Tuesday, May 28, 2019

Illinois Orders of Protection Explained


In this blog, we describe Illinois Orders of Protection, such as: what's the Order of Protection and just how is it distinct from a restraining order? , and the best way to apply an Order of Protection. how do Illinois courts decide whether to issue an Order of Protection?, and how to enforce an Order of Protection.

What is the Order of Protection?

Orders of protection are court orders which could protect 1 relative or family member from the activities another.  They are governed by the Illinois Domestic Violence Act. 
Courts will give an Order of Protection if the petitioner demonstrates three components:
  1. The petitioner (or a protected party on whose behalf the request has been registered ) is a "family or household member" of the respondent;
  2. The respondent has "abused" that the petitioner (or a protected party); and
  3. The court has jurisdiction to hear the case

What's the Difference Between an Order of Protection and a Restraining Order?

A restraining order is a broad term used to normally cover orders by a civil court needing among those parties to take particular actions or refrain from taking certain actions.   Orders of Protection would be the right term for what many men and women mean when they discuss "restraining order"   Orders of Protection possess the specific intention of preventing domestic abuse.  They have a tendency to be easily enforceable and also have stiffer penalties compared to average civil injunctions. Read more about How to Get an Order of Protection in Illinois

Who Can File a Petition for an Order of Protection in Illinois?

A petition for an order of protection Illinois Could Simply be successfully Accessed by:
  • Someone who was "mistreated" by a Relative or member of their family (notice that "abuse" is a broad term that goes beyond physical attacks );
  • Someone submitting on behalf of a minor child or an adult who is not able to file the petition due to age, health, disability or inaccessibility and That Has Been abused by a Relative or member of their family; or
  • Someone submitting on behalf of a "high-risk" adult with disabilities that has been abused, neglected, or exploited by a relative or member of their family. 

One of the essential constraints on who can file a petition for an order of protection is the petitioner (or the individual on whose behalf that the petitioner is filing the petition ) has to be a family member of the individual against whom the order of protection has been searched (the "respondent").   Illinois courts construe the expression "family member" liberally.
Any family member or household member can be named as the respondent, even if the respondent is a minor. 

What Types of Behavior Can an Order of Protection Prohibit?

Judges have the discretion to prohibit a broad range of Behaviours, including:
  • Providing for allocation of parenting time and obligation and child care;
  • Prohibiting threats and “abuse,” which is defined as physical abuse, harassment, intimidation of a dependent, interference with personal liberty, or willful deprivation;
  • Mandating the respondent undergo counselling;
  • Preventing the respondent from entering a common house while under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
  • Requiring the respondent to stay away from a protected party and/or certain particular locations like a protected party's work or school;
  • Adjudicating rights with respect to private property and real estate and
  • Requiring or prohibiting other actions from the respondent dependent on the facts of the case. 

What Happens at an Illinois Order of Protection Hearing?

Proceedings for Orders of Protection follow the Illinois Rules of Civil Procedure, even if the Order of Protection proceeding is connected to a criminal matter. 
Order of Protection proceedings differ in average civil proceeding in a couple of respects.   To begin with, unlike many civil litigation event, there's no right to a jury trial in an Order of Protection proceeding.   Secondly, Illinois courts handle Order of Protection event as expedited proceeding.   This usually means that continuances are just allowed for good cause and are retained to a shorter duration than in other event.   When a continuance is essential for the court to determine on a few but not all of petitioner's requested remedies, the court will reserve judgment about the problems requiring a continuance, but won't delay hearing and judgment on other issues.
The standard of evidence required is "a preponderance of the evidence," the default standard of proof in civil litigation event, which necessitates the party with the burden of evidence to prove that the allegations giving rise to a cause of action are far more likely than not to be accurate.

Friday, May 10, 2019

Are You Illinois DUI Revoked


Perhaps your driver's license revoked in the State of Illinois for DUI? Have you tried for license reinstatement on your own and been denied? Do not go it alone.  You need a skilled reinstatement lawyer to represent you in your administrative hearing.  An Experienced lawyer has the expertise to get your license back into your hands and get you back to the street again. 
Whether you're interested in a restricted driving permit to get you to work, or if you require full reinstatement of your driving privileges, we can assist.  With our expertise, we'll guide you through the challenging procedure of preparing you and presenting your own case to the Illinois Secretary of State in the essential administrative hearing.  The State is searching for particular items at these hearings along with a customer without an experienced lawyer, will probably result in a refusal of your license or complete reinstatement.  You need an experienced Illinois drivers license reinstatement lawyer on your side.

Knowledge and Preparation

Driver's License Suspension Lawyer must have helped numerous people get their licenses back on the first try by relying on their  experience and preparation. Due to attorney's expertise, they understand what the Secretary of State expects to hear during the administrative hearing process. they ought to be involved in preparation from the very beginning. When you seek any law firm, they should prepare you for the drug and alcohol evaluation to make sure you get started on the right foot. A Driver's License Suspension attorney also schedule the hearing for you and prepare you for the questions you will encounter at your hearing. Don't trust your future to just any reinstatement lawyer. Hire reputed law firm for experience and preparation. If  you are looking for experienced attorney, Champaign Driver's License Suspension Lawyer may help you.


The Hearing

Everybody whose license is revoked must attend an administrative hearing with the secretary of state to begin driving again.  It is irrelevant if you have 1 or 2 or multiple DUI's, Skilled attorney knows the way to receive your license back.  Even when you do not reside in Illinois and are currently an out-of-state resident, Illinois nevertheless can place a hold on your license and keep you from receiving a new license .

Monday, April 15, 2019

What to Do After a Dog Bite?


Although most dogs are delighted to present endless companionship into the people about them, even the most docile canine can snap under certain conditions.  Thus, millions of people are bitten by dogs each year.  Because dog bite injuries may have substantial health, legal, and fiscal ramifications, it is important to understand what to do following a dog bite.  Keep reading to find out more about important actions to take following these kinds of accidents.

What to Do After a Dog Bite: First Steps


Knowing what to do after a dog bite can be critical to your health and any legal action you may need to take. Important first steps following a dog bite comprise the following:
Medical Care: Particularly for puncture wounds and much more serious injuries, it is important to get medical care straight away. Some dogs are not vaccinated against rabies, and puncture wounds are prone to infection. If at all possible, take photos of your wounds until they're treated to be able to accurately record the injury done.
Exchange Information: Just like the aftermath of an auto collision, you need to exchange information with your dog's owner or caretaker so that you may easily contact them following the incident, as a way to validate the puppy's vaccination history.  This advice should include the individual's title, address, and contact info.
Witnesses: If you're bitten or your dog somebody else, make sure you find contact info for anybody who witnessed the episode.  When there's a demand for a litigation or an insurance coverage, eye witness accounts may offer a more precise image of what occurred.
Animal Control: Filing a report with the local animal control service can help to stop future dog bites, and their research into the episode might assist your case.
Following through on those first steps will ease the practice of arriving to a reasonable deal later regarding reimbursement for dog bite injuries. 

Contacting a Dog Bite Attorney

Because dog bites are such a common occurrence, there are attorneys with extensive experience handling dog bite insurance claims, settlements, and lawsuits. These lawyers are often well-versed in arriving at a precise quantity of reimbursement a dog bite victim must get.  These figures often demand detailed calculations for lost earnings and earning potential, pain and distress, and other expenditures.  They also have expertise analyzing a customer's likelihood of achievement based on their nation's dog bite laws and also the results of similar cases they have seen.
Finally, a dog bite lawyer may be instrumental in managing the other party's insurance company and negotiating a settlement.  While the insurer has lots of experience getting people to take low settlement provides, a Champaign dog bite lawyer is quite knowledgeable about the strategies employed by insurance companies and other attorneys, and understands the best arguments and signs to use to acquire a reasonable settlement. 

Thursday, March 14, 2019

About Possession with Intent to Deliver Charges in Illinois


Possession with intent to deliver controlled substance, occasionally referred to as possession with intention to sell or possession for sale , entails two primary components. The first is that the drug possession itself. The next is proof of intent to sell or distribute the controlled substance.
Accused of Possession With Intent to Deliver?
Possession with intent to Distribute or Deliver would be much more serious charge than a normal charge of possession of a controlled substance. Depending on the burden (addictiveness and possibility of misuse of this substance ), the quantity, along with other conditions, a conviction may lead to extended incarceration. It's vital to rapidly achieve the guidance of a Illinois drug offense defense attorney. An educated criminal defense law firm will require immediate action to protect clients facing such charges.

Penalties for possession with intent to deliver in Illinois


Simple possession and possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance are distinct charges with various penalties. Drug possession for sale, obviously, contributes to considerably harsher penalties and is generally in fact charged as a felony. Even though the minimum and maximum sentences vary for intent to distribute, based upon the state where the offense has been charged, any previous criminal history, and some signs of having sought drug treatment. 
In certain states, possession of certain drugs for sale, including schedule II drugs such as cocaine or methamphetamine, can cause sentences of around 40 years in jail time and fines of around $50,000.  In different nations, sentences may begin at two to four years in prison, but grow rapidly to 20 or even 30 years if certain specific conditions (like using a huge quantity of the drugs ) are revealed. 
The rule of thumb is that the greater of a drug you've got and the more dangerous the drug is, the more probable it is you will face a lengthy prison sentence. For more detail about possession with intent to deliver penalty in Illinois, you may contact an experienced attorney.

Legal Defenses for Possession with Intent to Deliver Charges

There may be several viable defenses available against a charge of drug possession with intent to deliver. First, lack of possession is a common defense. The prosecutor must demonstrate that the defendant was in illegal possession of a controlled substance, so if a criminal attorney can persuade the jury that a defendant was never in possession, a possession with intent to sell conviction can't win.
In "constructive ownership" scenarios, a defense of lack of ownership makes sense, as a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney can easily challenge whether the defendant had knowledge of the presence of the drug. For a criminal offense, if a defense attorney can create even a small amount of "reasonable doubt" as to why the drugs were there and if the defendant actually knew about them, then the jury must return a "Not Guilty" verdict (i.e. - the defendant ought to be acquitted).
A lawyer can also defend on the basis that the defendant had no intention to sell the drugs. If it can be shown that a defendant was in possession for these drugs for personal use only, which there was no intent to really distribute, the defendant could be subject to punishment that is typically not as severe than the sentences imposed for deliver and intent to deliver. In some states, a conviction of simple possession can also be preferable since it allows a defendant to stay qualified for rehabilitation or drug diversion programs in lieu of prison time. 

Tuesday, March 5, 2019

What are the consequences of assault and battery?

If you're convicted of battery and assault charges, if a misdemeanor or a felony, then you can face jail time, fines, and probation.  Your penalties might be more severe when you've got a criminal background.  A conviction will provide you a criminal record that may negatively affect your own life and future.
It's crucial to keep the assistance of a competent attorney who will start building your defense plan and that will act as your advocate through the legal procedure.  That's the support a Providence assault / battery defense attorney can provide.

What happens when charged with assault and battery?

The offenses of assault, battery and assault, and aggravated assault all involve deliberate injury inflicted on one individual by another.  Any offense involving a physical assault (or perhaps the danger of an assault ) is generally classified as an assault, a battery, or even both.  Based upon the seriousness of this assault (or so the dangerousness of the weapon employed ), these acts might grow to the level of aggravated assault.  And over one-sided strikes can constitute attack. Fighting may result in an assault charge, when two individuals have mutually consented to fight. To get legal help you may contact assault and battery lawyer in Champaign, Il

First time assault and battery charge

 For a first offense assault and battery , you may face up to 2.5 years jail time or around a $1,000 fine.
The state must prove:

  • The suspect touched the alleged victim with No excuse or right, and
  • The suspect Meant to touch with the alleged victim, also
  • The touching was supposed to cause physical injury or has been offensive and completed without any permission. 

Are You Facing Assault & Battery Charges?

Assault and battery charges should not be taken lightly and may have life-changing consequences upon conviction.  There are always two sides to each story, in case you've been charged with assault & battery, you need to secure legal representation straight away in the event that you'd like the best chances of preventing a conviction.

Saturday, February 23, 2019

What are the penalties for driving with a suspended license in Illinois?

Many people assume incorrectly that driving on a suspended or revoked license is similar to some other petty traffic offense. In fact, driving on a suspended or revoked license is a criminal offense and can result in serious consequences. This offense is typically charged under Section 6-303 of the Illinois Vehicle Code as a Class A misdemeanor, punishable with maximum of 364 days in jail and $2,500 fine and mandatory court expenses.

If an Illinois driver’s license suspension or revocation not based on DUI or accidents involving personal injury or fatalities, the offense is a Class A misdemeanor punishable from supervision up to a conviction with a possible penalty of up to 364 days in jail.  For these types of suspension, jail time is real possibility for repeat offenders.

Consequences of driving on revoked license in IL

Under certain conditions, driving on suspended or revoked may be charged as a felony with more severe penalties. If your license was suspended or revoked for DUI, a first conviction of driving on a suspended or revoked license takes a minimal 10 days in jail or 30 days (240 hours) of service.

What happens if I drive with a suspended license?

If you are convicted of driving on a suspended license, the Secretary of State will extend your suspension for the same length of time as your original suspension. If your suspension has already expired, the Secretary of State will re-suspend your driving privileges for the same length of time as your original suspension.

If you are convicted of driving on a revoked license, the Secretary of State will not consider the reinstatement of your driver's license for at least one year from the date of conviction.

A 2nd violation for driving on a license that has been suspended or revoked for driving under the influence can be billed as a Class 4 felony. A conviction for second offense carries a potential sentence of 1-3 at the Illinois Department of Corrections and a fine maximum of $25,000. The mandatory minimum penalty for 2nd offense requires 30 days in prison or 300 hours of community services.

Driving with no Monitoring Device Driving Permit (MDDP) that has been issued to you, driving on a license that has been revoked for reckless homicide, and subsequent violations of the law carry additional penalties

Getting A Lawyer For A Suspended License in Illinois

We have years of experience supplying high quality criminal defense and driver's license reinstatement providers in the Champaign - Urbana area and throughout Illinois. Our Champaign Driver's License suspension attorney can review your Illinois Secretary of State driving record to ascertain the best course of action.

If at all possible, Our Law Firm at Patel Law, PC can help out with clearing the suspension or revocation prior to appearing in court on a driving suspended or revoked license charge. At minimum, reinstating your driving privileges can be utilized as reduction in court, resulting in a more favorable resolution of your case. In some instances, walking right into court with a clear license may even result in a full dismissal of this charge. It's important to note that you are not qualified for an administrative hearing with the Secretary of State if you have a case pending in court. The case must be resolved first.

Tuesday, January 29, 2019

Do I Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Illinois?

In case you have been charged with a crime, while it is a felony or a misdemeanor, you need an lawyer to assist you navigate the tricky legal waters. You should not trust any attorney to deal with your case. They are generally overloaded with cases when choosing your situation, bear in mind while an assigned public defender may have great intentions and may not be able to give your case the attention it truly deserves.


Why do You Hire Best Criminal Defense Attorney in Illinois?

Inexperienced attorneys may seem enthusiastic about representing you and may agree to take your case, but at the end of the day, you need an lawyer who has handled these instances before and knows how to present the greatest possible defense on your behalf.

Champaign criminal defense lawyers are well equipped to handle a wide spectrum of cases. Our practice areas include but not limited to:
  • Assault & Battery
  • Campus Crimes
  • Child Pornography
  • Computer Crimes
  • Drug Crimes
  • DUI
  • Federal Crimes
  • Juvenile Crimes
  • Murder/Homicide
  • Probation Violations
  • Sex Crimes
  • Theft Crimes
  • Traffic Offenses
  • Violent Crimes
  • Weapons
  • White Collar Crimes

What to Look for in a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

To help choose right lawyer for your criminal case, look for some or most of these characteristics.

  • The Local Advantage

A defendant must try to employ an attorney with expertise in the courthouse at which the defendant's situation is pending. Processes change to another though the laws may be in effect throughout a country. For instance, the D.A. in 1 county may have a no-plea-bargaining coverage connected to a specific offense, although the D.A. in a neighboring county may have no policy. Or, defense attorneys in one county might know which prosecutors are more likely to plead before diagnosis, as. Local lawyers also know the police officers and how they perform in courtroom. Lawyers who have experience should be preferred by defendants.

  • Experience in Criminal Defense

A defendant must attempt to obtain an lawyer that has represented defendants charged with the exact same or similar offenses. Modern law is so complicated that lots of attorneys specialize particularly kinds of offenses. By way of instance, an individual may concentrate on drunk driving, yet another in drug crimes, and yet another in white-collar crimes (normally speaking about nonviolent, money-related offenses, such as tax fraud or embezzlement).

It's absolutely suitable for a defendant to ask through the consultation concerning the expertise of the attorney. A defendant provides replies or shouldn't employ a lawyer who fails to expressly talk about her experience.

  • Civil versus Criminal Attorneys

Personal criminal defense attorneys tend to practice either on their own or in tiny ventures, and in a particular geographical setting. By contrast, lawyers who handle civil cases have a tendency to congregate in large corporate law firms with branch offices in several cities.

While character differences between criminal and civil attorneys may account for some of the variance, the biggest factor is the differing character of the work:

  1. Big-firm civil attorneys often signify companies who do business all around the nation or the entire world. Criminal defense attorneys represent individuals whose problems are normally quite local.
  2. Companies represented by big-firm civil lawyers have a constant need for legal advice and representation. Individual criminal defendants tend to be one-shot players with nonrecurring or sporadic legal needs.
The normal private defense lawyer has experienced a few years of experience working for the government before going into private practice, either as a prosecutor (often, a district attorney or city attorney) or as a public defender.

  • The Personal Factor

A defendant's attorney speaks to the defendant. However highly recommended a lawyer could possibly be, it's also essential that the attorney be somebody with whom the defendant is comfortable. The very best attorney-client relationships are the ones where customers are full partners in the decision-making procedure, and defendants must make an effort and employ attorneys who view them as partners, less case files.

Therefore, defendants must ask themselves questions like these when contemplating whether to hire a Specific lawyer:

  1. "Can the lawyer appear to be somebody I will work with and speak publicly to?"
  2. "Can the lawyer explain things in a manner I can know?"
  3. "Do the attorney's concerns extend to my general personal circumstance, instead of simply the offense with which I am charged?"
  4. "Does the attorney seem to be a man or woman who will engender confidence in prosecutors, judges, and, if needed, jurors?"
Contact Patel Law Office Champaign IL for FREE Consultation.