Posted on July 11, 2019 in Family Law

Following a divorce, the court may order that one spouse pay a monthly support payment to their former spouse as a way of helping each party become self-sufficient following the split. A number of factors go into the award amount, but the point of spousal maintenance is to ensure that both parties come out of the split with the financial means to support themselves.

However, circumstances can always change, and the factors that go into a monthly spousal maintenance award can be influenced by these changes. For example, maybe you lost your job, or your spouse got a raise and is making more money. These factors and more can impact how much you need to pay in spousal maintenance each month, but how do you go about modifying your previous agreement? We explain how we can help you modify your spousal support payments in today’s blog.

Terminating Alimony Payments in Illinois

For starters, it’s worth noting that even if you are in the process of modifying or terminating your spousal maintenance award, you must continue to pay the original agreed upon amount until a new agreement is finalized by the court. Even if things change, you owe the original amount until a modification has been granted.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on July 03, 2019 in Criminal Law

Distracted driving continues to be a problem on the state and national level, but Illinois lawmakers have made a push to help keep our roads safer. Starting last week, new distracted driving laws went on the books, and they are much stricter than the previous laws. Below, we take a closer look at what constitutes a violation under the new laws, and what you should do if you receive a ticket for texting while driving.

Electronic Device Use Behind The Wheel

The new law makes it illegal for a person to use an electronic device while they are behind the wheel. This action was already illegal, but the scope has been broadened and the penalties enhanced. Under the previous law, a police officer could stop a driver who was texting behind the wheel and issue them a warning ticket. If they were caught texting behind the wheel a subsequent time, they were issued a monetary citation that was considered a non-moving violation, which meant it didn’t affect the status of their driver’s license.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on June 26, 2019 in Criminal Law

There are many common misconceptions about prostitution laws. In this article we’ll debunk many of the prevalent myths about prostitution in Illinois.

Myth: An officer cannot expose himself, or actually engage in sex with a provider before arresting her.

Fact: Police have been known to do both of these things to catch suspected prostitutes. Do not assume that a client who exposes himself cannot be a cop. Cops will go to great lengths to make arrests, and even experienced providers have been tricked into incriminating themselves.

Myth: If a client actually has sex with a provider, the provider can’t get into legal trouble.

Fact: While it is unlikely that an officer would actually have sex with a provider, there have been cases wherein the police have hired a civilian to participate in a sting operation. These civilians could go through with the sex act and the police would still be able to charge the provider.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on June 19, 2019 in Criminal Law

Now we’ll investigate the procedures surrounding prostitution—specifically how law enforcement officials go about setting up and arresting patrons.

Prostitution stings operate on a two-call system. When a prospective john calls the number posted on a fake advertisement, the information exchanged is initially very general. The officer posing as a prostitute will give the patron a general location at which to meet. Once in the area, the patron will have to call again to get a specific location (e.g. Holiday Inn, Rm. 231). All calls are recorded and used for evidence.

When the patron arrives at the agreed upon location (usually a hotel room that is wired and video recorded from an adjacent room), the undercover officer will entice conversation regarding the patron’s desires by asking leading questions like: “What are you interested in?” or “Is it ok if you use a condom?” Such statements ensure the recorded conversation covers the required sex-for-money elements of the crime.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on June 12, 2019 in DUI

There are many Do’s and Don’ts when it comes to a DUI stop. Outlined below are the best and worst practices of a DUI stop. Follow these guidelines if you’re ever pulled over for drinking and driving in Illinois.

What to Do:

It is always a good idea to keep your driver’s license and proof of insurance with you while driving. In fact, it’s the law. When you’re pulled over, the officer will undoubtedly ask for these. Have them out and ready before the officer approaches your vehicle. This will demonstrate that you’re of sound mind and will prevent the officer from observing you fumble around in the glove compartment.

Insist upon your right to speak with an attorney before answering any questions, taking any tests, or signing any documents.

You have the right to remain silent. You do not have to answer any of the officer’s questions regarding how much you’ve had to drink or where you’ve been. Provide the officer with the necessary identification information, then stop talking. Invoke your right to remain silent and calmly inform the officer that you do not wish to answer any questions.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on June 05, 2019 in DUI

Drunk driving is a serious problem with serious consequences. It is important that all Illinois drivers be aware of the consequences of drunk driving.

Criminal Consequences

Criminal consequences of a DWI charge include: bail and conditions of release from custody, jail time, probation, court-ordered chemical dependency evaluation, and random testing.

Jail time and fines vary based on the degree and circumstances of the DUI charge.

Probation is meant to help the DWI offender in reintegrating into society as a law abiding citizen. While on probation, offenders are subject to random drug and alcohol testing. They are also often required to obtain a chemical dependency evaluation and psychological assessment.

Chemical dependency evaluations are used to determine how dependent a person is on a chemical such as drugs or alcohol. These are very commonly required following a DUI charge. If a dependency is found, the DUI offender is usually required to seek treatment in the form of rehabilitation, Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, and other mandatory classes.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on May 29, 2019 in Juvenile Crime

Introduction, Definition

In our tech-savvy society, cyber-bullying has become a rampant problem. Bullies not only push and shove on the playground; now they also insult and harass on the internet, hiding safely behind a mask of anonymity.

Cyber-bullying is the repeated harassment of a person through an electronic medium, such as e-mail, text messaging, or social networking sites (Facebook, Twitter, etc.). It is most prevalent among children and teenagers who have access to these modes of communication at increasingly younger ages. According to the National Crime Prevention Council, 43% of teenagers report that they have been victims of cyber-bullying.

Cyber-bullying is often much more severe than traditional bullying because it allows the bully to hide behind an electronic façade. This permits the cyber-bully to be much harsher than he/she would be in person. The intensity of this harassment can have terrible psychological effects on victims.

Types, Examples

There are varying types of cyber-bullying. The first, and most common, is when a person is harassed by a cyber-bully via inappropriate or degrading texts, e-mails, or other electronic messages. Another type occurs when a cyber-bully hijacks a person’s identity (i.e. their Facebook profile) and defames their character by acting inappropriately in the social media sphere. All forms of cyber-bullying are dangerous and detrimental to a person’s emotional well-being.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on May 22, 2019 in DUI

Driving Under the Influence (DUI) is a very serious, yet common, crime in Illinois. It is important that all drivers in the state familiarize themselves with the laws, consequences, and defenses of the Illinois DUI laws.

What is a Illinois DUI?

Many factors must be in play in order to convict a person of DWI. A person can be convicted of a DWI when that person drives, operates, or is in physical control of a motor vehicle:

1. When the person is under the influence of alcohol or a hazardous substance that affects the nervous system, brain, or muscles of the person so as to substantially impair their ability to drive or operate a motor vehicle; or
2. When the person is under the influence of a combination of any two or more of the elements named above; or
3. When the person’s Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) at the time or as measured within two hours of the time of driving, operating, or being in physical control of the motor vehicle is .08 or more; or

   Continue Reading ››

 Posted on May 15, 2019 in Criminal Law

Being accused of a crime is not a matter to be taken lightly. Even if you didn’t commit a crime, the accusation alone can have serious legal consequences. Many people assume that because they know they didn’t commit the crime, there is nothing to worry about. This is not true. Many have been falsely accused, convicted, and punished for terrible crimes they never committed. Being falsely accused is a serious matter that must be handled delicately. These are the five best things you can do if falsely accused of a crime in Illinois:

Realize the Seriousness of Your Situation

As mentioned above, being accused of a serious crime, such as rape, assault, or murder, is a gravely serious matter. Defending your innocence is going to be pricey. In addition to hiring a good criminal defense lawyer, numerous expert witnesses (medical doctors, chemical dependency experts, etc.) must often be called to give testimony.

Educate Yourself

You are essential to your own defense in a false accusation case. You do not need to go to law school and learn all the intricacies of the legal system—that’s what your defense attorney is for. However, it’s essential that you understand the facts of your case, what you are being charged with, and your civil rights. If you are confused about something, ask your defense lawyer for clarification. The more you know about your case, the better chance you have of defending yourself in court.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on May 08, 2019 in DUI

It’s a well-known fact that an Illinois DUI charge affects your driving privileges. But what most people don’t understand is the impact a DUI offense can have on their auto insurance costs.

After a DUI Charge

After receiving a DUI charge, it will likely take your insurance company 6 to 12 months to check your record and make arrangements to cancel your policy. Once your insurance carrier finds out about your charge, the average rates for auto insurance will double compared to preferred carrier rates.

Your insurance company can’t immediately cancel your policy after becoming aware of your DWI arrest. They must first give you notice of cancellation. This will give you a short amount of time to find another insurance company.

The degree (or level) of DWI makes no difference to the non-standard or high risk insurance companies in terms of increased costs. DWIs have become so common that some carriers do not charge as much for just one DWI charge. But, a DWI charge that is “reduced” to a careless or reckless driving offense can increase your auto insurance.

Continue Reading ››