Despite the familiar refrain that anyone accused of a crime is to be presumed innocent until proven guilty, if you have a previous…

As happens with many police forces, area police recently vowed to increase their vigilance when it comes to drunk driving. Consequently, one recent weekend saw multiple DUI arrests in the area because the fact is, when law enforcement promises to “crack down” on a particular criminal activity, arrests increase. However, an increase in arrests doesn’t…