McHenry County Amnesty Week Returns October 5 Through October 9, 2026
If you have past-due criminal or traffic fines or fees in McHenry County, there may be an opportunity to pay what you owe without certain additional costs this October. The McHenry County Circuit Clerk’s Office is holding Amnesty Week from October 5 through October 9, 2026. During that limited window, collection fees and accrued interest […]
When Does Theft Become a Felony?
Theft charges in Illinois are not all created equal. What starts as a misdemeanor can cross into felony territory based on several factors, including the value of the property, a person’s prior record, where the alleged theft occurred, and the type of property involved. We have seen these distinctions matter in McHenry County courts, and […]
Can I Face Murder Charges If I Was Only Present At The Scene?
Being in the wrong place at the wrong time is one of the most frightening legal situations a person can face. Someone else commits a violent act, and suddenly you are the one sitting across from a detective answering questions. People assume that if they did not pull a trigger, throw a punch, or plan […]
What Is the Difference Between Felonies and Misdemeanors
Criminal charges come in different shapes and sizes, and the category your charge falls into shapes almost everything that follows. Whether you are facing something that feels minor or something that clearly is not, understanding how Illinois law draws the line between felonies and misdemeanors could be the most important thing you read today. If […]
What to Expect in Court After a Weapon-Related Arrest
If you or someone you love was recently arrested on a weapons charge in McHenry County, we want you to know something first: you don’t have to figure this out alone. The fear and confusion that follow an arrest can feel completely overwhelming, and it’s natural to have more questions than answers right now. Our […]
What Happens During an Arraignment in McHenry County?
If you were recently arrested in McHenry County, you will soon face a court hearing called an arraignment. This is one of the first steps in any criminal case. Many people feel nervous before this hearing, and that is completely normal. An arraignment is not just a quick formality. What happens at this hearing can […]
7 Questions to Ask an Illinois Defense Attorney During Your Consultation
7 Questions to Ask an Illinois Defense Attorney During Your Consultation Are you facing criminal charges in McHenry or Lake County, Illinois? If so, you probably have a lot of questions going through your head, and you might not even know where to start. Fortunately, most criminal defense attorneys offer no-obligation consultations, and many will […]
What To Do When You’re Pulled Over in Illinois
What To Do When You’re Pulled Over in Illinois When the police pull you over in Illinois, it’s important to know what to do and what not to do to make the traffic stop go as smoothly as possible. By taking the right steps, you may be able to prevent the traffic stop from escalating […]
Illinois’s New “Clean Slate” Law: What You Should Know
Illinois’s New “Clean Slate” Law: What You Should Know Illinois recently passed the Clean Slate Act (House Bill 1836). This law will automatically seal certain criminal records, simplifying a process that has long been complicated and time-consuming. If you hope to expunge certain convictions and move forward, the new law could make that a more […]
Pre-Trial Release: Conditions vs. Detention
Following an arrest, the trial court will decide whether to release you back into society pending your criminal trial or to detain you. You can take steps to put yourself in the best position of securing a pre-trial release. Furthermore, an experienced criminal defense attorney can advocate on your behalf to help you secure pre-trial […]