DuPage County Criminal Defense Attorneys

When Can a Minor Be Charged as an Adult in Illinois?

2026-03-14 00:00:00

If your child has been arrested for a serious offense in 2026, you are probably feeling scared, confused, and desperate for answers. You may have already heard someone wonder aloud or mention the possibility that your son or daughter could be charged as an adult.

This possibility of a minor being charged as an adult should be taken seriously in cases where the crime allows for it. But it is not common and it is not usually automatic. Understanding how this process works in Illinois is the first and most important step you can take right now.

Good kids make mistakes. Some of those mistakes are serious. That does not mean your child's future has to be defined by a single moment, but it does mean you need experienced legal help from a DuPage County juvenile criminal defense attorney.

How Does Illinois Normally Handle Juvenile Offenses?

In Illinois, anyone under the age of 18 who is accused of a crime is generally handled through the juvenile justice system rather than the adult criminal court. The juvenile system is designed with a different goal in mind than adult court.

What is the Difference Between Joyriding and Stealing a Car?

2026-02-17 00:00:00

One of the key elements in charging most crimes is the intent of the person accused of committing the crime. When a crime is committed, your intention can make all the difference — not only with regard to the crimes you are charged with, but also in what the prosecutor will be able to prove in court. One area where intent is particularly important is when a car goes missing.

At Davi Law Group, LLC, our DuPage County, IL criminal defense attorney can help if you have been accused of stealing a car. As a former prosecutor, Dion Davi has a deep understanding of the law, allowing him to carefully strategize in misdemeanor and felony cases.

What Is Car Theft?

In Illinois, car theft is generally handled under the state’s general theft law. The theft statute requires the intention to permanently deprive the rightful owner of the use or the benefit of the property.

What Parents Should Know About Juvenile Court Proceedings

2026-01-21 00:00:00

As a parent, it can be devastating to find out that your child has been accused of a crime. The outcome of juvenile court proceedings can have a serious impact on your child’s future. In some cases, the court will even go so far as to prosecute a juvenile as an adult. If you need help navigating these proceedings, reach out to a Wheaton, IL juvenile defense lawyer today.

At Davi Law Group, LLC, we can provide you and your child with clear guidance. Attorney Dion Davi is a solo practitioner, so you can rest assured that you will receive a well-thought-out, personalized defense for your case.

What Happens After a Minor Is Taken Into Police Custody?

When a minor is taken into police custody in Illinois, the process looks different from an adult arrest. Officers are required to treat juveniles differently and with added care. In many cases, the minor is taken to a police station for what is called a station adjustment. This is an informal process meant to resolve lower-level offenses without filing a formal court case.

Simple Battery vs Aggravated Battery

2025-12-24 00:00:00

Battery charges in Illinois can range from relatively minor offenses to felonies with severe penalties. The specific charge you face can mean the difference between probation and years in prison. If you are accused of battery, you need to understand how Illinois law defines these crimes and why the details of the case matter.

Simple battery and aggravated battery are two distinct categories of battery under Illinois law. Prosecutors decide which charge applies based on specific facts. To ensure you understand the charges against you and the possible defenses that apply to your case, speak with a Wheaton, IL battery defense lawyer as soon as possible.

How Does Illinois Law Define Battery?

Illinois law defines battery broadly, focusing on more than injuries. Under 720 ILCS 5/12-3, a person commits battery when they knowingly cause bodily harm to another person without a legal reason to justify it. Battery can also occur when someone knowingly makes physical contact that is insulting or provoking. This means an injury is not always required. Unwanted contact that is interpreted as insulting or provoking may still qualify.

Do I Really Need a Lawyer for a Misdemeanor Charge?

2025-11-22 00:00:00

When you are charged with a misdemeanor, you may be tempted to handle your case on your own. While the possible penalties are generally not as serious as a felony, the stakes are still high. In reality, a misdemeanor in Illinois can affect your job, housing, reputation, and even your future opportunities. The court process also moves fast. If you do not understand what is happening, you might make choices that could harm you later. A DuPage County, IL criminal defense lawyer can help you better understand the allegations and build a defense.

What Counts as a Misdemeanor in Illinois?

Illinois divides criminal offenses into felonies and misdemeanors. Felonies are more serious, but misdemeanors can still bring harsh penalties. Under 720 ILCS 5/2-11, a misdemeanor is any offense that carries a possible jail sentence of less than one year. Illinois separates misdemeanors into three classes:

Can You Be Arrested for Accidentally Forgetting to Pay?

2025-10-22 00:00:00

Forgetting to pay can happen to anyone. Maybe you were distracted by your phone or rushing to get home. Even though it was an honest mistake, store employees or police may see it differently. In Illinois, even small misunderstandings can sometimes lead to criminal charges. You could be accused of theft even if you did not mean to steal. If you are facing this situation, a Wheaton, IL theft defense attorney at Davi Law Group, LLC can help you fight the charges.

Common Situations Where People Forget To Pay

Most cases of accidental nonpayment start with simple mistakes. They may seem harmless, but stores often treat them seriously. Common examples include:

Leaving a self-checkout station without scanning one or two items
Walking out of a store with something still in a stroller, basket, or pocket

Can a Minor Go to Jail for Weed in Illinois?

2025-09-19 00:00:00

Marijuana is legal for adults in Illinois, but the rules are very different for anyone under 21. Minors can still face serious consequences if they are caught with cannabis. When teens are arrested on marijuana-related drug charges, they are not sent to adult jail. Instead, their cases are handled through the juvenile justice system, which focuses more on rehabilitation than punishment. If your child is facing drug charges, a DuPage County, IL drug crimes defense lawyer can explain the possible penalties and build a defense to protect your child’s future.

Illinois Drug Laws for Minors

Illinois legalized recreational marijuana for adults age 21 and older in 2020 under the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act, 410 ILCS 705. Adults can legally buy and possess limited amounts of cannabis. But this law does not apply to minors. For anyone under 21, possession, use, or purchase of cannabis remains illegal.

Can I Get a Hardship License After a DUI Charge?

2025-08-12 18:58:52

If you have been arrested for a DUI in Illinois, one of the consequences may be the suspension or revocation of your driver’s license. However, Illinois law offers a potential lifeline in the form of a hardship license, allowing you limited driving privileges under specific conditions. A Wheaton, IL DUI defense attorney can help guide you through the requirements and application for a hardship license. The process may seem overwhelming, but with the right knowledge and legal support, you can regain some driving privileges.

What Is a Hardship License in Illinois?

A hardship license, also known as a restricted driving permit (RDP), is a limited driver’s license issued to individuals whose driving privileges have been suspended or revoked due to a DUI conviction. Unlike a full driver’s license, an RDP only allows you to drive for specific reasons. Part of the eligibility process is proving that you need the license for things like getting to work or school.

Can I Go to Jail for Shoplifting in Illinois?

2025-07-24 00:00:00

Shoplifting may seem like a minor offense, but under Illinois law, it can carry serious penalties, including jail time. Whether you have been accused of taking a low-cost item or were involved in a more significant incident, you could face criminal charges with lasting consequences. A Wheaton, IL shoplifting defense attorney can assess your case and help you build your defense strategy.

How Does Illinois Law Define Shoplifting?

In Illinois, shoplifting is legally defined as "retail theft." This includes more than just taking merchandise without paying. According to 720 ILCS 5/16-25, retail theft occurs if you knowingly take or alter property from a retail store with the intention of not paying the full price. The law also covers other forms of theft, such as switching price tags, removing theft detection devices, or using tools to facilitate theft.

When Does a DUI Become an Aggravated DUI in Illinois?

2025-07-10 00:00:00

Most charges for driving under the influence (DUI) are misdemeanors, but any element that classifies it as a felony turns it into an aggravated DUI charge. Under Illinois law, an aggravated DUI can be charged as anything from a Class 4 felony up to the most serious charge, a Class X felony. If you have questions about the charges you face, a Wheaton, IL DUI defense attorney can help.

What Is a Class 4 Felony DUI in Illinois?

In Illinois, a DUI becomes a Class 4 felony under specific circumstances, elevating it from a misdemeanor to a serious criminal offense. Although a Class 4 felony is the least serious felony classification, it can still carry harsh penalties. A conviction can result in up to three years in prison and a substantial fine, according to Section 4.5-45 of 730 ILCS 5/5. For example, a Class 4 felony DUI may result from a drunk driving car accident involving an injured child under 16 or a DUI while driving a school bus with a child on board. If you were driving under the influence when an accident occurred and someone suffered a serious injury, disfigurement, or permanent disability, you could face an aggravated DUI charge.