Chicago Criminal Lawyer Blog
When someone runs after seeing the police, officers are naturally going to become suspicious. But suspicion and probable cause are not the same thing. I have handled criminal cases for many years where the legality of a police stop, arrest, or search became one of the most important issues in the case. One of the first questions that has to be asked is not simply what the police eventually found. The more important question may be: What did the police know before they stopped, arrested, or searched the person? That distinction can make a tremendous difference. If the police see someone run and eventually discover drugs, a firearm, or other evidence, the fact that something illegal was ultimately discovered does not necessarily make everything the police did beforehand lawful. Courts generally examine the facts known to the officers when they acted. This brings up an important question: Is running from the police, by itself, enough to establish probable cause to arrest you or search you or your vehicle? Generally, the answer is no. Flight can certainly be an important factor, but it does not automatically give the police unlimited authority to arrest or search someone.
The Fourth Amendment Protects You From Unreasonable Searches and Seizures
The starting point is the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution. The Fourth Amendment protects people against unreasonable searches and seizures by the government. This constitutional protection applies to police encounters ranging from temporary investigative stops to arrests and searches of vehicles, homes, and personal property. One of the most important things to understand is that there are different legal standards governing different police actions. Police may sometimes temporarily detain someone based upon reasonable suspicion. An arrest ordinarily requires the higher standard of probable cause. Those terms are sometimes used interchangeably in everyday conversation, but legally they mean different things.
If you or a loved one has been indicted by a Grand Jury, you may feel overwhelmed and uncertain about what comes next. As an experienced criminal defense attorney, James Dimeas will help you understand the Grand Jury process, what it means to be indicted, and the critical steps that follow. Knowing how the system works is essential to protecting your rights and building a strong defense.
Being wrongfully accused of a crime is one of the most distressing and frightening experiences a person can face. Whether it is due to mistaken identity, false allegations, or misleading evidence, the repercussions of a wrongful accusation can be severe. You may face damage to your reputation, financial hardship, emotional distress, and even potential jail time. If you find yourself in this unfortunate situation, it is crucial to take immediate steps to protect yourself and your future.
Discovering that there is a warrant for your arrest can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. Whether you learned about it through a background check, a law enforcement notice, or another source, knowing how to respond can make a significant difference in how your case unfolds. As a seasoned Illinois criminal defense attorney, I’m here to provide clear, actionable steps to help you navigate this challenging situation while protecting your rights and minimizing potential consequences.
Facing a probation violation in Illinois can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. As a criminal defense attorney, I’ve worked with many individuals navigating these challenging situations. Probation is often granted as an alternative to jail or prison, offering individuals the opportunity to serve their sentence in the community under specific conditions. However, violating the terms of probation can result in serious consequences. In this article, I will explore what happens when a probation violation is filed, the legal process involved, and how an experienced criminal defense attorney can help.
As a seasoned criminal defense attorney with decades of experience handling felony cases throughout Cook County, DuPage County, Kane County, Lake County, and the greater Chicago area, one of the most important questions I regularly address with clients is whether they can still be charged with a crime after many years have passed. This issue hinges on what’s known as the “statute of limitations.”
Being charged with a 
If you’ve been accused of shoplifting in Illinois, you’re probably wondering how long the authorities have before they can arrest and charge you with Retail Theft. As a seasoned criminal defense attorney with over 32 years of experience defending clients across the Chicago area, I can tell you that 
As an experienced DUI defense attorney in Illinois, one of the most common and confusing questions I get from clients is this: “Can my license still be suspended even if I’m found not guilty of a DUI?” The answer is yes—under Illinois law, your driver’s license can be suspended even if you beat the DUI charge in court. This surprises many people and is often one of the most frustrating aspects of a DUI arrest.
If you are facing criminal charges in Illinois, understanding your options for resolving your case is crucial. As an experienced criminal defense attorney, I often explain to my clients the key differences between Conditional Discharge and Court Supervision, two sentencing alternatives available in Illinois. Both can help you avoid jail time, but they come with different consequences and benefits. Knowing the difference can impact your future, your criminal record, and your ability to move forward after a legal issue.