Posted on August 14, 2025 in Juvenile Offenses

If your child faces criminal charges, it can be a confusing and frightening time. In Illinois, juvenile crimes are usually handled differently from adult crimes. When a minor is accused of a crime, the case is generally processed through the juvenile court system. However, cases involving certain serious crimes are sometimes moved to adult criminal court. If you have questions about specific charges, our Naperville, IL criminal defense attorney can help you understand the legal system and protect your child’s rights.

What Is the Difference Between Juvenile and Adult Court in Illinois?

The key difference between juvenile and adult courts in Illinois is the focus of the legal process. Juvenile courts emphasize rehabilitation, education, and treatment. Under 705 ILCS 405/, known as the Illinois Juvenile Court Act, the court must consider the best interests of the minor when making decisions about their case. Juveniles usually face judges who are specially trained to work with youth, and the hearings are often more informal.

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 Posted on August 08, 2025 in Criminal Defense

When a minor is caught shoplifting in Illinois, it is treated as a serious offense, even if it is the first time the child has gotten into legal trouble. Retail theft, even at a young age, can lead to court involvement and lasting consequences. However, the Illinois juvenile justice system is designed to focus more on helping minors learn from their mistakes rather than punishing them harshly. A skilled Naperville, IL juvenile crimes defense attorney can help you understand the charges and protect your child’s rights.

What Does Illinois Law Say About Juvenile Retail Theft?

In Illinois, retail theft means taking merchandise from a store without paying the full price. This can include hiding items while leaving a store and switching price tags to pay less than the item costs. According to 720 ILCS 5/16-25, any attempt to avoid paying full value can be considered retail theft. This law applies to adults and minors, and depending on the circumstances, retail theft could be a misdemeanor or felony.

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 Posted on July 31, 2025 in Drug Offenses

If you have been accused of a drug crime in Illinois, asset forfeiture might be one of several consequences you face. Even if you are not convicted of a crime, the government may still try to keep your property. Knowing your rights and how to fight back is essential. A strong legal defense can make the difference between keeping and losing what belongs to you. Talk to an experienced Naperville, IL drug crimes defense attorney about the legal options available to you.

What Is Civil Asset Forfeiture in Illinois?

Civil asset forfeiture allows the government to take property it believes is connected to a crime, even if the owner is not charged. In drug cases, the police may take cash, vehicles, or other valuable items if they think those items were used in or gained from drug activity. Unlike criminal forfeiture, which requires a conviction, civil forfeiture treats the property itself as the focus of the case. The government only has to show that it is more likely than not that the property is linked to illegal drugs.

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 Posted on July 25, 2025 in DUI

Being told you failed a roadside sobriety test when you were completely sober is a frustrating and serious situation. In Illinois, field sobriety tests are often used to justify DUI arrests, but they are not always accurate or fairly administered. If you believe you were wrongfully accused of DUI based on a faulty roadside test, you should understand how these tests work, why they sometimes fail, and how to fight back in court. Our Naperville, IL DUI defense attorney can help.

Reasons Someone Might Fail a Roadside Sobriety Test Even When Sober

Sober people can fail field sobriety tests for several reasons that have nothing to do with alcohol or drug use. Medical conditions, such as inner ear disorders, arthritis, or past injuries, can interfere with balance and coordination. Anxiety, fatigue, or unfamiliarity with the test instructions can also lead to poor performance.

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 Posted on July 16, 2025 in Criminal Defense

A murder charge is as serious as a criminal charge can get. It is more severe than the lesser charge of manslaughter. In terms of conviction, the difference between the two can mean the difference between years or even a lifetime in prison. If you or someone you love has been charged with murder or manslaughter, an experienced Naperville, IL homicide defense attorney can help explain the charges.

What Does Illinois Law Say About Murder?

The Illinois statute for homicide, under 720 ILCS 5/9, includes the definitions of first and second-degree murder. First-degree murder occurs when someone kills another person without lawful justification. The offender either intends to kill, wants to cause great bodily harm, or knows their actions create a strong probability of death or great bodily harm. The penalty for first-degree murder can include 20 years to life in prison. Certain aggravating factors may trigger a mandatory life sentence, such as:

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 Posted on July 07, 2025 in Sex Offenses

As of July 2025, prostitution remains a crime in Illinois. Soliciting a prostitute, or offering money in exchange for sex, is also still a crime under Illinois law. However, there are currently significant efforts in the works to decriminalize prostitution, and some changes have already been made. If you are facing charges related to prostitution, a Naperville, IL prostitution defense lawyer can help you understand the laws in place and the potential changes on the horizon.

Attempts to Decriminalize Consensual Sex Work in Illinois

Currently, Sections 11-14 of the Illinois Criminal Code govern prostitution. The law states that a person commits prostitution when they knowingly perform, offer, or agree to perform sexual penetration or the touching of sex organs in exchange for anything of value. The first offense is a Class A misdemeanor, but second and subsequent offenses elevate the charge to a felony.

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 Posted on June 30, 2025 in Criminal Defense

If you recently blew above the legal limit during a DUI stop, you are likely concerned about how it will impact your case. Most people assume breathalyzer machines are correct, but in reality, these devices are highly sensitive. Their readings can be affected by everything from calibration errors to medical conditions. If you are facing charges based on a questionable blood alcohol concentration (BAC) result, a Naperville DUI defense lawyer can help you understand your legal options and how to challenge the evidence effectively.

Understanding the Laws that Govern DUI Cases in Illinois

DUI cases in Illinois are primarily governed by 625 ILCS 5/11-501. Under this statute, it is illegal to drive a vehicle with a BAC of 0.08 percent or more, and breathalyzer tests are standard procedure after DUI arrests.

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 Posted on June 23, 2025 in Criminal Defense

Even first-time offenders can face severe penalties for reckless driving in Illinois. If you have been accused, you will need to understand how Illinois law governs these cases and what you can do to challenge the charges against you. A Naperville, IL reckless driving defense lawyer can help you evaluate the facts of your case and build a strong defense to potentially reduce the charges or have them dismissed.

How Does Illinois Define Reckless Driving?

Illinois statute 625 ILCS 5/11-503 defines reckless driving as operating a vehicle "with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property." This is a broad definition that covers a high number of actions that go beyond common traffic mistakes. Prosecutors must show that the driver acted in a dangerous or highly irresponsible way deliberately.

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 Posted on June 17, 2025 in Drug Offenses

Illinois courts tend to crack down hard on drug crimes. However, if you have been charged with the possession of prescription drugs without the proper authorization, the prosecution still has to prove that you violated the law beyond a reasonable doubt. If you talk to a Naperville, IL prescription drug possession defense attorney about the details of your case, you can work together to build a defense and challenge the charges against you.

What Is a Prescription Drug Possession Charge in Illinois?

Illegal prescription drug possession occurs when someone has a controlled substance in their possession without a lawful prescription written by a licensed medical professional. Illinois law outlines what constitutes a controlled substance, but some drugs commonly related to illegal possession include oxycodone, fentanyl, and benzodiazepines, which are typically prescribed for anxiety disorders.

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 Posted on June 09, 2025 in Criminal Defense

A Bismarck, IL man was recently sentenced to five-and-a-half years in federal prison for manufacturing, selling, and possessing counterfeited U.S. currency. The man sold counterfeit U.S. money to an Illinois State Police undercover officer for $1,000, then later sold the same officer another $1,000 and $5,000 in counterfeit dollars.

A search warrant was executed for the man’s residence, where printers, a paper cutter, and other supplies used to make counterfeit money were seized. The man was on federal supervised release for a prior counterfeiting conviction from 2022 after serving 27 months in federal prison for that offense.

The maximum statutory penalty for counterfeiting and forgery is up to 20 years in prison, with a maximum fine of $25,000. If you are facing federal counterfeiting charges, it is crucial that you have a Naperville, IL white-collar crimes attorney who is experienced in defending federal crimes. 

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