Posted on September 09, 2016 in Fraud

Thanks to a steady increase in credit card fraud and identity theft in recent years, an intense need for additional protection has spawned for consumers of all kinds. Such security is particularly important for those who make purchases via the internet and through various mobile apps. Nowadays, it seems everyone shops on-line for purchases both small and large.

No one is immune to identity theft, especially when we live in a world where technology rules and our bank account information is more accessible than ever before. In some cases, individuals sometimes even find themselves accused of credit card theft crimes due to the fact that their name was tied to certain information, when in reality, they actually had nothing to do with the crime whatsoever.

How Do Monitoring Programs Protect You?

To combat the ongoing problem, most credit card companies offer complimentary credit card monitoring services when you open an account with them. Some companies charge a small fee, but all of the programs exist to alert you to any suspicious or fraudulent activity that may adversely affect your financial standing. While credit card theft monitoring programs cannot actually prevent theft altogether, they can offer a level of protection by bringing any suspicious activity to your attention right away so the theft can be addressed as quickly as possible.

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 Posted on August 26, 2016 in Domestic Violence

Domestic battery is considered a serious offense in the state of Illinois, and those who are convicted can face heavy penalties. Even first-time offenders with no previous criminal record can experience permanent effects that impact their daily lives. If you are facing domestic battery charges, understand these potential consequences, and how you can most effectively protect your future.

What Is Domestic Battery?

Illinois state law defines domestic battery as intentionally or knowingly causing bodily harm to another family member, or intentionally provoking or threatening a family member in a way that makes them believe you may cause them bodily harm. This can extend beyond those that live with you and may include:

• Spouses or former spouses;
• Parents;
• Children or stepchildren;
• Current or former roommates;

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 Posted on August 19, 2016 in Criminal Defense

When someone is arrested on criminal charges, it can take months (or longer) before their case goes to trial. This does not necessarily mean that the individual has to wait in jail. Some situations may permit for a bail – a monetary payment – to be posted, giving the accused a chance to wait for their trial outside of police custody. If you or someone you love has been arrested and is facing charges, learn how bail bonds work in Illinois, and what it means for the accused, and the payer of the bond.

How Bail Works

At its core, bail is a pledge to return to court for all scheduled hearings. It might be a pledge of personal property, or even a personal promise from the accused. However, bail is generally a monetary sum of money. As long as the accused follows through, the bail is returned upon the defendant’s exoneration. Alternatively, if the accused is convicted, the funds are put toward their court fines. When a defendant fails to attend their scheduled hearings, the bail is forfeited and a warrant is issued for their arrest.

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 Posted on August 12, 2016 in Underage Drinking

Underage drunk driving accidents comprise a disturbingly large portion of Illinois auto accidents. Despite the dangers, they continue to be a longstanding problem on the roadways as many underage drivers seem to remain unaffected by the facts. According to the Illinois State Police, about two out of every five Americans will be involved in an alcohol-related crash at some point in their lives, making the need for a proactive approach to underage drunk driving an ongoing, urgent matter.

Legal Consequences: The Basics

Illinois maintains a so-called "Zero Tolerance" law in regard to drivers under the age of 21. As the name implies, a driver not of legal drinking age who is found to have any trace of alcohol in his or her system can be charged with driving under the influence, or DUI. One could argue that not every driver in such a situation is necessarily impaired, but the Zero Tolerance law means that proving impairment is not necessary.

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 Posted on August 05, 2016 in Criminal Defense

According to the Chicago Police Department’s own statistics, obtained by CNN under the Freedom of Information Act, in the past three years, less than one percent of the suspects who are arrested by Chicago police actually see an attorney during the time they are in police custody.

Mayor’s Task Force

In response to the disturbing numbers, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel assigned a task force to look into the practices of the Chicago Police Department. The Police Accountability Task Force (PATF) recently issued a report that contained alarming and potentially damning information. According to the report, the Chicago Police Department "generally provides phone access (to arrestees) only at the end of processing, after interrogation and charging." The task force blasted the police department for this practice, citing evidence of arrestees who attempted to invoke their right to legal counsel, then face hostility from the police. The practice may be a violation of the individuals’ constitutional rights.

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 Posted on July 29, 2016 in Fraud

Crimes that affect our wallets, bank accounts, and credit scores do more than interfere with our personal finances. They affect businesses and everyone depending on funds and income derived from those businesses. Advertising scams, internet fraud, and identity theft are not new crimes—they have been hurting consumers and business owners alike for years—but they do continue to evolve and increase in severity over time. One of the most prevalent and troublesome financial crimes today is credit card fraud, and the first thing that most consumers want to know when they discover they are victims of this theft is who will be held responsible.

Who Must Pay for Fraudulent Charges?

There are various Illinois state and federal consumer laws that address this issue in order to protect consumers victimized by credit card theft. For example, you are legally required to pay $50 per card, at most, in the event that someone steals and uses your credit cards. The moment you notify the bank or issuer of the card(s) that the card has been stolen, you are not legally required to pay for any unauthorized charges that incur after that notification.

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 Posted on July 22, 2016 in DUI

Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol can have serious consequences that extend to all areas of your life. Some may even be that are longer lasting than those related other types of crimes. This is because receiving a DUI may impact your ability to legally operate a vehicle, which can have serious effects on your ability to transport your children, get to and from work, and to maintain a social life.

Depending on the circumstances of the situation—including your blood-alcohol level, whether or not anyone was injured, or whether or not there were children present at the time of arrest—sometimes the penalties may be more severe than in others. If you are ever pulled over for DUI, the most important thing to do is to remain calm. When you understand your rights and responsibilities if accused of DUI, the situation can be mitigated, at least to some extent, and result in less time without a license or legal access to a vehicle.

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 Posted on July 15, 2016 in Traffic violations

A lawsuit filed against the city of Chicago seems to have been strengthened by testimony offered in a deposition this week, according to the lawyer representing the three motorists serving as plaintiffs in the case. The attorney claims that a city employee acknowledged that City Hall manipulated the processes in place regarding tickets issued for alleged violations captured by red-light cameras and speed-cameras throughout Chicago.

The Suit’s Basics

The suit was filed on the basis that motorists were being routinely denied due process as the city attempted to boost revenue created by the traffic camera ticket program. The plaintiffs and their lawyers claim that City Hall ignored the Chicago municipal code which requires second notices of a violation to be sent to alleged offenders before liability can be determined. Despite not sending the second notices, non-responding violators were found liable, and substantial late fees were added to the initial fine. Over the last dozen years, the practice is said to have netted the city tens of millions of dollars in additional revenue, which the lawsuit is seeking to have refunded to motorists.

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 Posted on July 08, 2016 in Weapons Charges

Weapons and firearms laws in Illinois have long been among the most restrictive in the country. It is, however, possible for private citizens to own and carry a firearm under certain conditions. Failure to comply with the appropriate laws regarding firearms can have extremely serious criminal consequences, so it is important to understand how to remain legal at all times.

Firearm Owner&s Identification

The state of Illinois currently requires that anyone who owns a firearm must have a valid Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) card issued in his or her name. One must have a valid FOID in order to buy or possess firearm ammunition as well. Plain and simple, if you do not have one of these identification cards, you could face criminal charges if you are found to be in possession of either a firearm or ammunition. In order to qualify for such identification, you must provide a complete an extensive application and pay required fees.

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 Posted on June 30, 2016 in Fraud

Scam artists, hackers, and identity thieves thrive on the Internet world to take advantage of unsuspecting consumers. Internet fraud and identity theft are serious crimes that do not discriminate; everyone is susceptible to becoming a victim. Protecting your mobile devices and computers as well as your electronic files is crucial to protecting your personal information, but it is easy to look past simple habits that can save that information from falling into the wrong hands.

Adopt the following three habits to safeguard yourself from internet theft:

Treat Your Personal Information Like Money in Your Wallet

This is easily one of the most effective ways you can ensure your information does not fall into the wrong hands. Keep your bank account numbers, credit card numbers, and social security number under lock and key and never share the information online unless you are certain what it is for, where it is going, and whether or not the source requesting it is legitimate. These numbers can all be used to open new accounts in your name or to steal your assets.

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