Blog
Illinois Sees More Than 200 New Laws Take Effect in 2016
Posted on January 22nd, 2016 by Joe Pioletti
As of January 1, 2016, a total of 237 new laws hit the books thanks to the combined efforts of Illinois lawmakers and Gov. Bruce Rauner. The new laws address a number of subjects that have made headlines in the past year like use of force by police, synthetic drugs, and medical marijuana. Many different […]
The Difference Between a Criminal Case and a Civil Case
Posted on January 11th, 2016 by Joe Pioletti
Criminal cases and civil cases are the two main types of law cases you hear about in your day-to-day lives. You hear them talked about on television, on the radio, and you read about them in print media. But if you are like most people, you probably don’t have a firm grasp on the difference […]
Mortgage Reaffirmation Agreements in Chapter 7
Posted on August 14th, 2015 by Joe Pioletti
Another change that occurred in bankruptcy law with the enactment of the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 (BAPCPA) was the use of reaffirmation agreements. This is another item that creditors lobbied for heavily because reaffirmation agreements benefit creditors far more than they benefit debtors. A debtor should never enter a reaffirmation […]
Do I Qualify for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?
Posted on July 27th, 2015 by Joe Pioletti
Do I Qualify for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy? The question of whether a person can qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy became an issue in 2005 with the enactment of the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act (BAPCPA). Creditors lobbied for a Means Test to be added to the Bankruptcy Code as a way of […]
Can I Own A Gun If I Have a Protective Order Against Me?
Posted on July 23rd, 2015 by Joe Pioletti
The Illinois Domestic Violence Act of 1986 establishes severe penalties for anyone convicted of domestic violence. According to domestic violence law, abuse includes both physical and emotional abuse. It is also considered abuse to harass, threaten, or force someone to do something against his or her will. The law is designed to be broad so […]
Can I Use Mouthwash To Avoid a DUI?
Posted on July 21st, 2015 by Don Pioletti
Illinois has some of the toughest DUI laws in the country. Our law enforcement officers diligently look for individuals who are driving under the influence and prosecutors routinely seek aggressive sentences for DUI convictions. Because of the severe penalties for a DUI conviction, drivers should avoid a DUI arrest by choosing not to drive when […]
Who Gets To Decide Where The Kids Go To School?
Posted on July 16th, 2015 by Don Pioletti
Custody cases can be very complex and complicated depending on the parties involved. Some parents are able to arrive at a mutually acceptable custody agreement that allows both parents to continue being an active participant in their child’s life. Unfortunately, that is not always the case and the court must intervene to decide custody issues […]
How A Judge Makes Custody Decisions
Posted on July 14th, 2015 by Don Pioletti
The real focus in a child custody dispute is the child. A child custody case can be heartbreaking for all parties; however, it can be devastating for a child who is caught in the middle of warring parents. Obviously, it is in the best interest of everyone concerned if the parents can focus on the […]
Free Report: Illinois 341 First Meeting of Creditors – What Do You Need to Know
Posted on July 10th, 2015 by Joe Pioletti
When you file bankruptcy under Chapter 7, Chapter 13, or Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code, you are required to attend a First Meeting of Creditors. The First Meeting of Creditors is scheduled by the court 20 to 40 days after the filing of your bankruptcy case. Each debtor must appear at the […]
Are There Different Categories Of Felonies In Illinois?
Posted on July 9th, 2015 by Don Pioletti
Being investigated by the police and being arrested is a terrifying, traumatic event. When that charge is a felony, the stakes become higher. Felony convictions have substantially higher penalties than misdemeanors. Furthermore, being convicted of a felony carries more long-term legal and social implications such as limiting your job opportunities, the potential for the loss […]