General FAQ
Where are you located?
Our office is at 53 W. Jackson, Suite 1401 in Chicago, Illinois. However, we often meet clients at courthouses throughout Cook and surrounding counties.
Do you offer free consultations? How do I schedule one?
Yes. Call
312-945-6612 and make an appointment.
How much do you charge?
Every case is different and requires a different amount of time. Because of that, we generally do not give exact quotes for our fee until we know more about your specific needs.
How can I find an inmate online?
You can try to search one of the following inmate locators:
What time does the Cook County bond court start?
Cook County central bond court is at 1:30 every day in room 100 at 2650 S. California. Bond court is also held at 9am Monday through Friday in the suburban districts.
What is the difference between a bench and a jury trial?
A bench trial means only the judge hears the evidence at trial and determines the outcome. A jury trial means that a jury hears the evidence at trial and determines whether or not a defendant is guilty or not guilty. A jury consists of 12 people that are selected by the defense attorney and the prosecutor. The judge always imposes sentence, regardless if a defendant chooses a bench or a jury.
What does concurrent and consecutive sentencing mean?
If a defendant is convicted of more than one crime, the judge imposes a separate sentence for each conviction. If the sentences are consecutive, the defendant will serve the sentences one at a time. In other words, the sentences are added to each other. If the sentences are concurrent, they can be served at the same time.
What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor?
A misdemeanor is less serious than a felony. If you are charged with a misdemeanor, the maximum time you can be sentenced to incarceration is one year. If you are charged with a felony, you are facing prison time longer than a year.
What are the different types of sentences I can receive?
There are endless sentencing possibilities for someone found guilty of a crime in Illinois. Possible sentences can be a combination of fines, community service, treatment programs, probation, incarceration and more.
DUI FAQ
How do I schedule a DUI evaluation in Cook County?
Contact Central States Institute at 312-948-6001 and tell them you need a drug & alcohol evaluation. They have several locations throughout Cook County.
How do I schedule a DUI evaluation in Lake County?
Schedule one with
Nicasa at one of their locations in Lake County. The number for their main office is (847) 546-6450.
How do I get my driving abstract in Illinois?
Request one in person through the
Illinois Secretary of State
Even if I'm found not guilty of a DUI, can my license still be suspended?
Yes, the Statutory Summary Suspension is civil and completely separate from the criminal charge of a DUI.
If I am guilty of a DUI, will my license be revoked?
If you are convicted of a DUI, yes. However, court supervision will not revoke your license.
What is the difference between a suspension and revocation?
A DUI suspension is set for a definite time; either six months, one year or three years. At the end of the suspension, your license can be reinstated simply by paying a reinstatement fee.
A revocation is indefinite and has no automatic reinstatement date. This means that you will remain revoked until after a hearing with the Secretary of State.
For more information, contact the
Illinois Secretary of State.
How do I find out if my license has been suspended or revoked?
Call the Illinois Secretary of State at 217-785-8619
My license is suspended but I need to drive. What are my options?
If you meet the eligibility requirements, you can obtain a Monitoring Device Driver’s Permit (MDDP). After a 30 day period, you will be able to drive your vehicle that has been equipped with a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID) wherever and whenever you like. For more information, see the
Illinois Secretary of State BAIID Publications.
What happens if I drive while I'm suspended or revoked?
If you are convicted for driving while suspended or revoked for a DUI, there is often mandatory jail time and the length of your suspension will be extended. Driving on a suspended or revoked license is a serious offense in Illinois and it is imperative to have a reputable criminal defense attorney defend you.
How do I schedule a DUI evaluation in Cook County?
Contact Central States Institute at 312.948.6001 and tell them you need to schedule a drug & alcohol evaluation.
Traffic FAQ
Expungement FAQ
How do I get my RAP sheet in Cook County?
Contact the
Chicago Police Department by calling 312-745-5202 or by going to 3510 S. Michigan Avenue. For more information, please read
How To Obtain Your RAP Sheet.
How long does the expungement process take?
Completely expunging a record can take several months. After filing the paperwork, the Illinois State Police and arresting agencies are given time to object to the expungement before the court date. Once the expungement is granted, it then takes time for the records to be removed. The entire process in Cook County generally takes about 4 months.
Drug FAQ
What is a Controlled Substance in Illinois?
Illinois divides controlled substances into five “schedules” based on factors such as their potential for abuse, and whether they are approved for legitimate medical use:
- Schedule I drugs (such as opiates and certain opium derivatives and hallucinogenic substances) have a high potential for abuse, no accepted medical use, or are unsafe for use in treatment, even under medical supervision.
- Schedule II drugs (such as coca leaves and opium) have a high potential for abuse, have an accepted medical use and can result in severe psychological and physical dependence if abused.
- Schedule III drugs (such some steroids) have a potential for abuse less than Schedule I or II drugs, have an accepted medical use and can lead to low or moderate physical dependence and high psychological dependence.
- Schedule IV drugs (such as diazepam) have a lower potential for abuse than Schedule III drugs, have an acceptable medical use and may lead to limited psychological and physical dependence in relation to Schedule III drugs.
- Schedule V drugs are the least dangerous, with the lowest potential for abuse, a currently accepted medical use, and likely to lead to only limited physical or psychological dependence. Schedule V drugs include medicines that have very small amounts of specified narcotic drugs.
I've heard of 710 or 1410 expungable probation. What's that?
Answer coming soon!
Where can I find more information about drug crimes in Illinois?
What is TASC Probation?
Answer coming soon!
Federal FAQ
How is my sentence determined in federal court? Is it the same as state court?
No, Federal Courts follow the US Sentencing Guidelines. Although the Federal Sentencing Guidelines often have minimum sentences for convictions, Federal judges have broad discretion when imposing a sentence. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the judge may factors in any mitigating circumstances, including any prior criminal history, the character of the defendant, employment, family and health. This allows judges to go below the recommended guidelines if they so desire.
Why is my case in federal court and not state court? Is it more serious?
If your case criminal case is in Federal court, it is because you are being charged with violating a Federal law (as opposed to State law). For a chart explaining what types of cases end up in which court,
click here.
