Chicago Illinois Criminal Defense Blog

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.

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.

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.

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.