The consequences associated with being convicted of a crime in the state of Illinois are often serious. Depending on the crime, in addition to financial consequences, it is possible that the convicted individual will spend time behind bars as well. Most would agree that the loss of one's liberty is a potential outcome that should be taken seriously. In some instances, the period spent in prison is a result of a mandatory minimum sentence. Certain types of crimes are more prone to having these sentences in place.
Would mandatory minimum sentences for gun crimes make an impact?
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Naperville man arrested in connection with heroin drug crimes
There is no doubt about it. Drug crimes as some of the most aggressively prosecuted crimes in regions throughout the nation including the Naperville area. One local man is facing that reality right now. He is one of 11 individuals who have been charged with drug crimes related to heroin.
It is important for anyone who has been charged with a crime of any type to realize that while disheartening, a charge is not the same as a conviction. Accordingly, at that point it is vital to begin one's defense, if he or she hasn't already. This is particularly true when the drug involved is heroin as the consequences tied to convictions related to this drug are often harsh.
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Chicago area man arrested for salon robberies
When most hear about robbery crime sprees it is in the context of banks, not hair salons. A man was recently arrested for doing just that in the Chicago area. So far he has been charged with felony armed robbery, accused of robbing 11 such establishments, many of them chains, throughout the Chicago area.
Once in custody the man apparently indicated that he had selected the particular type of establishments because he believed the prevalence of women and lack of men, traditionally found in hair salons, would make the job easier. He also said the robberies, which were accomplished in part through the use of a BB gun, were done to help pay for his need for crack cocaine.
Conduct on plane leaves passenger duct-taped to his seat
The law is meant to be predictable. Without a clear understanding of what the law expects of them, it becomes virtually impossible for citizens to consciously follow it. Therefore, the government tends to do a decent job educating the public about what kinds of behavior are considered criminal and what kinds are not. However, there is room for confusion when certain criminal behaviors are not well publicized.
For example, most Americans will tell you that drunk driving, sexual assault and illegal drug distribution are all illegal behaviors. But many Americans may not know that virtually any kind of disorderly conduct on an aircraft can result in federal charges against the person disturbing the flight.
Supreme Court considers role of drug-sniffing dogs in criminal cases
In late October, the United States Supreme Court heard arguments in two separate cases related to drug-sniffing dogs. If the Justices' immediate responses to oral arguments are clear indications of how these cases will be handled, it seems that future cases involving potential drug charges may legally include drug-sniffing evidence obtained near personal residences but not necessarily evidence obtained near motor vehicles.
In the first case before the Court, a dog detected the scent of marijuana outside a personal residence and a warrant was obtained based on this detection. A growing operation was uncovered when law enforcement entered the home. The Justices appeared open to the idea that drug-sniffing dogs could legally seek scents around personal residences, but likely not without probable cause.
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Violation of a DuPage County Order of Protection
Neighboring Indiana recently initiated a new state program that summarizes the details of an Order of Protection on a wallet-sized card. Indiana is the third state to add the program and it may be something that comes to Illinois is the future.
When an individual receives an order of protection related to domestic violence, stalking or sexual assault that is effective for at least one year, they can obtain a wallet-sized card that summarizes the order's details. The card includes a description or photograph of the individual subject to the order of protection. The goal of the program is to facilitate enforcement.
Facebook Video Leads to Robbery Arrests in Chicago
Many people use Facebook on a daily basis to post status updates and photos of children or vacations. Some users go too far in what they publish, for instance a teen may post a photo of marijuana or ecstasy at a party. Law enforcement has taken note and has found that the social media site can be an effective crime-solving tool. One startling example occurred this summer in Chicago.
In July, a 62-year old man was robbed and assaulted by a 16-year old who was accompanied by two other teenagers. The attacker hit the man knocking him to the ground. The victim's head hit the concrete and he later died from the trauma.
Shockingly the accompanying teens used a cellphone to videotape the assault. The teens then posted the video to the attacker's Facebook page. The video was re-posted and was eventually seen by a work colleague of the victim's son. The video was then taken to the police.
Naperville Businessman Charged With Embezzlement
A past president of the Naperville Public Library and the owner of a local property management firm recently pleaded not guilty to a felony charge of embezzling funds from a homeowner's group.
The owner of the company is accused of stealing more than $25,000 from the North Edgewood Homeowners Association, which contracted with his company for property management services such as paying the association's bills and collecting dues from the association's homeowners.
Extraordinary Circumstances Law: Does it Aid a DUI Defense?
For residents in the western Chicago suburbs, impaired driving can result in serious consequences, which may include loss of a driver's license and/or vehicle, a criminal record and steep fines.
If a driver injures or kills someone while driving under the influence the penalties are much more severe. In such cases, felony aggravated DUI or reckless homicide charges are possible. The penalties for an aggravated DUI are up to three years in prison as well as a lengthy driver's license suspension. If there is a fatality prison sentences are even greater.
A recent Illinois law allows the defense in reckless homicide cases to request a lighter sentence by arguing that extraordinary circumstances existed. The factors a sentencing judge may consider include:
- Family background
- Criminal history
- Age
- Remorse
The law allows judges to award probation in cases that involve "extraordinary circumstances."
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Naperville Police Tackle Rising Heroin Epidemic
The increase of heroin abuse in the Naperville area has become a serious concern to local police. Detectives have worked to reduce the number of those addicted to heroin, but overdoses have resulted in several recent deaths. One of the most troubling things about the deaths is that the age of the victims was between 17 and 30.
A recent study conducted by Roosevelt University's Illinois Consortium on Drug Policy found that middle and upper class teenagers and young adults are emerging as a key group that uses the drug. This study also noted that the Chicago metro has one of the worst problems with Heroin addiction nationwide.
