Tips for Hiring a Criminal Defense Attorney

A Brunette Female Participating in a Job Interview — Waukegan, IL — Daniels, Long & Pinsel, LLC

Are you facing a criminal charge but don’t know what to do? If so, it’s time you start looking for a good criminal defense attorney. There are many charges that can prompt you to look for a criminal defense lawyer. Among them are arson, money laundering, assault, and burglary. Hiring this type of attorney is the only thing that can save you from hefty fines or a prison sentence. Finding someone who understands the criminal law and dedicates to protecting your legal rights can be challenging.

(more…)

Continue ReadingTips for Hiring a Criminal Defense Attorney

What Is Domestic Violence and Can an Expert Witness Help in Court?

Courtroom — Waukegan, IL — Daniels, Long & Pinsel, LLC

Domestic violence court cases can be hard to win because, without documented evidence, they turn into a “he said, she said” situations. Sometimes those who fall victim to domestic violence often do not have the resources or freedom to report or document any evidence or disturbances.

What Is Domestic Violence?

(more…)

Continue ReadingWhat Is Domestic Violence and Can an Expert Witness Help in Court?

3 Types of Plea Bargains and Your Options In Court

Businessman Shaking Hands In Front Of Scale — Waukegan, IL — Daniels, Long & Pinsel, LLC

Many people have most likely heard the term “plea bargain,” but you may not be familiar with what the term means. If you don’t keep up with popular cases in the news or watch any true crime documentaries, legal talk may not be a strong suit. However, the concept is not as difficult as it may sound.

Plea Bargains Before Trial

(more…)

Continue Reading3 Types of Plea Bargains and Your Options In Court

Your Traffic Violation Questions Answered

Traffic Violation — Waukegan, IL — Daniels, Long & Pinsel, LLC
Traffic violations are incredibly common because there are so many drivers on the road. Even if you do your best, it’s easy to miss a stop sign or to drive a little too fast. If you would like to know more about traffic violations, check out these top four commonly asked questions.

1. What Is a Traffic Violation?

Traffic violations refer to any time you break the laws of the road when driving. This typically includes actions like speeding, driving through a stop sign, driving the wrong way, doing a U-turn where prohibited, parking in a handicap spot, and much more. (more…)

Continue ReadingYour Traffic Violation Questions Answered

What ADUI Will Really Cost You?

Beer Bottle and Spilled Beer in the Shape — Waukegan, IL — Daniels, Long & Pinsel, LLC

When you are stopped and charged with driving under the influence (DUI), you may only think about the cost of the ticket, attorney, and court cost itself. Unfortunately, these are only the beginning of the charges you may incur. A DUI will cost you much more, and some of this cost may negatively affect you for years to come. Here are a few costs to consider before you choose to drink and drive.

Cost Of Your Auto Insurance

(more…)

Continue ReadingWhat ADUI Will Really Cost You?

Dressing and Grooming Tips for Your Courtroom Appearances

Dressing for Court — Waukegan, IL — Daniels, Long & Pinsel, LLC

Expect your appearance to play a role in court proceedings. Ideally, only the facts of the case and the available evidence should matter. However, the world has conditioned people to judge others based on their appearance, even if subconsciously. Therefore, ensure that your dressing and grooming will project an image that can strengthen your case.

Below are some helpful tips to use.

Dress Comfortably

Ensure all aspects of your attire are comfortable. Court sessions can sometimes be lengthy. Uncomfortable attire might leave you fidgety before the case ends. The judge or jury might misread signs of your discomfort and assume you are lying during your testimony. Your nervousness can also distract people from the proceedings.

(more…)

Continue ReadingDressing and Grooming Tips for Your Courtroom Appearances

3 Commonly Asked Questions About Felonies

Felonies — Waukegan, IL — Daniels, Long & Pinsel, LLC

Being accused of a crime is a stressful time, especially if you are being accused of a felony. Felonies are typically more serious than misdemeanors and have stricter punishments. For this reason, it’s important that you fully understand felonies if you are being accused of one. To learn more, check out these three commonly asked questions about felonies.

How Does a Crime Become a Felony?

As far as the federal government is concerned, a felony is any crime that is punishable by one year in jail. However, states may be less strict about this definition, and they typically consider the amount of possible jail time and the location of the jail time (prison versus county jail). In general, most states recognize some crimes as automatic felonies. These include murder, rape, and kidnapping.

(more…)

Continue Reading3 Commonly Asked Questions About Felonies

Can You Get in Trouble for Possessing Cannabis in Illinois?

Men Hand Holds Cannabis Leaf — Waukegan, IL — Daniels, Long & Pinsel, LLC

With more and more states legalizing cannabis, you may be confused about your own state’s laws, especially since the federal government does not condone the use of cannabis. Despite this, cannabis legality is determined on a state level. If you would like to know more about the Illinois cannabis situation, keep reading.

Is Cannabis Legal in Illinois?

In 2019, Illinois passed an act legalizing the use of recreational cannabis for adults, which went into effect on January 1, 2020. In addition, medical cannabis users can grow up to five plants. The cannabis grown must be used for personal use, so you can’t sell any to individuals or dispensaries. If you don’t have a medical cannabis card, you can’t grow any cannabis plants.

(more…)

Continue ReadingCan You Get in Trouble for Possessing Cannabis in Illinois?