North Central Narcotics Task Force Secures Arrests and Seizes Marijuana

The North Central Narcotics Task Force completed an investigation, arrested a man and woman as well as seized large amounts of marijuana, according to an article by the Northwest Herald.

A combination of more than 50 law enforcement agencies, the North Central Narcotics Task Force investigates major crimes within Kane, McHenry and DeKalb counties. Among other criminal activities, the task force investigates gangs as well as illegal weapon and drug trafficking.

Accused of trafficking multiple ounces of illegal drugs, the man and woman face charges for possession and delivery of marijuana. In light of this news story, it feels like a great time to review Illinois laws and penalties concerning marijuana.

What is the Illinois Legal Approach to Marijuana?

Under the Cannabis Control Act (the Act), Illinois provides its state-specific approach to laws and penalties concerning marijuana, which is legally referred to as cannabis. While the Act [...]

Written by on October 13, 2017

Illinois Gun Laws are Back in the National Spotlight

In the aftermath of the mass shooting in Las Vegas, Illinois gun laws are back in the news, according to an article by the Chicago Tribune.

During a discussion on gun control, a White House official questioned whether strict laws actually prevent gun crimes. The official pointed out that strict gun laws across Illinois have done little to prevent gun crimes from affecting 4,000 victims last year in Chicago.

While that is a fair point, proponents of strict gun control argue that there is a larger picture to consider. As reported by the Chicago Tribune, approximately 60% of illegal guns recovered by police in Chicago come from Indiana, Wisconsin, or Mississippi – states with lax gun control.

Given all of the recent noise concerning Illinois gun laws, it feels like a great time to engage in a history lesson of sorts. We will review Illinois gun laws, past [...]

Written by on October 6, 2017

Illinois Supreme Court Approves Hearsay in Murder Conviction

In a unanimous decision, the Illinois Supreme Court voted to allow the use of hearsay testimony in the highly publicized murder conviction of former police officer Drew Peterson, according to an article by the Chicago Tribune.

Peterson is currently serving a sentence of 38 years for the 2004 death of his third wife and 40 years for scheming to kill a prosecuting attorney. Authorities have remaining questions concerning the 2007 disappearance of Peterson’s fourth wife. But as the fourth wife’s body was never found, there is a lack of evidence to charge any suspects.

Defense attorneys for Peterson appealed the murder conviction based on the use of hearsay testimony. Hearsay is legal device that prohibits witnesses from testifying as to things they did not see, hear, or experience directly. Generally speaking, hearsay is not allowed in criminal trials because the defendant cannot challenge the validity of the statements offered.[...]

Written by on September 30, 2017

Hazing Incident Leads to Felony Charges for College Football Players

After a violent hazing incident, five Wheaton College football players now face felony charges for aggravated battery, mob action, and unlawful restraint, according to an article by the Chicago Tribune. The perpetrators allegedly barged into a freshman teammate’s dorm room in March of 2016. After tackling their victim, the perpetrators duct taped his wrists and ankles. Then they carried the victim through a crowded dorm to the parking lot.

While driving the victim to another location, the perpetrators applied more duct tape and stripped the victim’s clothes. In addition to beating the victim repeatedly, the players also tried to insert an object into the victim’s rectum. Finally, the perpetrators dumped the victim half naked on a baseball diamond and drove off.

To fully grasp the impact of this violent incident, we need to review Illinois laws concerning aggravated battery, mob action, and unlawful restraint.

How Does Illinois Define [...]

Written by on September 22, 2017