Recent Blog Posts
Illinois DUI Charges When You Have a Minor Passenger in the Car
The State of Illinois takes driving under the influence very seriously, with some of the toughest laws in the country. The stakes increase significantly when certain aggravating factors are present. One aggravating factor that every parent and motorist should know about is DUI involving a minor passenger. If you have a minor in the… Read More »
Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia in Illinois: What You Need to Know
Yes, you can face criminal charges in Illinois for the unlawful possession of “drug paraphernalia.” While most folks consider this to be a minor offense, the State of Illinois charges it as a Class A misdemeanor. That means you can face jail time, real fines, and have a criminal record. You don’t want to… Read More »
Sonya Massey’s Attorneys Announce $10M Settlement in Wrongful Death Case
On what would have been her 37th birthday, Sonya Massey’s family’s lawyers announced a $10 million settlement in their wrongful death lawsuits against Sangamon County and the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office. The Sangamon County Board approved the settlement on Tuesday, seven months after a deputy shot the unarmed victim in her home near Springfield…. Read More »
Smith & Wesson to Face Lawsuit Over Highland Park Shooter
It is very hard to hold a gun manufacturer liable for the conduct of an individual owner who commits a criminal act. Nonetheless, a lawsuit is moving forward against Smith & Wesson, alleging that the gun manufacturer is at least partly responsible for the mass shooting that occurred on July 4, 2022. An Illinois… Read More »
What Happens if You Get Caught Selling Prescription Drugs in Illinois?
You have some extra hydrocodone left over from your surgery. You want to make a little extra money, so you sell them to a friend. You get caught. While it may seem to you that what you’ve done is very minor in the grand scheme of things, it is considered a major crime by… Read More »
Grieving Widow Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit After Snowplow-Train Collision
The widow of a 23-year-old Illinois Department of Transportation employee has filed a wrongful death lawsuit following the tragic death of her husband in a collision with a train. Her lawsuit names Canadian National Transportation (USA) Limited, Illinois Central Railroad Company, the conductor and engineer of the train as defendants in the lawsuit. The… Read More »
Family Sues Waukegan, Illinois Hospital After Woman’s Body is Found on Roof
The grieving family of a woman whose body was found atop the roof of a Waukegan hospital is now filing a wrongful death lawsuit. The lawsuit was announced recently by their attorney, Benjamin Crump, the notable civil rights lawyer. Crump is representing the family along with another attorney. According to the lawsuit, the 28-year-old… Read More »
What Should I Do If the Police Call Me into the Station for Questioning?
Being called into the police station for questioning can be frightening and intimidating. Whether you’re a witness, a person of interest, or even a suspect, you do have rights and you should exercise them intelligently. In this article, the Champaign, Illinois criminal defense lawyers at Patel Law, P.C. will discuss how to respond to… Read More »
Should I Take a Breathalyzer Test in Illinois?
At the moment that you’re being asked to submit a breath sample to a law enforcement officer, you don’t really have any good options, especially if you’re drunk. On the one hand, you can refuse to take the breathalyzer test, have your license suspended for 12 months, and still face charges for DUI anyway…. Read More »
Understanding the Right to Remain Silent in Illinois
Do police officers have to tell you, “You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law?” This is a common question that clients ask us after they’ve been arrested and charged with a crime. They ask us whether their case can… Read More »