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How Serious is Aggravated Discharge of a Weapon in Illinois?
Nine months after bullets in a drive-by shooting in Joliet struck a home in December 2023, the alleged suspect in the shooting was arrested. A 19-year-old was taken to the Will County Jail on charges of aggravated discharge of a weapon, defacing a gun, and possession of a gun without a FOID card.
Spent shell casings were recovered from the street at the time of the shooting, and later the same day, the vehicle believed to be used in the shooting was located. While the suspect arrested was originally identified as a person of interest at the time of the shooting, no arrest warrant was obtained until September 2024.
Gun charges in the state of Illinois can have very harsh penalties. If you are facing any type of Illinois weapons charge, speaking to an experienced Joliet, IL criminal defense attorney can be beneficial.
What Are the Most Common Gun Charges in Illinois?
The most common gun charges in the state include:
Illinois High Rate of Wrongful Convictions Prompts Changes
A Conviction Integrity Unit has recently been launched in Illinois to investigate potential wrongful convictions. An examination of the Illinois criminal justice system shows that hundreds of people have spent time in prison since the late 1980s in cases where there was insufficient evidence of guilt – a fact criminal defense attorneys are well aware of. Of the 538 people imprisoned in the state for crimes where there was not enough evidence to convict, 71 percent of those occurred in the past ten years.
Almost half of these exonerations in Illinois were for murder. It is theorized that police and other official misconduct had a disproportionate impact on wrongful convictions in the state, particularly in and around the Chicago area. The National Registry of Exoneration shows that those wrongfully convicted in Illinois lose about eight years of their lives, on average. Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul is behind the new statewide effort to prevent wrongful convictions.
Illinois Self-Defense Laws May Be Different Than You Think
While we all have a right to defend ourselves when threatened with injury or harm, it is important that you understand the legal grounds for using force – particularly excessive force – in these circumstances. If you do not have a good understanding of Illinois self-defense laws, you could find your future and your freedom in jeopardy. Self-defense is certainly a justification in many situations, but the self-defense laws in the state may not be what you think they are.
A core aspect of self-defense in Illinois is the principle of "reasonableness." This means that given the same set of circumstances, an average person in the same situation would consider your use of force reasonable. This objective standard is meant to ensure the use of force is justified. If you have been charged with a criminal offense after using self-defense in a situation that made you believe it was necessary, you need experienced legal assistance. A Joliet, IL criminal defense attorney from the Law Office of Eric J. Blatti, P.C. can help ensure you receive a strong defense.
What is Restitution for Criminal Cases?
On July 25, 2024, a young Chicago-area man was ordered to pay more than $1 million in restitution to one of two Illinois State University students who were badly injured when the man’s speeding car crashed into them. The man’s criminal defense case involved a guilty plea to a felony charge of aggravated reckless driving causing great bodily harm.
Seven other charges were dismissed as a result of the guilty plea. The young man who hit the two students was also sentenced to 30 months probation and 177 days in jail, which will not have to be served so long as he complies with all terms of probation. Both students were taken by helicopter to Carle Foundation Hospital, and both sustained critical injuries.
Although restitution is more often implemented in theft, retail theft, and similar offenses, it is also used as it was in this case - to compensate the victim of a reckless driver. If you have been accused of a criminal offense and part of your sentence may involve restitution, speaking to a Joliet, IL criminal defense attorney from Law Office of Eric J. Blatti, P.C. can be helpful.
What Kind of DUI Charge Am I Facing?
Getting charged with a DUI in Illinois is a serious matter, but it is important to remember that good people sometimes make mistakes. One moment of poor judgment can lead to life-changing consequences, including losing your driver’s license, facing hefty fines, and even spending time in jail.
If you find yourself facing a DUI charge, understanding what you are up against is the first step toward making smart decisions about what to do next. Seeking the guidance of a skilled Will County, IL criminal defense attorney can make all the difference in protecting your future.
What Are the Different Types of DUI Charges?
In Illinois, DUI charges can vary depending on the circumstances of your arrest. The most common charge is a Standard DUI, which occurs when you are caught driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher. However, there are other types of DUI charges you might face.
What Happens if I Have to Go to Jail for a Few Days?
Even if you are facing minor criminal charges, the thought of going to jail for even a few days can be terrifying. It is easy to dismiss these charges as no big deal, but the truth is that spending time in jail can have serious consequences on your job, reputation, and future.
If you are in this situation, it is important to take the charges seriously and seek the help of a skilled criminal defense attorney. A Joliet, IL criminal defense attorney can work to keep you out of jail, especially if this is your first offense.
What Happens When You Are Booked into Jail After Conviction?
If you are convicted and sentenced to jail time in Will County, the booking process begins as soon as you arrive at the jail. This process includes several steps that can be stressful and intimidating.
First, the jail staff will take your personal information, such as your name, address, and date of birth. You will be fingerprinted and have a mugshot taken. Any personal belongings, including your wallet, phone, and jewelry, will be taken and stored until your release. Afterward, you will be given a jail uniform and placed in a holding cell before being assigned to a more permanent area.
Do I Need a Criminal Defense Attorney for Retail Theft Charges?
Retail theft might seem like a minor issue, but Illinois takes these charges very seriously. Even small thefts can lead to significant legal consequences, especially with recent changes in the law. If you are facing retail theft charges in Joliet or Will County, it is crucial to get the help of a lawyer.
A Joliet, IL criminal defense attorney can review your case, explain your options, and help you navigate the legal process. Do not underestimate the impact these charges can have on your life—reach out for a free consultation today.
Illinois Law is Cracking Down on Retail Theft
Illinois recently passed the INFORM Act to fight retail theft, especially organized crime. This law makes it tougher for thieves to sell stolen goods on the internet by requiring online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace to verify the identity of sellers who make lots of sales.
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