If you are not familiar with search and seizure laws, you are not alone. Many people are unfamiliar with the protections afforded to them when it comes to law enforcement’s legal right to search a person or property. Understand what could constitute an illegal search...
It goes without saying that if an officer finds illegal substances on your person, in your home or in your vehicle, you will likely face a drug possession charge. Depending on the circumstances, however, you might also find yourself defending against an intent to...
The Eighth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution provides specific protections to individuals serving time for criminal convictions. While punishment for crimes is justifiable under the law, there is a reasonable expectation of safety while in custody. Cruel and unusual...
Those found guilty of breaking the law in Illinois are often sentenced to jail or prison. The amount of time they spend behind bars can be brief or for the rest of their life. Even those without a chance of ever being on the outside again retain specific legal rights....
When a police officer places you under arrest, it can feel like they are stripping away your civil liberties. And, in fact, they may be in some situations. As an American, you have certain inalienable civil rights that law enforcement must uphold even when you are in...
The Chicago Police Department has a policy against excessive use of force, but they also have a reputation for harming citizens throughout our community, especially those in racial and ethnic minority groups. Despite having a policy against using excessive force, the...
You have legal rights that do not get thrown to the wayside during a routine traffic stop. The Civil Rights Act guarantees your constitutional right to be free from police brutality and misconduct. Unfortunately, it seems like many police officers no longer care about...
Weeks after the release of a detailed report finding that the Minneapolis police department engaged in a pattern of racism, we have to ask a similar question in Chicago? Do Chicago police also routinely engage in a pattern of racist conduct? In 2020, four Minneapolis...
The First Step Act of 2018 targeted overly severe sentencing for drug charges leftover from the zero-tolerance era. The intent was to rid or reduce overly severe penalties that were legislated as mandatory. Unfortunately, the U.S. Supreme Court then unanimously ruled...
The Constitution grants us all the fundamental right to a fair trial when we encounter the criminal justice system. However, sometimes police try to use techniques that violate the criminal defendant’s constitutional rights and encroach upon their opportunity to build...
