The last thing most drivers want to see in their rear-view mirror is flashing blue and red lights. Some drivers may even start to panic when they see the police are pulling them over. In a moment of fear or anxiety, the driver may speed off in an attempt to outrun the police. Alternatively, drivers who are not paying attention to their surroundings may not even realize police are attempting to pull them over for a traffic stop. Whatever the reasons, failing to pull over and stop the vehicle for police can lead to criminal charges for fleeing or attempting to elude police.

Fleeing and Eluding Police Officers in Illinois is a Criminal Offense

Illinois law requires individuals to comply with police directions. Police may use the vehicle's sirens, spoken directions, or other means to signal a driver to pull over. If the driver does not pull over, he or she may be charged with fleeing and eluding a police officer. Usually, fleeing and eluding is considered a Class A misdemeanor punishable by a maximum jail sentence of one year and a fine up to $2,500. If you are convicted of misdemeanor fleeing and eluding, you also face a six-month license suspension. It is illegal to drive any vehicle if your license is suspended and doing so can result in additional criminal charges.

Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding Police is a Felony

Fleeing and eluding police may be considered a felony offense if certain aggravating circumstances are present. You may face felony charges for failing to stop for police if one of the following is true:

In Illinois, alleged victims of domestic violence, threats, abuse, or harassment may get an order of protection against the supposed abuser. If you recently found out that someone got an order of protection against you, you may be surprised and confused. You may not know what to do next. You may also be concerned about what will happen if you violate the terms of the protection order (either voluntarily or involuntarily). In a situation like this, it is highly recommended that you speak to a criminal defense attorney for help. Your lawyer can explain exactly what you are up against and what the next steps are.

Assert Your Right to Remain Silent

The first thing you need to know if you were accused of domestic violence or subjected to a protection order is that you have rights. Criminal defendants have the right to remain silent and avoid incriminating themselves. It is important that you take advantage of this right. If police try to interrogate you, you have the right to say nothing.

Understand the Terms of the Protection Order

Protection orders can be customized based on the situation. It is important that you understand and comply with the terms of the protection order. It can be extremely frustrating to be subject to a protection order – especially if the person who got the order against you is lying. However, violating a protection order is a criminal offense punishable by significant penalties, including jail time.

When it comes to drug crimes, the penalties associated with a conviction vary dramatically. The penalties for possessing a small quantity of a controlled substance are much different than penalties for the manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance.

In Illinois, being a “drug dealer” is considered to be a much more serious offense than being a drug user. The type of controlled substance allegedly in a defendant’s possession also influences the criminal penalties he or she may face. For example, selling a small quantity of marijuana is only a misdemeanor offense. By comparison, selling a small quantity of heroin or fentanyl is a Class 1 felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison.

If you or a loved one were charged with drug possession with intent to distribute, contact a criminal defense lawyer for help right away.

Most people are familiar with the blood alcohol content (BAC) “legal limit.” In Illinois and 48 other U.S. states, the blood alcohol limit is 0.08 percent. However, few really understand what that means. You may ask yourself, “Does having a BAC over the legal limit mean I will be convicted of drunk driving?” or “Can I beat DUI charges even if I fail a breathalyzer?”

Understanding Breath Alcohol Tests

There are two main types of breath tests or “breathalyzers” used in Illinois. Usually, when a police officer stops someone and recognizes signs of potential intoxication, the officer will ask the driver to blow into a breathalyzer machine. This roadside breath test is different from the breath tests conducted at the police station. Roadside tests are preliminary tests used to justify a drunk driving arrest. However, these tests are not foolproof, and preliminary BAC test results are not admissible as evidence in a DUI case.

The breath test at the police station is an evidentiary test. The results of this test are admissible in court. However, blowing above 0.08 percent does not automatically mean you will be convicted of driving under the influence.

Drug overdoses lead to thousands of deaths in Illinois every year. Consequently, law enforcement is constantly looking for ways to suppress the manufacture and sale of illicit substances. One way police locate and arrest alleged drug manufacturers and drug traffickers is through sting operations. If you or a loved one were the subject of a sting operation or drug bust, it is important to seek legal counsel immediately. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can ensure that your rights are protected and build a strong defense against the charges.

Are Undercover Sting Operations Legal in Illinois?

The term “sting operation” refers to a police strategy intended to catch criminals in the act.  Law enforcement officers may go undercover and pose as someone who is seeking or selling illegal drugs. Once the transaction has taken place, the officers reveal their identity and arrest the suspects. Sting operations such as these are legal. A police officer is legally permitted to lie and deceive criminal suspects.

However, there is a fine line between sting operations and entrapment. During a sting operation, an officer creates an opportunity for someone to break the law. Entrapment occurs when a police officer induces or coerces someone into committing a crime they would otherwise not commit. Entrapment is an affirmative defense in a criminal case. If a defendant committed the offense but only did so because he or she was forced or coerced into the act, the defendant will likely avoid conviction.