Richard F. Blass & Associates, LLC Blog
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The attorneys at Richard F. Blass and Associates, LLC, bring together more than 70 years of combined experience, including work as a prosecutor and as a police officer. Their commitment to providing an aggressive defense includes looking at every possible way that they can secure the best possible resolution for you. They have been able to help people win their cases when they had given up..
Richard F. Blass & Associates, LLC Blog
1M ago
Drug paraphernalia laws in Illinois target tools and equipment used for drug consumption, manufacture or distribution. Possession or distribution of drug paraphernalia can lead to serious criminal charges. Understanding what constitutes drug paraphernalia can help you avoid or contest legal accusations. Common types of drug paraphernalia The Drug Paraphernalia Control Act outlines illegal drug paraphernalia in Illinois. Possessing these types…
The post Drug paraphernalia in Illinois: what items could lead to charges first appeared on Richard F. Blass & Associates, LLC ..read more
Richard F. Blass & Associates, LLC Blog
2M ago
In Illinois, retail theft charges can carry serious consequences. However, the accused’s intent is a key element in any retail theft case. The law requires that the prosecution demonstrate beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused intended to steal the item in question. Without intent, a retail theft charge may not stand. Proving a lack of intent Proving that there…
The post Can you prove you had no intent to commit retail theft? first appeared on Richard F. Blass & Associates, LLC ..read more
Richard F. Blass & Associates, LLC Blog
3M ago
A DUI charge can have far-reaching consequences beyond the immediate legal penalties. For professionals in Illinois, a DUI can jeopardize their careers, especially if their job requires a professional license. Understanding how a DUI charge affects professional licenses is crucial for anyone facing this situation. Immediate reporting requirements In Illinois, professionals holding licenses in fields such as healthcare, education, law,…
The post How a DUI charge could impact your professional license first appeared on Richard F. Blass & Associates, LLC ..read more
Richard F. Blass & Associates, LLC Blog
5M ago
Possession of drug paraphernalia means having items used to consume, produce or distribute illegal drugs. These items include pipes, bongs, rolling papers, syringes and modified everyday objects. The law considers these items illegal because of their association with drug activities. Types of drug paraphernalia Authorities classify drug paraphernalia into user-specific and dealer-specific items. User-specific items include pipes, bongs and rolling papers used to consume drugs. Dealer-specific items include scales, baggies and packaging materials used for drug production and distribution. How a ..read more
Richard F. Blass & Associates, LLC Blog
6M ago
Driving under the influence is a serious offense that can lead to equally severe consequences. In many cases, a DUI is a misdemeanor offense, but certain factors can elevate it to a felony. Understanding when a DUI becomes a felony is important for anyone facing criminal charges for driving while intoxicated. When does a DUI felony occur? A DUI typically becomes a felony when someone commits multiple offenses. Many states have laws that automatically upgrade a DUI to a felony if a person has multiple DUI convictions within a certain timeframe. According to Illinois DUI laws, an individual’s th ..read more
Richard F. Blass & Associates, LLC Blog
8M ago
Criminal background checks are more common than ever as part of the application process for job seekers. Although every case is unique, a domestic violence charge on your record can have significant consequences for employment opportunities. Several things contribute to how such a charge affects your future opportunities. The severity of the charge The severity of a domestic violence charge factors into its impact on employment. Misdemeanor charges, while still serious, may have less severe consequences. Felony domestic violence convictions often have a more significant impact on employment op ..read more
Richard F. Blass & Associates, LLC Blog
9M ago
When people hear terms like theft and burglary, they might think they refer to the same thing. However, these are distinct legal concepts with important differences. Individuals should know more about these disparities when facing an accusation. Theft Theft involves unlawfully taking someone else’s property without their permission. It could be as straightforward as shoplifting a candy bar or as elaborate as embezzling funds from a company. In essence, theft revolves around the act of stealing, regardless of how it happens. Burglary On the other hand, burglary entails unlawfully entering a bui ..read more
Richard F. Blass & Associates, LLC Blog
11M ago
In Illinois, as well as in many other states, the criminal justice system has undergone significant transformation in recent years. Scientific developments and research in substance abuse and drug addiction have led to the introduction of specialized intervention programs known as “drug courts.” These innovative courts represent a departure from the traditional punitive approach to drug-related crimes. Instead, these courts aim to rehabilitate individuals by giving them an opportunity to address the root of the problem, take responsibility for their actions and ultimately reduce recidivism and ..read more
Richard F. Blass & Associates, LLC Blog
1y ago
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol impairs judgment and slows reaction times. It endangers drivers and other road users, often leading to accidents that cause severe injuries or even fatalities. Understanding the factors behind intoxicated driving and DUI arrests can help improve how Illinois prevents and addresses this serious issue. DUI numbers across Illinois Data from the Annual Illinois DUI Arrest Survey by the Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists reveals which cities have the highest number of DUI arrests in 2022. The report provides insights into the prevalence of DUIs ac ..read more
Richard F. Blass & Associates, LLC Blog
1y ago
The ability to expunge or, in Connecticut, absolute pardon a criminal record varies depending on several factors, including the specific circumstances of your case. Expungement is the process that allows individuals to have their criminal records sealed or erased, effectively making it as if the conviction never occurred. However, not all convictions are eligible for expungement, and the rules and requirements can vary significantly from one jurisdiction to another. Here are some factors to consider when determining whether you are eligible for an expungement. Jurisdiction State or country law ..read more