Recent Blog Posts
Unlawful Possession of a Firearm – Understanding the Charges and Potential Consequences
Although the United States Constitution does protect the gun ownership rights of Americans, certain situations in the state of Illinois could lead to criminal charges – even in an otherwise legal scenario. For example, one cannot carry a weapon into specific buildings, even with a conceal and carry license. If you are caught doing so, you could be charged and subsequently convicted of a crime. Learn more about the types of situations that may lead to criminal charges related to unlawful possession of a firearm in Illinois, and discover how an experienced attorney can help you fight back against the potential consequences of a conviction.
Possession of a Firearm in Protected Locations
Individuals who possess a conceal and carry license are usually permitted to carry their weapons on them in public, but there are specific areas in which possession of a firearm is prohibited. Schools and other federal buildings, such as post offices and courthouses are some of the more obvious restricted locations, but establishments that sell alcohol are also restricted. If found to be in violation of this law, you could be looking at a Class 4 felony.
Delaying Divorce for the Kids Could Do More Harm Than Good
When parents are faced with the decision of divorce, they often consider the well-being of their children. While, in many ways, this is a positive thing, it can convince parents to put off an inevitable divorce for the sake of their children. Sadly, this could end up doing more harm than good. Learn more about the risks associated with delayed divorce when you have kids and discover how an experienced attorney can assist you in taking the next step.
Study Shows Conflict is the True Cause of Maladjustment
Research has long shown that kids can be negatively affected by divorce. However, as science learns more about how the brain develops, they learn that it may not be divorce itself causing the negative effects in children. Instead, it could be contention (and the stress that may result from it).
What It Means to Be Registered as a Sex Offender in Illinois
Conviction of a sex offense can lead to serious consequences. It may also require you to register as a sex offender. Learn what it means to be registered as a sex offender in the state of Illinois, including how it may impact your career and personal life, with help from the following information. You shall also learn how an experienced criminal defense lawyer can mitigate against the potential consequences of a criminal sex offense charge.
Who Must Register as a Sex Offender?
Individuals who are convicted of a sex offense are referred to by the justice system as criminal sex offenders. Anyone who falls under this classification is required to register as an offender. Duration of registration typically lasts for 10 years, but there are situations that could warrant a longer registration period. Adjudicated juvenile offenders may not be required to register on the public website, but their information may still be distributed to local schools and daycares.
Examining the True Cost of Late-Life Divorce
Although the rate of divorce in America has declined across most age groups, later-life divorces have more than doubled over the last two decades. Relationship experts, financial advisors, religious leaders, and family law professionals all have their theories as to why this trend is occurring, but there seems to be one universal concern: the financial, emotional, physiological, and mental health of each party is at risk. Learn why, and discover how you may be able to mitigate against the potential risks during your divorce with help from the following information.
Money and the Late-Life Divorce
Being married to someone for a decade or two leads to the inevitable procurement of stuff – homes, vehicles, antiques, artwork, etc. – but it is often on a much larger scale than most divorces. Parties may have been married so long that they may not even agree on when certain assets were acquired (and they might not have receipts). All this means more legal fees for later-life divorcees. However, it is not just the cost of the divorce that is problematic.
Fighting a Marijuana DUI Charge in Illinois
While most drivers know that it is both illegal and potentially dangerous to drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they also tend to assume that only the guilty are convicted of such crimes. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. In fact, countless individuals – many of them registered medical marijuana patients – have been wrongly convicted of driving while under the influence of marijuana. Some of them remain imprisoned, still today. The following explains why and how and why this is happening, and it explains how an experienced criminal defense lawyer can help with your case.
Illinois' Marijuana Legal Limit
THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, stores itself in the fat cells of the body, which is why it can be detected in a person's blood and saliva far longer than other drugs. Prior to last year, this well-known fact was not considered in marijuana-related DUI cases. Instead, patients could be charged with a DUI, even if they only had a trace amount of THC in their system. Then the state finally implemented legal limits for THC (5ng in the blood and 10ng in saliva). Sadly, this change – although capable of reducing the number of wrongfully convicted medical marijuana patients – may still fall short of protecting every at-risk patient.
Kids of Divorce May Be Less Stressed When Parents Have Near Equal Parenting Time
Despite all the changes to divorce and structural changes to the American family, statistics indicate that mothers still tend to receive more parenting time with their children when the courts get involved. Unfortunately, studies suggest this could negatively affect children. In fact, one recent study found that children often fare better when their parents have near equal parenting time allotments. Learn more about how you can protect your child's best interests in a divorce case, and how an experienced divorce lawyer can help.
A Closer Look at the Study
Published in the Journal of Divorce & Remarriage, the recent study examined the stress level of 800 children from Sweden who had either one parent in their life or both. The results of the two groups were then compared. Overall, researchers determined that children experienced several bouts of stress throughout the week when they were deprived of one parent. In contrast, the children who had time with both parents reported less stress than their peers.
Determining Alimony in an Illinois Divorce
Although not awarded as frequently as it once was, alimony (also known as spousal support) can provide financial relief for a disadvantaged spouse during and after divorce. Available as either a temporary or, in some cases, permanent aid, alimony is paid by a higher-income spouse to one that is disadvantaged. How do you determine if you are disadvantaged, how much might you be owed, and how can you increase your chances of receiving what you are entitled to in your divorce? The following information explains.
Are You Eligible?
Before an individual can determine the amount of spousal support they may be owed, they must first be deemed eligible for alimony payments. The courts do this by examining the financial situation and other aspects of the marriage, such as:
- A spouse that has given up their career or education to advance the career of the other;
Fighting Back Against Your Retail Theft Charges – What Are Your Alternatives to Conviction?
Being arrested on shoplifting charges can be a frightening experience, but even that pales in comparison to the criminal consequences of a conviction. At the very least, a misdemeanor charge, a retail theft conviction can also impact your employment and housing opportunities. Learn more about the criminal and collateral consequences of a shoplifting conviction, your possible alternatives to conviction, and how an experienced criminal defense lawyer can protect your rights with help from the following information.
Consequences of a Retail Theft Conviction
Criminal consequences of a retail theft conviction (those pertaining to the law) depend greatly upon the amount of merchandise or property allegedly stolen, as well as any prior offenses. For those with a clear criminal record who allegedly stole items with a value of less than $300 (or less than $150 for fuel), consequences may include up to a year of jail time, fines, and possible restitution fees, which are paid to the retailer. Second offenses of the same amount are punished as Class 4 felonies and may include consequences of imprisonment for one to three years and fines of up to $25,000, as well as possible restitution to the retailer.
Current Political Events Lead to a Spike in Divorce Rates
People say you should never talk about politics in a social setting, but what about in your marriage? Perhaps, even then, it is best to keep your opinion to yourself – at least until the current political storm has passed. In fact, news sources are now saying that the Trump presidency is causing an increase in divorce throughout the United States.
In a poll conducted by Wakefield Research, 22 percent of the 1,000 respondents said that they know of at least one couple's relationship that was affected by the election of President Donald Trump. 24 percent of all participants in a relationship or marriage said that they now argue about politics more than ever.
Divorce and Politics – A Relatively New Issue?
To say that married couples have always agreed on their individual political views would be incorrect; disagreements about politics, even in marriage, are quite typical. However, it has only been recently that these ordinary agreements have become volatile – since the inauguration of our current president. Couples are genuinely shocked, appalled, angered, and confused about their spouse's political views right now. They are discussing matters that are core issues, which often coincide with one political party or the other. In short, couples are finding that this presidency, this political atmosphere, is different.
Your BAC May Be Higher Than You Think - Here's Why
Your blood alcohol concentration, or BAC, is a measurement of the amount of alcohol in your blood stream. It is also what states use to create legal driving limits. For Illinois, that legal limit is 0.08 percent for most drivers, 0.04 percent for commercial drivers, and 0.00 percent for anyone under the age of 21. Unfortunately, few drivers know their actual BAC before they get behind the wheel. Instead, most use their judgment to determine when they are sober enough to drive. Learn why it may not be enough to avoid criminal DUI charges.
Factors that Determine BAC As a general rule, the body can metabolize about one drink per hour (12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor). However, several factors can change the rate. For example, women often metabolize alcohol slower than men. Genetics and your weight can also have an impact, as can the health of your liver. The amount you drink and the speed at which you drink are also determining factors. The contents of your stomach – particularly the amount of food you eat before drinking – can also affect your body's alcohol metabolism rate. Even more perplexing is that the body may metabolize alcohol faster one day, but slower another. Peak BAC times, which can range anywhere from minutes to hours, may also change, depending on your body's metabolic rate for that day. In short, it can be difficult to determine your BAC formulaically. As such, it is encouraged that you avoid trying to guess your BAC and, instead, choose to play it safe after a night out with friends, family, co-workers, or others. Your BAC and Driving If you plan on drinking, it is advised that you assign a designated driver, call a rideshare, or take public transit. However, you can also stop drinking at a specific time and then wait for yourself to sober up. Keep in mind that this option is rarely your best option, and it should only be used if you plan on only drinking a small amount - no more than one or two drinks over several hours, especially since it could take a minimum of two hours to metabolize two drinks (possibly more). Anything more and it might be better if you find an alternative form of transportation. Driving While Under the Influence Unfortunately, some people are not aware of how their body metabolizes alcohol, or it may metabolize it differently than it usually does. Others may assume they have sobered up enough to drive, but end up being wrong. In either case, the driver may be at risk for a DUI charge. If one happens to you or someone you love, know your rights – particularly your rights to remain silent and your right to obtain legal counsel. The Law Offices of Tedone and Morton, P.C. have your best interest in mind. Dedicated and experienced, our Plainfield DUI defense lawyers will protect your rights and aggressively pursue the most favorable outcome in your case. Learn more about how we can assist with your DUI charges. Call 815-733-5350 and schedule your personalized consultation today. Sources:
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