Chicagoland Law Blog
What should you know about field sobriety tests?
Illinois drivers like you should understand the laws of the road before you get on them. This includes familiarity with DUI laws in the state, along with the tools that officers may use to detect a DUI-related crime. One of these potential tools are field sobriety...
Can a police officer get a warrant for my blood test at a traffic stop?
Drunk driving remains a deadly problem in Illinois and the rest of the country. Coupled with the less than favorable weather experienced in the northern states, especially during the fall and winter, risks run high. For these and other reasons, police officers may...
How do driver’s license points work in Illinois?
Like many states, Illinois has a point system for driving violations. Motorists who receive points risk sanctions such as license suspension. Review the point system used by the Illinois Department of Motor Vehicles to understand what type of offenses will add points...
Planning for estate taxes
The primary purpose of estate planning is for one to provide their beneficiaries in Oswego with some measure of financial security upon their passing. That security may include money to help cover funeral expenses, funds to settle one's liabilities, and assets to help...
Understanding the home buying offer process
People preparing to buy their first house may understandably feel very excited and proud about the prospect of owning their home. They may also feel a bit nervous or unsure of what lies ahead as they lack familiarity with the offer and purchase process. Many things...
Special needs trusts and your outlook on the future
If you decide to set up a special needs trust, you likely have a number of concerns. For example, it is very helpful if you understand the benefits of this route with respect to your loved one who has special needs (such as helping them retain eligibility for...
How does Illinois define felony murder?
Illinois’s extremely broad felony murder law mandates your prosecution for first-degree murder if someone dies while you and/or an accomplice are in the process of committing a forcible felony or as a direct result of that forcible felony. If convicted, you will serve...
What if your ignition interlock gives a false positive?
Once you get your first DUI in Illinois, the office of the Secretary of State automatically enrolls you in the Monitoring Device Driving Permit program. If deemed eligible for the program, you will have to have a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device installed on...
Estate planning can help loved ones cope with end-of-life choices
If you have not gotten around to creating an estate plan, you are far from alone. A recent survey by Caring.com found that only 42% of American adults have established a will or living trust, and only 36% have documented their preferences for end-of-life care. People...
What are the rules for record expungement?
Your criminal record is something that can haunt you even decades after you have a conviction. The state provides you a way to seal your records so that you can move forward without the stigma of having conviction. According to the State Appellate Defender, you may be...
