City council forum focuses on Taser use

The use of Tasers by police was discussed at a recent Champaign city council study session. According to news reports, police, city council members, and the general public discussed under which circumstances Tasers could be used. The discussion, however, had no impact on the Champaign police department, which had previously banned officers from carrying Tasers....

Criminal Defense

November 6th, 2009

Protection against unreasonable search and seizure

The fourth amendment protects individuals against unreasonable searches and seizures. This right guaranteed by the Bill of Rights is especially important in drug cases. In many cases, people will be charged with illegal drug possession after police search their home. However, police often need a warrant to make such a search. If an officer does...

Criminal Defense

November 6th, 2009

The time limit on filing an appeal

When an individual is convicted of a crime, that individual generally has the option to file for an appeal. However, there is often a certain time limit for appeals. The time limit often depends on state law and may last between 30 and 90 days. Once the time limit elapses, convicted criminals typically have very...

Criminal Defense

October 28th, 2009

Illinois police set to increase patrols of University of Illinois campus

A Champaign police spokesperson announced that University of Illinois and Champaign police will increase campus controls. The announcement follows a recent reported robbery on campus. According to police reports, a man was walking on campus when he was approached by another man who asked him for marijuana. The man tried to walk away, but the...

Criminal Defense

October 23rd, 2009

Does the government have a crime database?

While people cannot be convicted for crimes they have not committed, a new government database will attempt to target where crimes might occur. Armed with this knowledge, the government may try to adopt policies and take measures to prevent crimes from occurring. The crime database is currently being compiled. When it is complete, it will...

Criminal Defense

October 22nd, 2009

The legal justification for the insanity defense

Many people are familiar with the insanity defense because it is commonly used in movies and television programs about law. However, most people are unfamiliar with why the insanity defense is an acceptable legal defense. It is an acceptable legal defense because it gets to the heart of one of the principles for proving someone...

Drug Crime Defense

October 15th, 2009

The various penalties for marijuana possession in Illinois

Under almost any circumstance, possession of marijuana is illegal in Illinois. For people convicted of marijuana possession, they face legal penalties that range depending on the amount of illegal substance in possession. For instance, a person who is in possession of marijuana that weighs less than 2.5 grams could receive a Class C misdemeanor and...

Criminal Defense

October 14th, 2009

The various punishments for hate crimes

Hate crimes are criminal acts against another individual based on that person’s race, religion, sexual orientation, skin color, or disability. These acts can involve many types of criminal activity, but commonly involve abuse or assault. Punishment for hate crimes are usually extra punishments added onto an original crime. For instance, if a person assaults someone...

Criminal Defense

October 9th, 2009

Champaign police receive grant for tracking sexual predators

The Champaign Police Department will receive a grant to take on child sexual predators. The grant for $496,732 will be provided by the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS). Similar grants are being made throughout the nation, including some for nearby areas like Bloomington, Moline, Peoria, and Quincy. Some of the grant money will be employed...

Criminal Defense

October 7th, 2009

Police hand out 83 alcohol-related citations over two weekends

Police handed out 83 alcohol-related citations in the last two weekends, according to Illinois and Champaign police reports. The citations included possession or purchase of alcohol by minors, unlawful use of identification, and possession of alcohol in public property. If you have been charged with an alcohol-related crime, contact the Champaign criminal defense lawyers of...

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