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Hal Garfinkel is retained as the defendant's lawyer in the Chicago high profile murder case of Marlen Ochoa-Lopez. Read more...

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What You Should Know About Firearms and Weapons Charges in Illinois
Should I Testify in My Criminal Trial?
Illinois Set to End Cash Bail by 2023
Avoiding Criminal Charges After a Routine Traffic Stop
Executive Order Will Phase Out DOJ’s Use of Private Prisons
Understanding the Federal Offense of Perjury
What You Should Know About Presidential Pardons
Illinois Businessman Faces Federal Charges Related to U.S. Capitol Riots
5 Ways to Prepare for Your Federal Criminal Trial
What You Should Know About Online Sex Crimes
What You Should Know About Federal Drug Trafficking Charges
What Is the Burden of Proof in a Federal Criminal Case?
4 Mistakes to Avoid When Facing Federal Criminal Charges
What Are Some of the Most Common Federal Firearms Offenses?
What You Should Know About the Federal Crime of Money Laundering
Federal Charges Filed Against an Illinois Businessman for Wire Fraud
Federal Investigations: When Is It Time to Call an Attorney?
What Are the Defenses to White Collar Crimes?
Defending Against Federal Charges for Carjacking
New Measure to Make Voting System Hacking a Federal Offense
What You Need to Know About the Crime of Mail Fraud
What Are My Rights as a Criminal Defendant?
What You Need to Know About Federal Conspiracy Charges
More Than 60 in Chicago Charged with Federal Crimes Under Operation Legend
Steps to Take if You are Being Investigated for PPP Fraud
When Does a DUI Become a Federal Crime?
What Type of Criminal Charges Are Involved in Ponzi Schemes?
What to Do if Your Spouse is Charged with a Federal Crime
FAQs About Changing Attorneys in the Middle of Your Case
Can You Post Bail for Federal Charges?
Is Looting a Federal Offense?
When an Internet Search Turns Into a Crime
Stalking Can Quickly Become a Federal Offense
Are You Under Investigation for Prescription Drug Fraud?
What Are the Most Common Federal Offenses?
How Tax Fraud Affects Accountants
What Is the Federal Crime of Perjury?
Credit Card Fraud: There is More Than One Kind
Can You Plea Bargain in a Federal Criminal Case?
Think Zoom Bombing Is Funny? It Could Get You Arrested
When Is Contempt of Court a Federal Offense?
Common Mistakes Made by Federal Defendants
The Common Types of ATM Fraud
Hoarding and Price Gouging Now a Crime as Trump Invokes DPA
Convicted Sex Offenders Must Register or Face Federal Charges
What Is a Presidential Pardon?
A Reminder About Tax Evasion in Tax Season
Why Damaging Religious Property Is a Hate Crime
Target Letters, and What to Do if You Receive One
Reported Bank Fraud May on the Rise
Defenses to Insider Trading
Are There Defenses to Healthcare Fraud?
Is Bank Robbery Always a Federal Crime?
Tips for Hiring a Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer
Can Federal Convictions be Expunged?
Top Five Things You Should Know About a Federal Appeal
Key Differences Between the Federal Justice System and the State Justice System
What Are the Counterfeiting Laws and Penalties in the United States?
Is it Really a Federal Crime to Kill a Bald Eagle?
Indicted by a Grand Jury? Your Case May Still Be Dismissed
Did You Receive a Federal Grand Jury Subpoena?
Is Drug Trafficking a Federal Crime?
What Is Antitrust Law?
Animal Cruelty May Soon Be a Federal Offense
The Crime of Unlawful Mailing and Suspicious Packages
The Different Types of Social Security Fraud
The Crime of Falsifying Records to Obstruct an Investigation
Three Common Federal Firearm Laws
What Happens During Sentencing in Federal Court?
Options After a Federal Crime Conviction
What Is the Federal Crime of Human Trafficking?
Common Defenses to Identity Theft
What Are the Levels of Intent in Federal Criminal Cases?
What to Expect if You Are Involved in an Opioid Investigation
Is Buying Counterfeit Goods a Federal Crime?
Differences Between Grand Juries and Trial Juries
Defenses to Conspiracy to Commit Murder
Product Tampering Is a Federal Crime
How Do the Federal Sentencing Guidelines Work?
What to Do When Facing a Search Warrant
Difference Between State and Federal Sex Charges
What Crimes Are Considered War Crimes in the United States?
Can the Government Seize Assets in a Healthcare Fraud Case?
Why Federal Criminal Cases Need a Federal Attorney
The Problems with Telemedicine and How Doctors Can Protect Themselves
How to Tell if You Are Under Federal Investigation
Is Hacking a Crime?
Understanding the Federal First Offenders Act
Have You Done DNA Testing? You Could be Part of a Criminal Investigation
What Is Securities Fraud?
What Does the Crime of Money Laundering Involve?
The Crime of Extortion Explained
What Is Obstruction of Justice?
What Happens If You Violate Federal Probation?
What Is Mail Fraud and Honest Services Fraud?
What Is Bankruptcy Fraud?
Differences in Federal and State Embezzlement Charges in Illinois
Tax Mistakes Are Sometimes Considered Tax Fraud
Different Types of Health Care Fraud
What Is Suborning Perjury?
Options After a Federal Indictment
How to Escape an ICE Audit Unscathed
When Is Kidnapping a Federal Crime?
Is Identity Theft a Federal Crime?
What Is Insider Trading?
Federal Counterfeiting Crimes Explained
What Is a Hate Crime?
Federal Murder Charges
What Is Embezzlement?
The FBI: Catching Those in Possession of Child Pornography
Thirty Years Ago: First Major Internet Attack
What Are Diversion Programs?
Prescription Drug Charges in Illinois
FBI Cracks Down on Internet Crimes during Cybersecurity Awareness Month
Social Media and Criminal Charges
Hoax Threats Can Lead to Serious Criminal Charges
Drug Arrests Skyrocket as Opioid Addiction Takes Hold
Do I Have to Let Police in My Home Without a Warrant?
What You Need to Know If You Have Been Caught in an Internet Sex Sting
Supreme Court: Warrant Required for Cell Phone Location Data
Harsh Penalties for Child Pornography Convictions
Understanding Sex Offender Registration Requirements
Possible Sentences for Child Pornography Charges
Types of Federal Child Pornography Crimes
What You Need to Know About Civil Asset Forfeiture
Do I Need a Lawyer If I Am Pleading Guilty?
Preparing to Meet with a Criminal Defense Attorney
Things that Must be Proven in a Wire Fraud Case
The FBI and Fifth Amendment Rights
Common Types of Mortgage Fraud
Appealing a Federal Criminal Conviction
Defenses to Child Pornography Charges
When Are Drug Charges a Federal Offense?
Who Are the Drug Abusers?
Gun Violence in Chicago
How Does Pornography Affect Teens and Preteens?
What to Know about Retail Fraud
Rental and Real Estate Scams in Chicago
What Is Tax Evasion?
Insurance Agent Fraud
How Can Identity Theft Affect Another Person’s Credit Score?
What Is a Job Offer Scam?
What Is Health Care Fraud?
What Is Sexting?
The Effects of Heroin
What Is Car Insurance Fraud?
Definition of a Gang
How Have Hate Crimes Increased Since Last Year?
How Does Cocaine Affect Your Body?
Identity Theft and Its Effect on Taxes
The Facts and Myths of Sex Crimes
Cyberstalking Is Now a Hate Crime in Illinois
Illegal Drugs in the Workplace
Difference Between Domestic Violence and Sexual Violence?
Mortgage Fraud Criminal Charges
The Dangers of Drug Use
Sexual Assault Can Happen Anywhere
Internet Crime Statistics
Credit Identity Theft Liability: Who is Held Responsible for Losses?
How Common Is Credit Card Fraud during the Holiday Season?
Drug Trafficking Statistics
What Are the Consequences of Committing a Hate Crime in Illinois?
Phishing, Consequences, and Real Examples
What Happens if You Are Charged with Mortgage or Student Loan Fraud
The Internet and Illegal Drug Distribution
Child Sexual Abuse FAQs
Consequences of Mail and Wire Fraud
Consequences of Money Laundering
Consequences of Drug Paraphernalia Possession
Statistics of Campus Sexual Assault and Violence
Identity Theft and Illinois Law
Prostitution in Illinois
Illinois Child Pornography Charges
What Is Bank Fraud?
What Are Civil Rights, Anyway?
Chicago Federal Crimes Attorney Explains Embezzlement
Firearms and Felonies: Why They Do Not Mix
What Is a Mistrial – and What Happens Afterward?
Child Identity Theft
Online Security Weaknesses and Their Link to Identity Theft Incidents
Avoid Federal Mortgage Fraud Charges
What Is Tax Identity Theft and What Are the Repercussions?
Statutory Rape: Illinois Age of Consent
What You Should Know about the Federal Criminal Appeal Process
Common Methods Used to Commit Health Care Fraud
Identity Theft Acts that Trigger Criminal Charges
Child Pornography Charges: What Happens on Your Computer Is Not Private
Conspiracy at a Federal Level
Prison or Probation in 2017?
When a Defendant Dies
Internet Crime Center May Be Targeting Wrong Individuals
Bank Fraud Explained
Mortgage Fraud Defined
Federal Money Laundering Allegations Defined
Forms of Identity Theft that Result in Serious Criminal Charges
Order of Protection Restrictions
Do You Qualify for Criminal Record Expungement?
Four Criminal Expungement Myths Exposed
Actions and Behaviors that Result in Domestic Violence Charges
What Warrants an Armed Robbery Charge?
Key Differences Between Probation and Parole
Adult Versus Juvenile Expungement
 DUI Aftermath: What Happens after You Fail a Breathalyzer Test?
Burglary or Robbery Charges? How the Two Crimes Differ
Internet Fraud Crimes and Consequences for Offenders
Five Common Questions about the Expungement Process in Illinois
Range of Penalties for DUI Convictions in Illinois
White Collar Crime in Illinois
False Domestic Abuse Allegations: Common Risks and How to Protect Yourself from Potential Criminal Charges
Understanding Probation in Illinois
Illinois Felony Punishment Breakdown
Finding the Right Criminal Defense Attorney
What Does Aggravated DUI Mean?
Class X Felonies in Illinois
Which Illinois Cities Had the Highest DUI Arrest Rates in 2015?
Decriminalizing of Marijuana in Illinois
Understanding Illinois Misdemeanor Charges
Asset Forfeiture in Illinois
Where Does Heroin in Illinois Come From?
Investigation Finds Many Hate Crimes Go Unreported in America
Understanding Different Illinois Burglary Charges
Chicago Police Prepared for Increased Gun Violence during Summer Months
Employees with Criminal Records May Perform Better Than Those without Records
Illinois Police Cracking down on DUIs
Can Psychedelic Drugs Help Prevent Domestic Violence?
Speed Cameras and Construction Zones
Illinois Bill Would Increase Sex Crimes Prosecutions
Seniors Easy Targets of Financial Fraud and Identity Theft
Legal Consequences Not the Only Risks of Drug Use
Illinois Concealed Carry Law
How Law Enforcement Uses Social Media
Survey Shows Teen Alcohol Use In Illinois Higher Than US Average
An Update on Marijuana Laws in Illinois
Chicago Authorities Trained to Recognize Shoplifting Techniques
Illinois County Offers Drug Court and Treatment for Addicts
What Is It Like to Be Stopped for Drugged Driving?
Are Ignition Interlock Devices Effective?
Street Gangs and Financial Fraud
Heroin Epidemic Continues in America
Cook County Police Crackdown on Prostitution
Why You Need to Fight False Domestic Violence Accusations
Chicago Officials Hope Demolishing Vacant Buildings Will Help in Reducing Crime
Proposed Law Addresses Drones and Prison Areas
Chicago Campuses May Experience More Violent Crime than Reported
The Ten Most Frequently Committed Crimes among Illinois Inmates
Can the Police Search My Digital Data without a Warrant?
Getting Tried Twice: Understanding Double Jeopardy
Why You Need to Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney
How A Parent’s Criminal Record Affects Their Children
Employee Theft Is Major Problem in America
New Law Protects Illinois Citizens from Synthetic Drugs
How Does Having a Criminal Record Affect Me?
Underage Drinkers in Illinois Provided Immunity During Emergencies
What You Need to Know About Arrests in Illinois
Interesting Ways Thieves Steal Identities
Fleeing and Eluding in Illinois
New 2016 Laws Aim to Keep Illinois Teens Out of Prison
Overall Crime Down in Chicago Despite Increased Gun Violence
Illinois Changes Major DUI Punishment in 2016
Chicago Pollution May be Leading to Higher Crime Rates
The High Cost of Domestic Violence
New Study Indicates Alarming Number of Sexual Assault Cases on American College Campuses
Five Tips to Remember if You Are Pulled Over by a Cop
Credit Card Fraud: Card Skimming is Theft
Drone Footage Used in Prostitution Case
What You Should Know About Retail Theft
With Medical Marijuana Available for Purchase in Illinois, Will Underage Abuse Rise?
More Illinois Parolees, Less Resources Available
FBI Report Shows Hate Crimes Down in America
Are Women More Likely to be Victims of Cybercrime?
Guns Used in Violent Chicago Crimes Frequently Originate From Out of State
Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Officially Open in Illinois
Illinois Lawmakers Provide Easier Access to Body Cameras for Police Departments
How Much Does a DUI Cost in Illinois?
Gang Violence and Social Media
Major US Cities Alarmed by High Number of Homicides
Former World Series Champion Admits to Blackmailing Umpires
Oklahoma Woman Being Held on Murder Charges for Parade Crash
Changing Opinions on Marijuana Legalization
The MDDP Program in Illinois
Eyewitness Lineup Procedures Seek to Reduce Misidentification
Harvesting Begins for Medical Marijuana in Illinois
Another Internet Hoax: Raccoon Helps Man Beat BAIID
Happy Hour Returns to Illinois
Another Deadly Weekend Raises Concerns over Chicago Violent Crime
Criminal Appeals in Illinois
Self-Defense under Illinois Criminal Law
What Happens at an Arraignment in Illinois?
Conflicted Opinions on Man Charged With Rape of a Prostitute
A Brief Overview of Concealed Carry Laws in Illinois
Texas Football Players Could Face Charges for Hit on Official
Ashley Madison Hack Raises Spear Phishing Concerns for US Government
Too Many Tickets Can Cost You Your License
The Difference Between a Sting and Entrapment
Statutory Summary Suspensions Related to DUI
Marijuana Decriminalization Bill Sent Back with Changes by Governor
Bail vs. Bond: A Family Member Was Arrested, What Will We Have to Pay?
Dating App Case Raises Questions about Sex Offender Registration
Governor Signs Concealed Carry Cleanup Bill
Confidentiality of Attorney Consultations
What to Do after an Incident of Police Brutality
Emerging Adults and the Future of the Criminal Justice System
A Death Knell for the Death Penalty?
Bad Checks Can Lead to Criminal Prosecution
Study Finds Fingerprints Carry Evidence of Cocaine Use
Common Causes of Wrongful Convictions
Court Supervision and First-Time DUI Offenders
Innocent Until Proven Guilty
RAP Sheets: Accessing Your Cook County Police Record
Drug-Sniffing Dogs around Your Home
South Carolina Grand Jury Indicts Former Officer in Shooting Death
Breaking Down Your Miranda Rights
Settlement Ends Solitary Confinement Punishments for Juveniles
Supreme Court: Intent Matters for Internet Threats
Accused DUI Driver Rights: Chemical Test Refusal
One Step Closer to Marijuana Decriminalization
The Role of a Plea Bargain in Criminal Cases
BAIID Program Can Help DUI Offenders
US Supreme Court: Cell Phone Searches Require a Warrant
Aggravated Speeding: Not Just a Traffic Ticket
Hate Crime Laws in Illinois
Construction Zones: Slow Down or Pay Up
Woman Turns in Son after Seeing Sexual Assault Surveillance Photos
Illinois Burglary Offenses
Area Police Department Cracking Down on Distracted Driving
Attorney General Announces Sexual Assault Task Force
Former Illinois Lawmaker Encourages Body Cameras for Law Enforcement
The Growing Problem of Medical Identity Theft
Understanding Murder Charges in Illinois
Efforts Underway To Reduce DUI Paperwork Errors
Proposed Bill Would Require Workplace Registration for Sex Offenders
Understanding Assault and Battery in Illinois
Hundreds Arrested in Illinois Prostitution Sting
Understanding Drug Trafficking Charges
The Abuse of Domestic Abuse Laws
Mortgage Fraud: The “Straw Buyer” Scheme
Defending an Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding Charge
Medicare Fraud Charges Can Mean Big Trouble
The Serious Consequences of an Arson Charge
Crimes on Board an Aircraft: Acting Out on Flights Can Lead to Serious Consequences
Murder of Three Muslims May Not be a Hate Crime
Release from Custody Pending Trial Means Defendants Should Be on Their Best Behavior
Is Mens Rea Disappearing in Federal Criminal Courts?
Batson Challenge: What Rights Do Criminal Defendants Have Under Batson v. Kentucky?
Double Jeopardy May Not Protect against State and Federal Prosecutions
Even Prisoners Have Civil Rights
Congress May Attempt to Reform Civil Forfeiture Laws
Federal Conspiracy against Civil Rights Charges
When Does a Plea Agreement Make Sense?
Discovery: Defendant Freed After FBI Admits It Withheld Evidence
Should a Crime against Police be Considered a Hate Crime?
Testimony of Prior Crimes or Bad Acts in a Federal Trial
Mail and Wire Fraud – What is This Offense?
Is It an Internet Threat or Protected Speech?
Speeding in a Construction Zone Carries Significant Penalties
Sexual Assault Statute of Limitations and Why They Are Important
Not All Homicide is Created Equally
What Relief Can I Obtain in an Illinois Civil Rights Violation Case?
Attorney-Client Privilege in Illinois
Entering Pleas and Plea Agreements in Illinois Criminal Cases
Multiple DUI Conviction Penalties in Illinois
First-Time DUI Offenders Need To Know Facts
Reasonable Doubt in a Criminal Case
Federal Gun Law Has Severe Consequences for First-Time Offenders
Appellate Court Process in Illinois
Criminal Law: Appeals Court Rules Now-Illegal K-9 Search Still Okay
Understanding Marijuana DUI Laws In Illinois
Parental Responsibility and Underage Drinking in Illinois
Kidnapping Is a Federal Crime
Justifiable Homicide in Illinois
Is It Illegal To Carry a Concealed Weapon in the State of Illinois?
9th Circuit Weighs In on Constitutionality of Warrantless Drug-Related Searches
The Impact of Gibbons v. Ogden on Medical Marijuana Operators In Illinois
Could Your Teen Be Accused of Child Pornography Charges For Swapping Nude Selfies With Friends?
New Aggravated Speeding Charges in Illinois Are No Joke
Illinois DUI Laws Some of the Strictest in the Nation
Property Crimes in Illinois
Illinois’ Ban the Box Law on Criminal History and Employment
Illinois Street Gang RICO Act
New Illinois Law Means Inmates Can Challenge Conviction with DNA Testing
Ticket Quotas Abolished Under New Illinois Law
Medical Privacy Rights and Medical Marijuana
Uncooperative or Unlawful? Obstructing Officers in the Face of Disorder
Is the Fourth Amendment Still Applicable in the IT Age?
How to Become a Medical Marijuana Patient in Illinois
Can Cigarettes be Considered Illegal Contraband under Federal Law?
Defendants Pleading Guilty Still Entitled to Due Process Rights
Circumstantial Evidence & Prescription Drug DUI Charges
Faulty Breathalyzer Tests Lead to False DUI Convictions
Illinois Court Rules U-Turn Did Not Justify Police Stop
Illinois Police May Search Your Luggage, Even Without a Warrant
Judges May Not Impose Harsh Sentences Without Cause
Survey Shows Rockford Leads Illinois in Drunk Driving Arrests
Police Not Responsible for Failing to Record Audio of DUI Stop
Distinguishing Between “Reasonable Suspicion” and “Probable Cause” in Justifying Drug Searches
Supreme Court Says Police Need Warrant to Search Cellphones
Illinois Court Chides Police for Illegal Pat-Down Search
Federal Court Reverses Drug Conviction Based on Faulty Police Affidavit
Courts Take a Deferential Approach to K-9 Unit Drug Searches
Understanding Your Rights in a Criminal Trial
Does Amnesia Render a Defendant Unfit to Stand Trial?
A Police Threat to “Kick Down the Door” Is an Arrest
Protecting a Defendant's Right to a “Speedy Trial”
What is Post-Conviction Relief?
Illinois Court Reverses DUI Conviction Due to Improperly Admitted Breath Test
Appeals Court Rebukes Judge for Ordering Jury to Convict Drug Defendant
Study Shows Chicago Police Continue to Make Large Number of Arrests for Misdemeanor Marijuana Possession
Restitution in a Criminal Case
Bank Robbery, “Dangerous” Weapons and Due Process
What Is a “Speedy” Trial?
Lying to the Court Means Additional Prison Time
Fugitive Ponzi Schemers Receive Harsher Prison Sentences
Illinois Judge Ordered to Explain Child Pornography Sentence
Supreme Court Expands Scope of “Domestic Violence” Charges That Affect the Right to Own a Gun
Craigslist Ad Leads to 11-Year Prison Sentence
Can Police Use GPS to Track My Vehicle Without a Warrant?
Chicago Anti-Gang Efforts Make City Streets Safer
Understanding Computer Fraud in Illinois
Distracted Driving Penalties Increase
What Is the Difference Between First and Second Degree Murder?
Obtaining an Order of Protection
Domestic Violence Going Around and Around
What To Do If You Have Been Charged With A Work Zone Violation
Post-Holiday Shopping And Shoplifting Allegations
Illinois Debit Card and Credit Card Fraud Laws
Man Arrested for Aggravated DUI After Crashing into Pontiac Police Officer
Driver in Fatal Crash Did Not have a License
New Law for 2014 to Raise Speed Limits
Man Exonerated for Crime Sues Lake County Police
Imperial Insane Vice Lords Gang Members Busted
Man Commits Murder Over Pot Plant
Attorney General Urges Change in Sentencing Laws
Online Sex Crimes to be Prosecuted Offline
Judge’s Son Convicted of Drug and Weapon Charges
Federal Officials Charge 22 in North Dakota with Conspiracy to Sell Heroin
Breathalyzers
White Collar Crimes
Man Arrested for Soliciting Prostitute during Honeymoon
Son Stabs Father to Death in Chicago
Settlement Reached in False DUI Case
Man Convicted for Eighth DUI
Aurora Man Sentenced to Six Years in Prison for Burglaries
Two Charged after Armed Robbery & Police Chase
Pastor Pleads Innocent to Sexual Assault
Mayor and State’s Attorney Call for Harsher Gun Sentences
Illinois Couple Charged with Portage Robbery
Possible Solution to Juvenile Crime in IL
Man sentenced on gun charges
22 Charged in Fraternity Pledge’s Death due to Hazing
Heroin Use Surges in Chicago Area
Carbondale Man Charged with Possession of a Firearm

 

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PHONE: 312-270-0999

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