Facebook is being sued in almost every country over concerns that its algorithm harnesses the worst emotions that humanity has to offer and then rewards them for it. This is resulting in reports of genocide in Myanmar, deaths of teenagers, families destroyed by fake news, and a general feeling of hatred…
Chicago Criminal Lawyer Blog
Trafficking and Distribution of Drugs
While many people believe that “drug trafficking” and “drug dealing” are interchangeable, the law casts a broader net. And the fact that state drug trafficking policy varies considerably, both states have rules that make drug trafficking illegal. If you manufacture, transport, market, or administer illicit drugs, you will be charged with drug…
The Crime of Assault in Illinois
Even though most people use the terms “assault” and “battery” interchangeably, the reality is that assault and battery are two different criminal offenses. In Illinois, for a person to be found guilty of assault, there does not need to be proof of physical contact of a provoking or harmful nature.…
Are Drug-Sniffing Dogs Legal at a Traffic Stop?
Just seeing a drug-sniffing dog can be nerve-wracking, and having one sniff your body, compound, car, or belongings can feel like an infringement on your privacy. These dogs are a common sight in airports and functions such as festivals where large crowds of people gather to have fun. Apart from…
Waiver, Non-Custodial Questioning, and the Limits of Miranda Rights
You have seen it on TV a thousand times. A police officer makes an arrest, then tells the perp, “You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you…
Defenses to Assault Charges in Illinois
Being charged with the offense of assault in Illinois is a serious thing, especially because of how easy it is to be convicted of the crime. Thus, it is crucial that you take an assault charge seriously because the crime of assault carries serious potential penalties. If you are being…
Should You Represent Yourself in Court?
You have been charged with a crime, and you have been summoned to court. Whether it is a traffic violation, a misdemeanor that resulted from a bar fight, or even a low-level drug possession issue, attorney representation can be a significant expense. Now, you are attempting to decide whether you…
FBI Uses “Cop City” Protests to Surveil Activists
The “Cop City” protest group in Atlanta involved recruitment and awareness efforts in Chicago via a Twitter account and group meetups. In this case, the activists were opposed to the destruction of a public park and an 85-acre urban forest in Atlanta that was earmarked for use as a police training center.…
18-Year-Old Charged in Murder of Police Officer
A Chicago man charged with shooting and killing a Chicago police officer is being held without bond. The man is charged with two counts of first-degree murder, among other things. He did not have a criminal history, according to police, but his reputation for gangsterism preceded him. The young man was…
Chicago COVID Testing Lab and Owner Indicted on $83M Fraud
Bilking government agencies of publicly disbursed entitlements is now a national pastime, and when COVID struck, it only got worse. As Uncle Sam began rolling out one relief program after another, several bad actors moved into place to see how much of that money they could get without doing anything…