Author Archives: Edward Johnson & Associates P.C.
What Happens After A Chicago Police Arrest?
From Being Arrested By The Chicago Police To First Court Date An arrest in Chicago is sudden, aggressive, and designed to put the government in control from the first second. We have seen how fast a routine police encounter can turn into handcuffs, transport, and criminal charges. From the moment Chicago police make an… Read More »
Felony Vs. Misdemeanor Charges In Chicago: Why The Classification Changes Everything
Criminal charges in Chicago are not all treated the same, and the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor can reshape your entire future. We see this every day in Cook County courtrooms. The charge classification affects how aggressively prosecutors pursue the case, the penalties a judge can impose, and how much leverage we… Read More »
Chicago Warrant Arrests: What Happens If Police Say You Have An Outstanding Warrant
When Chicago police say you have an outstanding warrant, the situation can escalate fast. A warrant gives law enforcement legal authority to take you into custody immediately. In our experience defending clients across Chicago and the entire Chicagoland metro, warrant arrests often catch people off guard during routine traffic stops, street encounters, or even… Read More »
Arrested In Chicago But Not Formally Charged Yet? What You Should Do Immediately
Being arrested in Chicago without formal charges filed puts you in a dangerous legal position. Many people make the mistake of thinking that no charges means no case. That assumption costs people their freedom every day. We see this situation constantly in Cook County. An arrest triggers a criminal investigation, and prosecutors often use… Read More »
Target, Subject, Or Defendant? What Federal Investigations Mean For Chicago Defendants
Federal investigations do not begin with handcuffs and a courtroom. They begin quietly, often without warning, and by the time most people realize they are involved, federal agents and prosecutors already have momentum. We have represented clients across Chicago and the entire Chicagoland metro who were shocked to learn they were on the government’s… Read More »
Federal Indictment In Chicago: What Happens After You’re Charged In U.S. District Court
When a federal indictment is handed down in Chicago, everything changes fast. Federal prosecutors do not bring charges lightly, and once the grand jury returns an indictment, the government is already prepared to push hard. We see this every day in federal court. The stakes are higher than in state cases, the procedures are… Read More »
DUI Arrests In Chicago Involving Accidents Or Property Damage: What Changes Legally
DUI arrests in Chicago take on a very different legal posture when an accident or property damage is involved. These cases move faster, draw more scrutiny from prosecutors, and expose drivers to harsher penalties under Illinois law. We see this every day in Cook County courtrooms. When alcohol or drugs are alleged, and there… Read More »
Arrested For DUI In Chicago Without A Breath Test? How Prosecutors Try To Win Anyway
An arrest for DUI in Chicago does not fall apart just because there was no breath test. We see this every day in Cook County courtrooms. Police and prosecutors know that breath testing can fail, be refused, or never be offered. They are trained to build a case anyway. If you were arrested without… Read More »
Can Prescription Medications Lead To A DUI Charge In Illinois?
Prescription medicine can help people work, drive, and live without pain. It can also trigger a criminal case if law enforcement believes it affected driving. We see officers make fast judgments and prosecutors try to turn routine traffic stops into DUI cases. We push back. We study the facts, we challenge weak evidence, and… Read More »
How Expungement And Sealing Work In Illinois Criminal Cases
A past arrest or conviction can follow a person everywhere. Housing, employment, licensing, and community standing can all be affected by a record. We see the pressure clients face every day, and we refuse to let an old mistake define a future. Clearing or limiting access to a record changes lives. Our role is… Read More »