Mistakes happen behind the wheel, but in some cases, you may feel that you were unfairly ticketed, or you may be ready to seek a reduced or even dismissed traffic ticket. When you receive your ticket, it may have a scheduled date and time that you are supposed to appear in traffic court. 

A Chicago traffic ticket lawyer at Chicago Trusted Attorneys can help determine your best next steps when faced with traffic court. Don’t deal with the uncertainty alone.

Preparing for Your Traffic Court Hearing

If you receive a ticket from a police officer, it is possible you may be requested to appear in court. The ticket will say why you were charged, including the laws you may have broken, the date of the incident, and the time and location of where the officer believed the violation took place. 

If you are scheduled to appear in court, it will also be listed on the ticket along with the date and time of your hearing. The officer will ask you to sign your ticket. This is not an admission of guilt. However, if you do not sign the ticket, you may face other penalties.

There are several things you should make sure you have with you if you are requested to appear in court for a traffic ticket hearing. It is of utmost importance that you do what you can to try and prove yourself innocent if possible. If viable to your case, you should have witnesses that are willing to support your statement, as well as evidence such as photos or video. 

How a Traffic Ticket Lawyer Can Help

Ahead of your trial date, you will want to contact a traffic ticket lawyer to represent you. Never admit guilt before speaking to your lawyer. We may be able to help you prove your innocence. If you are found guilty, you may have to undergo a driving test, community service, or have your license revoked. 

If you fail to appear in court, an arrest warrant may be issued. The judge may also consider filing a default judgment, which means that you lost your hearing because you did not appear in court. You have twenty-one days in Illinois to ask the court to schedule a new hearing. However, you will need to provide an appropriate reason as to why you did not appear at the first hearing.

Your lawyer can help you avoid these troubles. Your lawyer can help you ensure you arrive at the right date with the evidence you need to fight your traffic ticket. Your lawyer will also represent you in the courtroom to get the penalties for a traffic ticket reduced or dismissed. 

Get Help with Your Case from a Traffic Ticket Attorney

When you’ve been ticketed and you’re looking for options, our team at Chicago Trusted Attorneys can advise you on the next steps to take in your cases. We will help you every step of the way so you don’t have to navigate the trial process alone.

Are you ready to talk to an attorney? We’re ready to speak to you. To get started, call 312-519-3171 or fill out the contact form at the bottom of the page.

If you’ve been charged with a criminal case, every conviction can follow you for the rest of your life. That’s why it’s essential to contact an experienced Chicago criminal defense attorney who can prove your innocence. 

Your case will receive the attention it deserves. You can’t fight the system on your own, and your future is too important to trust anyone but the best attorney as you work to build a strong legal defense. We are proud to represent and fight for defendants in Chicago.

If you or a loved one are in need of a criminal defense attorney, Chicago Trusted Attorneys® are here to help. Here are three top reasons why you should hire a defense attorney for your case.

You Need Experience On Your Side

Having our knowledgeable lawyers working on your case ensures that you have the best chance of reducing or eliminating your charges. We will immediately begin negotiations with the prosecutors to explore all of your options. 

Your defense lawyer fully understands your criminal case, knows the evidence brought against you, and is well-versed in the applicable law to use to your advantage. You need someone who knows the Illinois Penal Code, which is very complicated.

Your lawyer is certified to handle all types of criminal cases, we are skilled negotiators, and will keep in close communication with you every step of the way. Simply put, their experience will increase your chances of winning.

You Need To Protect Your Rights

In the United States, anyone accused of a crime has certain rights under the Sixth Amendment. These rights include but are not limited to: 

• The right to a speedy trial
• The right to a trial by jury
• The right to an attorney

Were mistakes made or were legal boundaries crossed? Arresting officers do make mistakes, and our skilled investigators will research your case thoroughly to determine if any of your rights were violated. 

Your lawyer knows how police officers should operate, we make sure that the proper warrants were obtained under the Fourth Amendment and evidence was properly collected and processed. Your lawyer will be there for you, from police questioning to your final day in court. 

The Penalties Can Be Severe

With criminal charges, the potential of jail time and immense financial penalties is a valid concern. Whether you’re facing a felony or misdemeanor, you are not alone. After your arrest, bail will be set as well as a date for your arraignment. 

During the time between your arrest and arraignment, it is extremely important for you to do everything possible to ensure that your criminal case proceeds without unnecessary complications or increased costly fines. 

Seek a Defense Attorney for Your Criminal Case

Your lawyer will work to minimize your current and future financial burden including those with your employer and housing. Partnering with our trusted lawyers will assure that you are prepared to appear before the judge and prosecutor on your arraignment date. 

You don’t have to go through this alone, call Chicago Trusted Attorneys® today and let us be there to defend you. Give us a call at 312-519-3171 or connect with us through our online contact form below. 

Driving under the influence, also known as DUI, is considered a serious offense. The effects of alcohol reduce your focus and slow down your reflexes, which means that there’s a high probability of causing a car accident that results in a fatality. The penalties you’ll receive will also be severe and long-lasting. 

Many drivers don’t know how to deal with legal procedures, but accepting the penalties can lead to severe penalties, especially when you consider what a DUI conviction could mean for your future. If you’re still not convinced, here’s a list of the penalties you might face. 

Losing Your Drivers License

Depending on the course of action you chose after getting stopped and arrested by police officers, you could find yourself without a license for a period of time that goes from ninety days to two years, depending on the severity of the charges. 

If you accumulate multiple DUI charges, your license could be permanently revoked. Unlike a license suspension, where the suspension will be lifted after the sentence is complete, you’ll have to pass a driving test and pay all the fees to reinstate your license if you’re able. 

Impact on Your Criminal Record

Whether this is your first time or you’re a repeat offender, a DUI conviction will become a part of your criminal record. A permanent stain on your record means that your possibilities in the future are compromised, as many important factors like housing, employment, and educational possibilities will all be negatively impacted.

Anything that requires a background check could be a problem for you if you don’t try to defend yourself. There’s also the possibility of losing your current job if it involves driving company vehicles as you could be seen as a risk for their profits. 

Increased Auto Insurance Rates

A DUI conviction will significantly increase your premiums for many years, which could compromise your financial stability and cause additional stress. The rate increase is based on a number of different factors, like local laws, your age, and your driving experience. 

Insurance companies are not particularly fond of drivers who are considered high-risk or repeat offenders. The possibility of completely losing your insurance coverage can quickly become a reality. A criminal defense lawyer can help you negotiate and avoid the worst-case scenario. 

Paying Damages

Drunk driving is an act of negligence, which means that if someone was injured as a result of your actions, they’re entitled to compensation. They could file a claim against you, which means that you’ll be forced to pay for all their expenses that were a direct result of the collision you caused. 

Your conviction can also be used as evidence, which means that the chances of having to compensate accident victims will be much higher. 

Consult with a DUI Lawyer in Chicago

Defending your case is necessary if you want to protect your future, your license, and your finances. With an experienced lawyer’s guidance, your charges could get dropped or dismissed. If this is not possible, we’ll look for ways to reduce your sentence and protect you from mandatory jail time. 

Our lawyers from Chicago Trusted Attorneys have a great amount of experience, and we’ll use it to prepare a strong defense. You can get started as soon as today, all you have to do is call our office at 312-519-3171 or complete the online contact form. 

From Out of State and Arrested for a Gun Charge in Illinois

In Illinois, those who possess a firearm must hold a valid Firearms Owners Identification card (FOIC). This is a process that has to be gone through, including a safety course that those who own them go through. If you’re not from Illinois, and you bring your firearm, you may face harsh legal penalties.

A gun charge is a serious offense, so make sure that you have proper counsel if you’re arrested and charged with a weapons charge. Here’s what you need to know if you’re caught with an out-of-state gun.

Having an Out-of-State Carry Permit

Even if you’re completely legal to own and carry a gun in another state because you have a valid permit, that permit doesn’t transfer to some states. Illinois does not recognize out-of-state permits as being valid permits for their state, and you may be arrested if you’re carrying a gun without the right state permit.

If you’re a resident of another state with a valid permit, you could be charged with a weapons offense if you decide to take that firearm with you into the state of Illinois. The state does recognize and issue non-resident permits.

However, these are not available to everyone. They’re only available to residents of states that have gun permit regulations that are similar to those of Illinois. These states include Arkansas, Mississippi, Texas, and Virginia.

Arrested for Weapons Charges in Illinois

If you’re found with a weapon and no legal Illinois permit, you may face criminal charges. There are certain guidelines that these charges come about depending on the circumstances.

If you’re found to have no FOID/CCL card and the gun you’re carrying is loaded, you can be charged with up to three years in prison. This is given even if you have no prior convictions. If you have no FOID/CCL card and the gun is unloaded, expect to get probation or up to three years in prison.

If you already have a felony background and are found to have a weapon, you can get between three to seven years in prison if you’re convicted.

Carrying a non-resident card can make a big difference, and it can even help you avoid a gun charge conviction. If you reside in one of the states above, apply for a FOID as soon as you can. This way, it will protect you against any issues should you carry a weapon in the state.

Get Help From a Gun Charge Lawyer When You’re Arrested

It’s not always possible to get the right permits before you’re arrested, and you may already be preparing for court. In times like these, you need the right law office on your side to help you reduce or dismiss the charges.

At Chicago Trusted Attorneys®, we’re ready to evaluate your case and help you get the necessary counsel you need. When it comes to gun laws in the state, you want to protect yourself and know what to expect when bringing a weapon there.

When you’re ready to act, reach out for a consultation. Give us a call at 312-519-3171 or fill out the online contact form below.

While every American has the Second Amendment right, the right to own a firearm can be taken away under certain circumstances. Before we discuss these circumstances, it is important to understand state and federal gun laws. The state laws will vary depending on the state in question.

If your Second Amendment rights have been taken from you, our defense attorneys can help. When you call our law offices, we will advise you on dealing with this matter and will ensure the best possible outcome for your case is achieved.

Federal vs. State Gun Restrictions

As explained above, there are state laws and federal laws. Under the gun control act of 1968, anyone who has been convicted of a felony cannot own a firearm. However, you must understand that state laws differ from federal laws. Therefore, your state’s laws might actually allow you to regain your firearm rights.

A good example of this is Indiana. In Indiana, you can have your firearm rights restored if you successfully petition the court. Meanwhile, in Kentucky, you can apply for expungement, but this can only be done five years after you have completed your sentence.

In California, your gun possession rights can’t be restored if you are convicted of a domestic violence crime or a felony involving a dangerous weapon. There are two main ways that you can get your gun rights back. The first is whether you have a wobbler, while the second is if the governor pardons you.

Crimes Impacting Gun Ownership In Illinois

In Illinois, you can only own a firearm if you have a Firearm Owner’s Identification Card and no weapons charges. The state police will issue the card to residents without a dangerous record. To have a firearm owner’s identification card, you must be 21 years of age or older, a resident of Illinois, and free from certain criminal convictions.

If you want to have a firearm but are 21 years of age or below, you need written consent from your parents. Keep in mind that your parents should be qualified to possess a firearm owner’s identification card themselves.

Crimes Affecting Your Right to Bear Arms

Three main types of crimes can prevent you from owning a firearm:

Felonies

Some crimes are considered more severe than others. These felonies include crimes such as armed robbery, aggravated arson, aggravated kidnapping, and murder.

Domestic Violence

This is a form of violence caused by a family member, a relative, or a close family friend. This class A misdemeanor conviction can mean a one-year sentence of imprisonment and fines of up to $2,500.

Assault and Battery with a Firearm

The third type of criminal conviction that will prevent you from bearing a firearm is a battery or assault crime that was committed while using a gun.

Get in Touch with a Gun Charge Attorney

If you face charges due to a felony, do not plead guilty. Instead, call Chicago Trusted AttorneysⓇ by dialing 312-519-3171. We have years of experience defending against gun-related charges, and you can rest assured the prosecutor will not violate your rights. You can also get in touch with us via the contact form on this website.