Posted on August 18,2014 in Uncategorized

Preliminary Hearings in the Skokie Courthouse—Skokie Criminal Defense Attorney

Skokie Criminal Defense attorney Matthew R. Gebhardt briefly describes what you can expect at your preliminary hearing.

In Illinois, most preliminary hearings occur at your first or second court date after being arrested for a felony offense. The charges most often subject to a preliminary hearing are drug cases, retail theft cases, felony driving offenses, some financial crimes and some violent crimes.

The main purpose of a preliminary hearing is for the Court to determine whether or not there is probable cause for the case to go forward. The State Prosecutor will introduce evidence at the preliminary hearing to support the State’s theory of the case and attempt to meet the rather minimal probable cause burden.

The Defense is entitled to cross examine the State’s witness and introduce testimony of our own. However, as this is not a trial, in most cases the proper strategic move for the defense is not to present evidence, only question that put on by the State. Even though this is not a trial and the normal rules of evidence do not apply, in most cases it is not appropriate to articulate our defense strategy at this time. The reason being is that any testimony we provide can be used against us at a later date. Therefore, in almost all cases, it is wise to let the State call as many witnesses as they may and paint each one into a corner as far as their testimony goes. For reasons like this, it is imperative to have your attorney working on your defense as early as possible in the case.

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 Posted on July 16,2014 in Uncategorized

Fake and Fraudulent ID’s--DuPage Criminal Attorney

Many underage people try to enter bars/clubs and purchase alcohol by using a fake ID. In the past, this may have seemed to be normal behavior for those under 21 years of age. However, in today’s climate of identity theft, these activities can place someone in serious jeopardy of losing their driving privileges and result in incarceration with a permanent criminal background.

Simple possession of a fake ID can result in a criminal conviction and the loss of one’s driving privileges. In DuPage, it is illegal to possess any form of fake ID.

Fraudulent identification includes an altered driver’s license or other document, a license with your picture but someone else’s name, or any other document that is intended to deceive someone into believing and acting on the information therein.

It is also illegal for anyone to allow someone else to use his or her license or other form of identification.

In the less serious offenses, officers will often issue someone a “ticket” for possession of a fake ID. While it may seem simple enough to pay the ticket to avoid going to court, this can immediately suspend your driving privileges in DuPage.

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 Posted on July 16,2014 in Uncategorized

Fake and Fraudulent ID’s--Rolling Meadows Criminal Attorney

Many underage people try to enter bars/clubs and purchase alcohol by using a fake ID. In the past, this may have seemed to be normal behavior for those under 21 years of age. However, in today’s climate of identity theft, these activities can place someone in serious jeopardy of losing their driving privileges and result in incarceration with a permanent criminal background.

Simple possession of a fake ID can result in a criminal conviction and the loss of one’s driving privileges. In Rolling Meadows, it is illegal to possess any form of fake ID.

Fraudulent identification includes an altered driver’s license or other document, a license with your picture but someone else’s name, or any other document that is intended to deceive someone into believing and acting on the information therein.

It is also illegal for anyone to allow someone else to use his or her license or other form of identification.

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 Posted on July 16,2014 in Uncategorized

Fake and Fraudulent ID’s--Chicago Criminal Attorney

Many underage people try to enter bars/clubs and purchase alcohol by using a fake ID. In the past, this may have seemed to be normal behavior for those under 21 years of age. However, in today’s climate of identity theft, these activities can place someone in serious jeopardy of losing their driving privileges and result in incarceration with a permanent criminal background.

Simple possession of a fake ID can result in a criminal conviction and the loss of one’s driving privileges. In Chicago, it is illegal to possess any form of fake ID.

Fraudulent identification includes an altered driver’s license or other document, a license with your picture but someone else’s name, or any other document that is intended to deceive someone into believing and acting on the information therein.

It is also illegal for anyone to allow someone else to use his or her license or other form of identification.

In the less serious offenses, officers will often issue someone a “ticket” for possession of a fake ID. While it may seem simple enough to pay the ticket to avoid going to court, this can immediately suspend your driving privileges in Chicago.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on July 16,2014 in Uncategorized

Fake and Fraudulent ID’s--Lake County Criminal Attorney

Many underage people try to enter bars/clubs and purchase alcohol by using a fake ID. In the past, this may have seemed to be normal behavior for those under 21 years of age. However, in today’s climate of identity theft, these activities can place someone in serious jeopardy of losing their driving privileges and result in incarceration with a permanent criminal background.

Simple possession of a fake ID can result in a criminal conviction and the loss of one’s driving privileges. In Lake County, it is illegal to possess any form of fake ID.

Fraudulent identification includes an altered driver’s license or other document, a license with your picture but someone else’s name, or any other document that is intended to deceive someone into believing and acting on the information therein.

It is also illegal for anyone to allow someone else to use his or her license or other form of identification.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on July 16,2014 in Uncategorized

Fake and Fraudulent ID’s--Skokie Criminal Attorney

Many underage people try to enter bars/clubs and purchase alcohol by using a fake ID. In the past, this may have seemed to be normal behavior for those under 21 years of age. However, in today’s climate of identity theft, these activities can place someone in serious jeopardy of losing their driving privileges and result in incarceration with a permanent criminal background.

Simple possession of a fake ID can result in a criminal conviction and the loss of one’s driving privileges. In Skokie, it is illegal to possess any form of fake ID.

Fraudulent identification includes an altered driver’s license or other document, a license with your picture but someone else’s name, or any other document that is intended to deceive someone into believing and acting on the information therein.

It is also illegal for anyone to allow someone else to use his or her license or other form of identification.

In the less serious offenses, officers will often issue someone a “ticket” for possession of a fake ID. While it may seem simple enough to pay the ticket to avoid going to court, this can immediately suspend your driving privileges in Skokie.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on July 16,2014 in Uncategorized

Fake and Fraudulent ID’s--Illinois Criminal Attorney

Many underage people try to enter bars/clubs and purchase alcohol by using a fake ID. In the past, this may have seemed to be normal behavior for those under 21 years of age. However, in today’s climate of identity theft, these activities can place someone in serious jeopardy of losing their driving privileges and result in incarceration with a permanent criminal background.

Simple possession of a fake ID can result in a criminal conviction and the loss of one’s driving privileges. In Illinois, it is illegal to possess any form of fake ID.

Fraudulent identification includes an altered driver’s license or other document, a license with your picture but someone else’s name, or any other document that is intended to deceive someone into believing and acting on the information therein.

It is also illegal for anyone to allow someone else to use his or her license or other form of identification.

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 Posted on June 19,2014 in Uncategorized

Northbrook Traffic Attorney

Experienced Illinois Suspended License Attorney

Driving with a suspended license is typically a misdemeanor in the State of Illinois. There are some aggravating circumstances that can cause it to become a felony, however. Either way, this charge can seriously jeopardize your driving privileges and may even lead to jail time. At the The Law Offices of Matthew R. Gebhardt, P.C., we take these charges seriously and strive to protect our clients’ rights, freedom and driving privileges.

Defending Driving with a Suspended License Charges

To the untrained eye, charges for driving with a suspended license can seem pretty cut and dry. Either your license is suspended or it’s not. Either you were driving or you weren’t. In truth, however, there are many ways our firm can help you improve your outcome if you are facing this charge.

The first step to defending this charge is often to attempt to resolve the issue(s) that originally caused the suspension. We will examine your driving record to determine why your license was suspended and if there is an opportunity to remedy the problem. In some cases, there are many problems on your record that have caused the suspension, and we will attempt to remedy as many as possible. Our goal is to help our clients avoid the serious consequences of the charge against them.

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 Posted on June 19,2014 in Uncategorized

Glenview Traffic Attorney

Experienced Illinois Suspended License Attorney

Driving with a suspended license is typically a misdemeanor in the State of Illinois. There are some aggravating circumstances that can cause it to become a felony, however. Either way, this charge can seriously jeopardize your driving privileges and may even lead to jail time. At the The Law Offices of Matthew R. Gebhardt, P.C., we take these charges seriously and strive to protect our clients’ rights, freedom and driving privileges.

Defending Driving with a Suspended License Charges

To the untrained eye, charges for driving with a suspended license can seem pretty cut and dry. Either your license is suspended or it’s not. Either you were driving or you weren’t. In truth, however, there are many ways our firm can help you improve your outcome if you are facing this charge.

The first step to defending this charge is often to attempt to resolve the issue(s) that originally caused the suspension. We will examine your driving record to determine why your license was suspended and if there is an opportunity to remedy the problem. In some cases, there are many problems on your record that have caused the suspension, and we will attempt to remedy as many as possible. Our goal is to help our clients avoid the serious consequences of the charge against them.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on June 19,2014 in Uncategorized

ChicagoTraffic Attorney

Experienced Illinois Suspended License Attorney

Driving with a suspended license is typically a misdemeanor in the State of Illinois. There are some aggravating circumstances that can cause it to become a felony, however. Either way, this charge can seriously jeopardize your driving privileges and may even lead to jail time. At the The Law Offices of Matthew R. Gebhardt, P.C., we take these charges seriously and strive to protect our clients’ rights, freedom and driving privileges.

Defending Driving with a Suspended License Charges

To the untrained eye, charges for driving with a suspended license can seem pretty cut and dry. Either your license is suspended or it’s not. Either you were driving or you weren’t. In truth, however, there are many ways our firm can help you improve your outcome if you are facing this charge.

The first step to defending this charge is often to attempt to resolve the issue(s) that originally caused the suspension. We will examine your driving record to determine why your license was suspended and if there is an opportunity to remedy the problem. In some cases, there are many problems on your record that have caused the suspension, and we will attempt to remedy as many as possible. Our goal is to help our clients avoid the serious consequences of the charge against them.

Continue Reading ››