A Certificate of Innocence will go a long way in helping you put your life back together if you face wrongful conviction of a crime.
Attorneys used this document earlier in the year for the release of two men who had served decades in prison for a murder they did not commit.
Colloquially, many people interchange the words murder, homicide and manslaughter. In all instances, someone has died. But, is there a legal difference between the three? In fact, the words all mean slightly different things. This post will dive into the nitty gritty of both terms.
The legal process that follows criminal charges involves many more steps than your run-of-the-mill traffic citation. The first thing to do after being charged with a crime is to understand the necessary legal procedures you’ll need to take.
Take a look at these steps to better set your expectations for what’s to come and how to handle it.
Many Americans have heard a fake or real police officer reading someone his or her Miranda rights. It could have been either from movies and TV or from hearing it in-person. If you are still not familiar, Miranda rights begin with an officer saying, “You have the right to remain silent.”
Here is a brief explanation if you don’t know what Miranda warning rights are or how they can protect you.
If you are facing criminal charges, it may seem daunting to figure out how to handle the case. Finding legal representation is the first and perhaps most critical step to ensuring your case goes forward in the best way possible for you.
You may feel temptation to skip this step and represent yourself. Self-representation may seem like a simple solution to your legal needs, but it rarely – if at all – is as effective as having the help of a trained and experienced attorney. If you are worried about the cost or time constraints of finding legal counsel, know that you can find a qualified attorney without sacrificing your finances.
Video recordings have helped to clear the names of the thousands of innocent people who have been falsely accused of crimes. While most people understand the value of recording police encounters, they aren't aware of how they can do so without breaking the law. You have the right to protect yourself by filming your interactions with law enforcement and knowing the law can help you to feel confident when pulling out the camera.
Here's what you should keep in mind if you ever come across on-duty officers.
Critics have slammed the gang member database. How will the Chicago PD respond?
The Chicago Inspector General has held several public hearings related to the Chicago Police Department's gang member database, gathering feedback and concerns from critics and civil rights advocates. Some have long argued that the city's list of "known" individuals with gang affiliations is problematic and violates civil rights.
When it comes to police department reform, communities are looking for ways to have more power in holding officials accountable. In Chicago, one group wants the community to have the power to fire a superintendent.
The Grassroots Alliance for Police Accountability released a proposal that suggests a seven-member civilian board be given the power to fire the city's police superintendent. It also calls for the mayor to retain the ability to fire a superintendent as well.
The alliance has been working on this proposal for over a year, after the Mayor's Police Accountability Task Force recommended the city create a community oversight board. Thirteen community groups are involved with the alliance.
As times change and each generation sheds new taboos, some things become socially acceptable that might not have been a few years earlier. This is certainly true of marijuana. Though still illegal in most states, it is a common reference in pop culture and increasingly viewed as innocuous. While it may not have the addictive potential or physical danger of harder drugs, it is still far from harmless.
According to the Chicago Tribune, some counties in Illinois will have the option of potentially legalizing marijuana, but until then, everybody should be aware of the reasons it is not as innocuous as it may seem. The following three are reasons enough to stay away from cannabis.
If you are thinking about taking something that you believe is yours or that does not belong to you from someone else's home or car in Chicago, you could be committing theft or robbery. Both are crimes that can get you time behind bars, a criminal conviction and haunt you for the rest of your days.
You may think that theft or robbery charges are the same, but they are not. They are two different crimes that carry separate penalties. It is important for you to know the difference between them so you have a better understanding of what you may be up against if you find yourself facing criminal charges.
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