Five Illinois Teenagers Charged Under Felony Murder Rule

Five Illinois teenagers were charged under the felony murder rule for their role in a car theft gone wrong, according to an article by WTTW. 

These teenagers and an accomplice were attempting to steal an elderly man’s vehicle in Lake County, but the elderly man resisted and refused to turn over his vehicle. The elderly man ultimately pulled out a gun and fired, striking and killing the accomplice.

Even though the teenagers did not actually cause the death of their accomplice, they were in the process of committing a forcible felony together. In this type of situation, the teenagers can face first-degree murder charges, even without firing the fatal bullet. This is referred to as the felony murder rule. 

To understand the legal significance of the felony murder rule, it will be necessary to first review the definition of a forcible felony. Then it will be possible to analyze [...]

Written by on September 6, 2019

Peoria City Councilman Arrested for Aggravated Domestic Battery

A Peoria councilman potentially faces criminal charges after his arrest last month for aggravated domestic battery, according to an article by Peoria Public Radio. 

This criminal inquiry stems from an incident that occurred on July 30th at approximately 9:30 p.m. That is when the Peoria Police Department responded to an allegation of domestic battery on the 3000 block of North Bigelow Street.

The police officers arrested the city councilman in connection with these allegations. The city councilman was later charged with aggravated domestic battery and released the next day on a $100 bond. 

In order to understand the boundaries of aggravated domestic battery, it may be necessary to review the Illinois laws against the standard version of domestic battery. To that end, it is possible to take a refresher course on domestic battery under Illinois law by reading this Prior Law Firm blog post — What is Domestic [...]

Written by on August 23, 2019

New Trial Ordered in Peoria Armed Robbery Case

The Third District Appellate Court in Ottawa recently ordered a new trial for a Peoria man who allegedly committed armed robbery, according to an article by the Journal Star. The appellate judges were not convinced that the Peoria man was fit to stand trial. 

In terms of background, this case traces back to April 6, 2016. On that date, the Peoria man allegedly went to a Family Dollar store and attempted to purchase some candy. At the register, this man allegedly pulled a handgun on the store clerk and stole money from the register. 

Local law enforcement responded to the incident and conducted a full investigation. Thereafter, they charged the Peoria man with armed robbery. During the ensuing trial in the circuit court, the judge relied on a written agreement that the Peoria man was fit to stand trial. Thereafter, the Peoria man received a guilty verdict and [...]

Written by on August 16, 2019

Illinois Teenager Receives 15-Year Sentence for Residential Arson

After pleading guilty to residential arson, an Urbana, Illinois, teenager received a 15-year prison sentence, according to an article by The News-Gazette. This latest guilty plea resolved a complex criminal case against the teenager, which also included aggravated battery charges. 

The incident in question dates back to June 8th. That is when the Urbana teenager helped start a garbage fire at a large residential building in Campustown. The fire spread to the building’s electrical infrastructure, causing serious damage to the property.

The building managers had to shut down parts of the building to repair the damage, which temporarily displaced several residents. The total cost of repairs was in the tens of thousands. Though an insurance policy provided the necessary funds to complete all of the repairs.

As the Urbana teenager pleaded guilty, an Illinois state court judge dismissed charges for aggravated arson and sentenced the him to 15 [...]

Written by on August 9, 2019