Possession of an illegal substance is a crime, but possession with the intent to distribute is an even more serious criminal offense. Under the Illinois Controlled Substances Act, knowingly possessing, manufacturing and delivering controlled substances can...
Belleville Criminal Defense Law Firm
Belleville Criminal Defense Blog
New bill may allow expungement of past marijuana convictions
Having a drug conviction on your record can negatively impact your life for years to come, even if it was a minor marijuana possession charge. If you have a low-level marijuana conviction on your record, a new Illinois bill may help you expunge your criminal record....
Can I refuse a Breathalyzer test?
If you have been stopped by the police while driving and under suspicion of a DUI, you may wonder if you can refuse to submit to a Breathalyzer test. The answer is generally yes, but refusing a chemical test comes with consequences. However, refusing a breath test can...
Understanding theft charges against you
If you are facing theft charges, it can be beneficial for you to learn more about what these charges mean and how a conviction could impact your future. Criminal charges of any kind are a threat to your long-term interests, and it is always prudent to build a strong...
Assistance sealing a criminal record sealed
We all make mistakes, but many people that have been charged or convicted of a crime find that they pay for those mistakes for the rest of their lives. A criminal record, even one with only minor offenses, can affect your ability to get a job, find housing, get...
What are the elements of a drug possession charge?
If you are facing drug possession charges, the prosecutor on your case likely wants to get a conviction. In order to do so, he or she is legally required to prove the elements of the charges against you beyond a reasonable doubt.Most drug crimes either involve drug...
Commonly used DUI defenses in Illinois
Defending against a DUI is never easy, but there are many effective strategies used by criminal defense attorneys to protect their clients in court. As a result, many DUI charges are reduced or dropped entirely.The first DUI defense Illinois attorneys often use...
Shooting leaves police looking for witnesses and a suspect
Most shootings that begin with an altercation usually produce several witnesses, as well as at least one suspect. A recent shooting in the parking lot of a bar in Centreville, Illinois, appears to have left police searching for both a suspect and witnesses to the...
DUI crash results in airlift of victim to St. Louis Hospital
Drunk driving crashes come in many tastes and colors, but Illinois accidents that result in serious injury or death are by far the most serious. A driver who is found guilty of one or more crimes involving death or serious injury may face incarceration, a hefty fine...
Controlled substances are associated with several crimes
A number of substances are considered illegal to possess, or their possession is highly regulated by Illinois state laws and federal laws. As a result, if authorities believe that you possess illegal drugs, prescription pills without a prescription or drug...