The main difference between first- and second-degree murder is the state of mind of the murderer at the time of the killing. The line between first- and second-degree murder may not always be clear, but any murder conviction means facing prison time and having a permanent mark on your record that will affect your job, … Continue reading The Difference Between First- and Second-Degree Murder

A divorce is often an agonizing, emotional, and heartbreaking time, even in marriages where both parties agree it should come to an end. This type of divorce, referred to as an “uncontested divorce,” can still be quite difficult and painful. During this time, critical decisions need to be made. However, due to the emotions involved, … Continue reading What is an Uncontested Divorce?

If there’s a family emergency and you fear for your child’s health and safety while they’re with the other parent, you should know how to file for an emergency custody order in Illinois. If a judge signs it, it temporarily provides parental responsibilities and parenting time if the child is at risk. It’s not an … Continue reading How to File for an Emergency Custody Order in Illinois

If you’ve served your time and feel a need to own a firearm, you may wonder, can a convicted felon own a gun legally in Illinois? With rare exceptions, probably not, even if the conviction is in another state or federal court. Gun ownership is a right that most of us may not even think … Continue reading Can a Convicted Felon Own a Gun in IL?

The trial of Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd created worldwide attention to how and why police officers killed a criminal suspect. Chauvin was convicted earlier this year. Three other officers were charged as well, and their trials are coming up. They face charges of aiding and abetting second degree manslaughter and second … Continue reading What is Aiding and Abetting Second Degree Manslaughter? Aiding and Abetting Second Degree Murder?

Knowing what you should not do in a custody battle is as important as knowing what you should do. That is, if you would like custody of your children, it’s important not to display certain behaviors or demonstrate actions that could limit your custody rights or time granted with your children. In order to be … Continue reading What You Should Not Do in a Custody Battle

If you’re charged with a crime, you’ll want to know what are aggravating factors for your potential sentence. A statute may spell out a range of possible punishments, but some facts or issues can increase your sentence. Depending on the crime and the factor, your sentence could be substantially longer. If you are accused of … Continue reading What are Aggravating Factors in a Criminal Case?

Receiving sufficient child support is vital to the best interests of the child, so the courts are sympathetic to parents who are having problems receiving what is owed to them. If you want to know how long you can sue for back child support, our team can help. The laws are complicated, and it is … Continue reading How Long Can You Sue for Back Child Support?

If time has passed since you finished serving your sentence, you may wonder, how do I get my criminal record sealed in Illinois? A criminal record is created if you’re arrested or charged with an offense. It doesn’t go away if you are released without charge or eventually found not guilty. These records may be … Continue reading How Do I Get My Criminal Record Sealed in Illinois?

Being accused of domestic violence is a serious situation. In Illinois, if convicted, you may face a criminal case in court and can be charged with either a misdemeanor or a felony. Punishments include monetary fines and, quite often, jail time. Additionally, being convicted of domestic violence goes on your record and can affect you … Continue reading How Long Does Domestic Violence Stay on Your Record?