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If one faces an underage DUI charge in Illinois or if a loved one does, then a good understanding of how seriously the offense is considered and what

As a seasoned Palos Heights DUI attorney and the founder of Michael D. Ettinger & Associates, I have represented numerous clients facing the daunt

As a DWI lawyer based in Palos Heights, I understand the serious nature of being charged with multiple DWI offenses in Illinois. Illinois has strict d

Being charged with a drug crime in Illinois can be an overwhelming experience, fraught with uncertainty and significant legal implications. If you or

In Illinois, the distinction between battery and aggravated battery is not just a legal technicality. It significantly affects the classification and

Driving Under the Influence (DUI) is a serious criminal offense that can have far-reaching consequences for individuals who are convicted. In Illinois

Arson, a devastating crime that results in property damage, injury, and even death, is a significant concern in the United States. Many individuals wh

Facing a felony charge can have profound and far-reaching consequences that extend beyond the immediate legal penalties. From impacting your employmen

With the new year's arrival, Illinois has ushered in a host of fresh legislation. Over 300 new laws in Illinois became effective on January 1, 2024.

Mail fraud charges in the United States are serious legal matters. These criminal charges often involve complex federal statutes and can result in s

Cash bail has been harshly criticized in many quarters over the years. The argument against cash bail is that it determines who will be held before tr

In Illinois, a prosecutor can charge you with aggravated battery if you physically contact someone because you want to insult, injure, or provoke them

Illinois law presumes paternity if the mother is married, which means the husband does not need to do anything to prove he is the child’s father. Ho

Recreational marijuana use in Illinois became legal on Jan. 1, 2020. Part of the law that legalized cannabis also created ways that you may be able to

A divorce can be traumatic for all parties involved, and fathers may feel they are at a disadvantage when child custody, child support, and spousal ma

White-collar crimes are punished aggressively in Illinois, so if you were charged with embezzlement, there is a possibility of a long prison sentence,

Misappropriation of assets is a serious white-collar crime in Illinois and quite common. A recent report noted that misappropriation schemes are the m

In recent times, there have been many media reports of tragic fires in the US, and sometimes they are set intentionally. For instance, in 2018, a 51-y

Being stopped and detained by the police is often stressful. However, you have rights protected by the Constitution when handling an encounter with th

MAR 16 2023 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE THIRTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT           GRUNDY COUNTY, ILLINOIS THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF IL

Money laundering is a white-collar crime that involves ‘washing money’ that has been acquired through criminal activity. Money laundering can also

Recent reports have shown a dramatic spike in drug crime convictions in Illinois. In 2021, The Illinois State Police reported in the drug enforcement

Child custody and visitation can get complicated quickly if you are an unmarried father split from your partner in Illinois. It is clear who a childâ€

Depending on the extent of the damages and your intent, an arson charge can lead to three years to life in prison. But if your actions were not under

In Illinois, crimes are divided into five categories per type. Each carries similar punishments with some differences, but a Class X felony carries th

As per Illinois law, you can be accused of battery if you make physical contact with another person because you want to provoke, insult or injure them

Roe vs. Wade is perhaps the most infamous case the Supreme Court handled. The case established that abortion is a private matter. By overturning the r

George Floyd died a slow and painful death. He pleaded with the officer to get off his neck so he could breathe, but he only lifted his knee after 9 m

In Illinois, DWI charges and DUI charges are used interchangeably. The charges are severe even for first-time offenders. However, a professional Palos

Misappropriation of assets is considered a white-collar crime in Illinois. This means that while it is not destructive or physically violent, it is st

Drug trafficking carries hefty charges and severe penalties in Illinois, making you land in hot water if you are convicted. The charges can compromise

Attorney Michael Ettinger's client was released after spending three years in jail after being found not guilty. Attorney Ettinger stated "It's not of

As of January 1st, 2020, weed is now legal in Illinois. Besides legalizing the substance, the new law also included expungement of cannabis possession

If you have just found out you will be a father and are not married to your pregnant partner, you may be concerned about your legal rights. In Hinsdal

If you were injured or lost a loved one in a preventable accident, you could legally sue the negligent party for monetary damages. File the claim with

Drug crimes are no joke in the state. If you are found with drugs in Illinois, you will face quite stiff penalties depending on the substance you are

A Class X felony is considered to be the most serious felony in Illinois. If you are found guilty, you will not get probation and may face a mandatory

It is a crime to own a controlled substance as per the Illinois Controlled Substance Act. The offense is referred to as unlawful possession of a contr

Individuals accused of arson in Illinois face a severe criminal charge that carries hefty fines and substantial prison sentences. At this point, you n

Arson can lead to death and/or serious injuries, which is the main reason it is a punishable crime in Illinois, one which carries penalties and other

While you can represent yourself in court, doing is not a good idea. Here are some reasons why you should not take this course of action and hire a Pa

Misappropriation of assets such as embezzlement is considered to be a serious crime in the state of Illinois. If caught, you can face serious prison t

While it's not advised to consider divorce for trivial disagreements, you may still need to face it coming from your spouse. When the court gets invol

Business contracts are the cornerstones of any given organization. Besides defining your corporation’s legal obligations, it also outlines the worki

Two weeks before President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration, the U.S. Capitol building was stormed by Trump supporters in an act of defiance. In the w

If nothing else, the deaths of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd taught us racial profiling and the use of excessive force by police is far from a myt

In Illinois, battery is considered a misdemeanor, but it can be updated to a felony charge or aggravated assault if certain conditions are met. To f

If you have been charged with a cannabis-related DUI, that means you were found guilty of operating a motor vehicle while driving impaired/high. Even

A motion to suppress evidence is a request from the defendant for the judge to exclude certain evidence from the trial. The request is typically made

In the criminal justice system in Illinois, a plea bargain can be reached at any time before a verdict is set. Plea deals are fairly common during thi

The Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects every citizen from unlawful warrants and illegal searches from police in Illinois. In fact, you

In Illinois, a Class X felony is the most serious crime a resident can commit short of first-degree murder. If found guilty, the defendant cannot be s

According to the Illinois Criminal Code, assault and battery are two different entities so there is no such thing as an ‘assault and battery’ offe

DUI laws are unsympathetic across the U.S., but in Illinois, laws are downright harsh - and for good reason. According to the National Highway Traffi

Individuals who are convicted of criminal sexual assault in Illinois need to understand the steps they can take to protect themselves during legal pro

When it comes to the consumption and possession of alcohol, Illinois is a Zero Tolerance state, but underage drinking is still rampant in teenagers, w

On January 1, 2020, Illinois legalized the use of recreational marijuana - like most other states in the nation. While the decision may prove to be fi

A criminal charge can turn anyone’s life upside down. However, if an accuser is not to blame for the crime, why should they face punishment? Unfortu

During a criminal case, the U.S. civil legal system assumes both parties will act in good faith as per the law. Evidence is critical when it comes to

In Illinois, gun convictions can carry hefty sentences - especially for defendants who have a criminal record or when the crime relates to another cri

Many individuals look for either sealing or expunging their criminal records to start a new life. Expunging records destroys criminal records from the

In certain conditions, like when an individual is facing criminal charges for the first time, or the nature of crime is minor - the court can allow fo

Possession of drugs for selling or commercial use, being involved in drug trafficking, or intent to distribute and manufacture them carry federal crim

Illinois has very strict rules, regulations and laws concerning Driving Under the Influence or DUI. Among the most common DUI tests is a breathalyzer

In Illinois, arson is one of the most serious crimes punishable by multiple penalties and jail time. Arson crimes generally refer to any crimes carrie

We live in a digital world today and more and more people share their personal information online through social media and other similar services. Acc

What is Misappropriation of Assets? When employees or third parties associated with a business abuse their power and authority and steal from the c

Stalking has always been considered a misconduct, but it becomes more perceptible due to the advent of social media and the latest technologies, which

The terms manslaughter and murder are often used interchangeably as if they are the same; however, both constitute two different crimes. If you are ch

Excessive force, as the name suggests, refers to use of force in excess of what an officer may reasonably deem necessary. A reasonable force is the am

Driving under the influence of alcohol, commonly known as DUI, is a serious offense which has grave consequences. These ramifications may include but

There are many instances where we find ourselves in a heated situation. Tension can lead to arguments, and even physical contact. Thus, a simple fight

Racial profiling is prevailing significantly in different parts of the world, and the United States is no exception. It is a discriminatory practice t

Wire fraud has been around for decades; however, this crime has been increasing at an alarming rate in the United States in recent times. A report pub

A report by Statista revealed that murder and non-negligent manslaughter rate per 100,000 inhabitants in Illinois is 8.2, which accounts for 5th highe

Primarily, forging or misusing a prescription constitutes as prescription fraud. Under the Illinois Controlled Substances Act, prescription fraud is a

A significant portion of the American population consumes different types of drugs for recreational purposes. While alcoholic beverages can be legally

Driving under the influence can create several legal issues for you. The most common consequence of being caught driving under influence is getting yo

Original post: June 17, 2017, Fox2Now website   CHICAGO (AP) _ A federal jury has acquitted a former suburban Chicago police officer char

As published in the May 9, 2018 edition of the Chicago Sun Times   A Chinatown man has been convicted of beating a west suburban restaurant m

Money laundering is a term used for the unlawful process through which illegitimate assets are converted into superficially legitimate assets. Illegit

White collar crimes are a grouping of offenses that encompass nonviolent crimes, often involving financial transactions, frequently committed by peopl

Police violence against civilians is more frequently being reported all across the US. In fact, over a thousand of Americans are killed, and gravely i

Illinois is well-known in the country to be among the most progressive states. Medical marijuana is already permitted in the state through a state aut

Mail fraud is a serious offense in the United States and any dealing or activity performed through the U.S. mail is fully monitored for this fraudulen

Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) or Driving Under the Influence (DUI) is a serious offense in the state of Illinois, and is committed when a person dri

There are not many crimes that can be considered more serious and inhumane than a murder. Based on the nature and severity of the crime, a murder conv

If you are arrested for drug-related crimes, you are likely to face a variety of charges based on the specifics of your case under Illinois and federa

In the United States, criminal offenses are generally divided into two main categories: felonies and misdemeanors. These terms are often used intercha

When police officers are given a badge, they are bestowed upon a large amount of power. They are allowed to carry weapons, such as guns and batons, ar

Most people have heard the term white collar crimes usually from news channels and movies, but not many of them have a complete idea of the activities

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