Blog
Drivers Hang onto License After Ticket
Posted on August 21st, 2014 by Joe Pioletti
People will be happy to know that effective January 1st 2015 drivers who are ticketed in Illinois for a petty traffic offense will be able to retain their driver’s license before the ticket is paid. Prior to this drivers were forced to turn over their license as security that they would pay the ticket.
US Regulator Takes Aim at Debt Collectors
Posted on August 6th, 2014 by Joe Pioletti
The Wall Street Journal recently released a story that the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, or CFPD, is taking aim at a large debt collection law firm. The CFPD is a segment of the Executive Branch of the US government who is charged with enforcing federal consumer financial laws. The recent law suit filed by […]
DUI Charge for Prior Marijuana Use
Posted on July 10th, 2014 by Joe Pioletti
Illinois residents do not have to be impaired to be guilty of DUI. Use of marijuana days, or even weeks, before an arrest could be enough to constitute the offense. Under Illinois law, a person is guilty of DUI if he or she drives under the influence of any drug or combination of drugs to […]
Law Would Allow Speed Cameras State-Wide
Posted on June 3rd, 2014 by Joe Pioletti
Automated traffic enforcement cameras used to enforce speed limits may be coming to a community near you very soon. Currently, Illinois law allows for speed cameras in Chicago only. However, new proposed legislation would allow for statewide use. The bill, known as HB 4632, is currently before the Illinois House of Representatives. The bill’s intent […]
Cops on the Prowl for Summer Camp Goers
Posted on May 28th, 2014 by Joe Pioletti
Since its start in 2001, the Summer Camp Music Festival, held in Chillicothe, IL, has been providing good music and great times to concert-goers from across the country. Unfortunately, these good times come to an abrupt halt for a choice few of the roughly 15,000 attendees each year because of drug arrests that occur in […]
Bankruptcy Basics: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13
Posted on May 26th, 2014 by Joe Pioletti
No one is immune to financial troubles, and an onslaught of unexpected events can turn even the most responsible consumer’s finances on their head. While other options, such as debt settlement and consolidation exist; for some, filing for bankruptcy might be the only way out of a tough situation. Once an individual has filed for […]
Did Your Landlord Withhold Your Security Deposit Unfairly?
Posted on May 12th, 2014 by Joe Pioletti
When it comes to security deposits many landlords simply don’t get it. They consider it their own money as soon as they receive it at the beginning of a lease. They think that security deposit money is theirs to use on regular everyday upkeep of the unit. It’s not, that’s what rent money is for. […]
A Dream House with Hidden Problems
Posted on April 6th, 2014 by Joe Pioletti
You recently bought the perfect house, but after the moving in, you’ve discovered it isn’t as flawless as you thought. Perhaps the roof leaks, the basement floods, or the plumbing is suspect. Whatever the issue might be, there may be legal remedies available to handle the matter. The first step is to contact your insurance […]
Illegal Downloading: A Far From Covert Crime
Posted on March 23rd, 2014 by Joe Pioletti
It all seems so easy. Movies, music and even computer software is out there in the cyber world, free, seemingly at your fingertips. For some, downloading illegal copyrighted material is justified by their at times exorbitant prices. But in the end, it could cost you a lot of money. While one can find and download […]
An Eviction Has Been Ordered by the Court—What’s Next?
Posted on March 15th, 2014 by Joe Pioletti
You have just won a forcible entry and detainer action in court against your tenant in default. The tenant is still occupying the building. Are you immediately entitled to retake possession? Not so fast. Strange as it may seem, winning an eviction suit does not immediately entitle you to take possession of the property. Once […]