Date rape refers to sexual assault where the victim and rapist know each other. The victim in these cases may refuse to give consent or may be unable to give consent due to disability or the influence of drugs or alcohol. In spite of the fact that the term “date rape” implies that an individual has a romantic connection with a partner, the offender could be a friend, acquaintance, family member, or co-worker too.
If you are charged with date rape, you need legal counsel. Sexual assault is a serious crime, and you could be facing time in prison if you are found guilty. Read on to learn more about date-rape charges in Illinois
The Laws Surrounding Date Rape
In a legal sense, date rape is not very different from the standard rape perpetrated by a stranger. Date rape is charged the same way a standard rape is. The law defines rape as a sexual assault involving penetration.
Rape may involve threats or use of force, but it doesn’t have to in order to qualify as rape. In fact, if the perpetrator knows that the victim cannot give consent, their actions will be considered rape. Additionally, Illinois allows either participant to withdraw consent from sexual activity at any time.
Aggravated rape involves the use of dangerous weapons and the intention of causing bodily harm to the victim. Additionally, aggravated sexual assault includes the use of a disabling drug.
The Use of Disabling Drugs in Date Rape
Disabling drugs are a common tactic used to impair victims of sexual assault, including date rape. Common drugs include ketamine and rohypnol. The perpetrator may put the drugs inside the individual’s drink, prompting them to become weak, grow confused, lose their memory, or even pass out.
If you are charged with using disabling drugs, penalties are more serious than if you were charged with rape without this factor.
The Consequences of Date-Rape Convictions
Illinois law indicates that a rape conviction can lead to time in prison, large fines, and a criminal record. Date rape is a felony, so the punishments are harsh. Criminal sexual assault comes with a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, or as many as 30 years if the charge is aggravated due to the use of a weapon. If you have a prior conviction for sexual assault, you may face a lengthier prison sentence.
You may also have to register as a sex offender if you are convicted of date rape. Your name and address will be visible to the general public, and your housing options become more limited. You could also face challenges seeking a job.
The Defense for Date Rape
The most common type of defense used in date-rape cases is that the victim consented to sexual intercourse. This makes the case a matter of “he said” versus “she said.” The jury must have reasonable doubt in order to convict you, so placing this doubt is critical.
Your attorney may also argue that this was a case of mistaken identity. Perhaps the victim was assaulted, but you are not the person who did it. Again, your attorney will plant seeds of doubt for the juries.
A criminal defense attorney also looks for evidence to assist your defense. For instance, your attorney will examine the results of blood alcohol tests and seek out witnesses. They will help you establish your case in court based on evidence.
The only way to ensure that you are protecting yourself with fair representation in court is to hire a criminal defense attorney. Call Daniels, Long & Pinsel, LLC, today to discuss your legal options for defense.
Having a restraining order filed against you can be frightening. You may wonder what consequences it may have on your job or the place that you live. If you feel that the restraining order was taken out unfairly, you may wonder how you can fight it. Restraining orders generally err on the side of the individual requesting it, as this is the safest action. If you want to protect yourself legally, you need to act now.
What Is a Restraining Order?
A restraining order is sometimes known as a no-contact order. It means that you cannot contact or go near the individual who took it out. Usually, a specific distance is specified, such as 200 yards. You cannot use any method of communication to get in touch with the individual who filed the order. That includes text messages, social media accounts, and postal mail.
Sometimes you may also be required to relinquish any firearms you have and refrain from getting any firearms.
What Happens If You Violate a Restraining Order?
Violating a restraining order could lead to an immediate arrest. You could also be fined. The judge will, however, need to determine whether you intentionally violated the restraining order. If you went to a shopping center and the individual in question was there, it may be an accident. If you showed up after the individual was there and you had reason to know that they were there, on the other hand, it could be seen as intentional.
It should be noted that the person who requested the restraining order can violate the order as well. A no-contact order means neither of you can contact the other. If the person who took out the restraining order attempts to contact you, they are in violation of the order themselves. They can be jailed or fined as well.
How Can You Object to a Restraining Order?
When a restraining order is taken out against you, you are served with a notice. This notice tells you who you need to avoid and under what terms you have to avoid them. However, a restraining order hearing will take place. You absolutely need to attend this hearing, though you should not make any attempt to contact the individual beforehand.
During the hearing, you can present your own side. This will usually require showing that you have no malicious intent towards the person, that you have not been harassing them, and that you don’t intend to harm them. You have the right to bring both a lawyer and witnesses.
This is important. A lawyer is going to be able to protect you against the worst consequences of a restraining order, especially if you believe that you don’t deserve the restraining order.
What Consequences Could a Restraining Order Have?
Should you fight a restraining order or just go about your day? You may assume that if you have no need to contact this person, you might as well just leave it be. However, a restraining order can have consequences, especially if you accidentally run into the person and it appears as though it was intentional.
If the person in question lives with you or works with you, a successful restraining order could be very damaging to your lifestyle. Some employers won’t hire someone who has had a restraining order out against them. The fact that you’ve had a restraining order filed against you can even be introduced into child custody disputes.
If you’ve had a restraining order unfairly lodged against you, it’s time to fight it. Before the hearing occurs, you need to hire an attorney. If you don’t hire an attorney, you could end up with a restraining order on your background check for a long time to come. Contact Daniels, Long & Pinsel, LLC, for more information.
If you have been charged or accused of domestic violence, you might feel like you have no ability to fight back. These charges can be hard to navigate simply because the accusations often hinge on one person’s word against another. Law enforcement officers may not be able to fully grasp the full story or how any physical injuries occurred.
You need the assistance of a criminal defense lawyer if you have been accused of any type of domestic violence. Your lawyer can help you to present your side of the story to the court. For people falsely accused, taking the right steps during court hearings can make a huge difference in the actual sentencing and final charges.
Comply With Temporary Orders
Even though it might not seem fair, the plaintiff or alleged victim of domestic violence can use their own legal representation to request a temporary restraining order (TRO) against you. This restraining order can be filed almost as soon as injuries or complaints are made with law enforcement.
The TRO may place many restrictions on you, including preventing you from contacting the plaintiff at all or even banning you from a shared residence. You might feel as though the TRO is unjust or not valid because you are not guilty of committing any violence against your partner or child.
However, remain compliant with any restraining order served. A lack of compliance could strengthen the plaintiff’s case against you and bring additional criminal charges against you.
Remember, these orders are temporary and your lawyer will be able to fight back so you can again have full communication with your spouse, partner, or children as soon as possible. Breaking a restraining order, on the other hand, only makes it easier for a temporary order to become permanent in subsequent hearings.
Request a Continuance
To protect victims of domestic violence, cases move to resolution quickly so that hurt and abused individuals can get the safety they need from batterers. However, the speed of decision making can make it hard for innocent accused to prepare a full defense.
Your lawyer may request a continuance to extend hearing dates so that you can prepare more adequately. Usually, your lawyer has to provide a good reason for the continuance. Preliminary evidence to show the tenuous nature of the case and the validity of the accusations helps to make sure you have more time.
Provide your lawyer with as much information as possible, including injuries you might have sustained, journal entries detailing your relationship, and evidence to show your role in the domestic living situation.
For example, if you are accused of abusing your child by an estranged spouse, you might show a long history of safe and dependable parenting. You might also get statements from neighbors, friends, teachers, and doctors about your history with your child.
Prove Self Defense
After you get your court hearing dates, prepare your solid defense. You have a few ways to adequately defend against accusations of domestic violence. If it is violence against a partner with injuries, your best claim is self-defense. You might have to prove that you feared for your life because of threats or past experiences.
If the accusation is violence against a child, you may need to show how injuries occurred outside or your actions or show that the injuries were accidental and therefore do not constitute assault. Your lawyer can help you to provide as much proof as possible, including bringing in witnesses and showing your stellar history around children in the past.
In he-said-she-said situations, defending against domestic violence charges can be difficult. You will need a lawyer to help you avoid fines, prison time, or separation from your children. Contact us at Daniels, Long & Pinsel, LLC, for more information about how to handle your specific case.
If you have recently been arrested for drug possession, you could be wondering which steps you should take now. Drug charges can be scary and can leave you wondering about your future, and you probably want to do what you can to help. One good option is to consider going to rehab. These are a few reasons why.
1. Get Help
First of all, if you recently got arrested for drug possession, you might suffer from a substance abuse problem. If you are addicted to drugs, you should know that you shouldn’t be ashamed. Many people suffer from addictions to various drugs and other substances.
However, just because addiction is not uncommon does not mean that it’s not serious. If you don’t take addiction seriously, you could find yourself dealing with even more serious consequences later on. After all, not only can a drug addiction cause you to get into legal trouble, but it can also cause financial problems, have a negative impact on your health, and destroy your relationships.
By going to a rehab facility, you can work on getting clean. Then, you’ll be able to work with a team of professionals who are experienced in helping people who are dealing with what you are going through now. They can help you through the detoxing stage and can then provide support and resources to help you stay clean after you leave.
Even if you do end up getting convicted of your drug charge, you can still change your life by focusing on getting sober now.
2. Avoid Getting in More Trouble
Another good reason to consider going to rehab after a drug arrest is so that you can avoid getting in more trouble. After all, if you get into more trouble now, your court case could be that much worse.
If you’re in a rehab facility rather than out in public, you can avoid getting arrested for possession or use of drugs. You might need to spend time in a facility in order to stay out of trouble while you’re awaiting court for your pending drug charge.
3. Look Good in Court
Of course, you shouldn’t go to rehab with the full intention of impressing the judge on the day that you go to court. However, you should know that judges and prosecutors do sometimes look positively at those who take the initiative to seek help for their drug addictions on their own, without being ordered by the court to do so.
You might be able to do other things that can help you look good in court as well. Show up to court clean and sober if you really want definitely make a difference. Your lawyer might make other suggestions as well, such as substance abuse classes, substance abuse meetings, or community service.
Of course, every case and every court is different. A good criminal lawyer who has experience in helping people with drug-related charges can help you determine if there is anything that you can do to help your case.
As you can see, rehab or some other form of help for your drug addiction can be a good idea after an arrest. Just make sure that you are allowed to do so first. For example, if you’re out of jail on bail, you may have to check with the court and with your bail bondsman before leaving the state to go to an out-of-state rehab.
As long as you follow the rules when doing so, you might just find that going to rehab after your drug arrest is a good decision.
Daniels, Long & Pinsel, LLC, can help with drug charges. Schedule a consultation with us today.
A DUI charge in Illinois comes with penalties that can severely affect anyone’s life. However, a misdemeanor DUI charge can turn into a felony charge for several reasons. Once the charge becomes a felony, the penalties become harsher. Here is a look at how a misdemeanor DUI charge can become a felony charge in Illinois.
Repeat Convictions
Illinois gives you two chances when it comes to typical DUI charges. The first and second convictions are Class A misdemeanors. Even as misdemeanors, these convictions can upset your routine and your life. Between the two convictions, those penalties can include:
With so many drivers on the road, car accidents are an unfortunate reality. If you’re ever involved in a car accident, the hope is that it’s minor and barely disrupts your life. When the accident isn’t minor and it results in a major disruption in your life, you might consider hiring a lawyer — especially if the accident wasn’t your fault.
Assessing the Physical Damage
When a car accident occurs, some of the damage is immediately obvious, like any damage to your car and other property. You’ll need a professional appraisal to know the extent of the damage. The insurance company will provide the appraisal, but you can also consult experts independently.
You may suffer from obvious physical damage to your body as well. Besides the initial visit with any medical professionals on the scene, make sure you do a follow-up with your doctor.
You’ll want your doctor to go into detail with notes about any injuries you suffered in the accident. These notes should include treatment plans and recommendations for missing work. These notes are essential for when you go to file a disability claim.
Recognizing Temporary and Permanent Disability
The damage to your body and to your life may be less obvious than that to your car. Certain injuries, such as broken bones, are clear. However, soft tissue injuries are notoriously hard to diagnose and heal. These injuries can include deep bruising and sprains.
Depending on your job and the extent of your injuries, you may have to miss work or cut down your hours. Naturally, missing work impact your finances. Keep note of how much time you’re missing work for purposes of your claim. You may receive some temporary disability compensation.
Permanent disability comes into play when a medical professional has decided that you have reached maximum medical improvement, which means continuing treatment is unlikely to yield further results. Permanent partial disability means you have lost part or all of a body part or use of said part.
Illinois uses different methods for calculating how much compensation you might be due for permanent disability. However, it all comes down to making sure you get adequate documentation from your doctors.
Knowing When to Hire a Lawyer
For the most part, you can hire a personal injury lawyer any time you’ve been injured in a car accident. However, some instances require the help of a professional.
Once you’ve assessed all the damages, consider the cost of legal advice over what you’ll get in return. CarInsurance.org recommends settling the claim yourself if the damages amount to under $1,000. If out-of-pocket expenses plus lost wages are much higher, consider hiring a lawyer.
In that vein, if you’ve suffered any long-term or permanent disability, you should consult a lawyer. It’s difficult to prove how long-term or permanently disabling injuries impact your life, especially if they’re not immediately obvious. A personal injury lawyer will consult with all your medical professionals and be able to paint a better picture of the disability.
You might think that it’s obvious that you weren’t at fault in the accident. However, the insurance company might try to dispute liability by exposing technicalities. Personal injury lawyers are just as conversant in the laws and technicalities as the insurance attorneys.
Finally, some insurance companies start by low-balling settlements as a negotiation tactic. When this happens, a good choice is for you to hire a lawyer to get a fair settlement — or any settlement at all.
A lot of paperwork and red tape goes into settling a car accident case, even when you’re not at fault. Consult with Daniels Long & Pinsel, LLC if you’ve been injured in a car accident.
Has your neighbor put in a new fence that seems closer to your home than the old one? Or does he or she have a tree whose roots and branches extend into your yard? If you have a situation like either of these or a similar one, the time has come to pull out your home’s deed. Issues like this might qualify as a boundary dispute.
What Is a Boundary Dispute Exactly?
Boundary disputes occur when different property owners claim to own the same piece of land. They also occur when property owners disagree with how neighboring land is used (such as a tree extending into your yard). These important disagreements can sometimes be solved amicably. However, they often turn into contentious debates that require legal intervention.
For that reason, if you think you have a boundary dispute, you should approach it carefully. You need to protect your property and your interests. For the best results, follow the steps we’ve provided below. Hopefully, our approach can help you settle your dispute with ease.
Step #1: Recognize the Dispute
The first step towards resolving a property boundary problem is knowing it exists. You should always know where your property line is. Yet, people often don’t pay attention to their boundary lines and property deeds until an issue arises.
If you think there might be a problem, check your home’s documentation. You can even order a survey.
Step #2: Kindly Approach Your Neighbor
If you discover a boundary dispute, your next step should involve kindly approaching your neighbor about the boundary issue. Often, a simply and polite conversation can resolve a problem, or at least start the resolution process.
Remember not to do anything that could cause a legal issue in the future. Be careful and approach your neighbor with a conciliatory tone. Don’t agree to anything that doesn’t make you feel completely comfortable. You want to keep all your options open as you start the resolution process.
Step #3: Talk with a Lawyer
If you can’t find a simple solution to your property line dispute, you should talk to a real estate legal expert as soon as possible. A property lawyer will help you avoid any mistakes that would forfeit your case. They can also help you collect the necessary evidence and documentation to prove you side in a case.
Step #4: Pursue Mediation
Once you have a lawyer to advise you, it’s time to advance talks with your neighbor. First, have your attorney send a letter explaining the basics of the dispute. Ask to have a time to meet with an independent party to find a solution.
In mediation, you can create a specific agreement to survey and properly define property boundaries. With your neighbor, you can draft agreements and licenses to equitably divide the two properties. If you want a more formal solution, you can agree to have a judge draw a fair boundary line.
Step #5: File a Lawsuit
If negotiations get you nowhere, your last option is to file a lawsuit. Together with your lawyer, you can build a case to protect your property from your neighbor’s encroachment. From the start of the process, be sure to document each step. Take note of any proof of your claims and your neighbor’s responses. Keep these just in case, as these items can help you make a successful claim.
While boundary disputes can get tense, success allows you to fully enjoy your property. If you think you have a possible boundary dispute, talk to a legal professional today. He or she can give you personalized advice to guide you through each step of the process.
Rape may involve threats or use of force, but it doesn’t have to in order to qualify as rape. In fact, if the perpetrator knows that the victim cannot give consent, their actions will be considered rape. Additionally, Illinois allows either participant to withdraw consent from sexual activity at any time.
If you have been charged or accused of domestic violence, you might feel like you have no ability to fight back. These charges can be hard to navigate simply because the accusations often hinge on one person’s word against another. Law enforcement officers may not be able to fully grasp the full story or how any physical injuries occurred.
With so many drivers on the road, car accidents are an unfortunate reality. If you’re ever involved in a car accident, the hope is that it’s minor and barely disrupts your life. When the accident isn’t minor and it results in a major disruption in your life, you might consider hiring a lawyer — especially if the accident wasn’t your fault.