Blog

Nov. 26, 2024

Reasonable suspicion is a legal standard that allows law enforcement to stop a driver if they believe a crime may be occurring. In DUI cases, this means the officer must have specific reasons to think the driver is impaired. Unlike probable cause, which is required for an arrest, reasonable suspicion is a lower threshold and is enough to justify a traffic stop.

Oct. 23, 2024

Preservation of life is not just a basic human instinct, it's also a legal right. That is why all states recognize self-defense as legal under appropriate circumstances. However, those “appropriate circumstances” vary greatly from one state to another.

Oct. 16, 2024

Facing a criminal charge for manufacturing can be one of the most frightening experiences a person encounters. Illinois law takes these offenses seriously, often imposing severe penalties, even for first-time offenders.

Aug. 28, 2024

Juvenile drug possession is a serious issue in Illinois, carrying significant legal consequences. The state has implemented stringent laws to combat drug abuse among minors, reflecting society's growing concern over substance abuse's impact on youth.

May 2, 2024

Contrasting popular belief, juvenile convictions are not always erased at the age of 18. In fact, these convictions—such as arrests, charges, and adjudications—can have long-term consequences on a person's record, even after they have reached adulthood.

Feb. 7, 2024

The Juvenile Court is an institution that deals with juvenile delinquency cases. Its main objective is to protect society from juvenile crime, hold offenders accountable, and provide rehabilitation opportunities for both the juvenile and their family.

Dec. 29, 2023

Taking part in the electronic distribution of a nude photo of another person, often referred to as 'revenge porn', isn't merely frowned upon—it's a serious legal offense. This act involves the non-consensual sharing of intimate images or videos, done without the person's permission.

Dec. 7, 2023

Navigating the world of juvenile law can often be confusing and stressful. It's even more challenging when it involves delicate matters such as sex offenses. As a criminal defense law firm, Gene Ognibene Associates believes in the importance and power of knowledge.

Oct. 31, 2023

If you are convicted of a sex offense in Illinois, the state law requires you to register as a sex offender. This requirement can make your life difficult and even unbearable in a number of ways.

Aug. 29, 2019

Marijuana is set to become legal in the state of Illinois in January 2020, making hundreds of thousands of people eligible for expungement of marijuana-related offenses from their records.