Arlington Heights Criminal Lawyer | Rolling Meadows DUI Attorney

Fighting an Order of Protection in Illinois

2026-06-06 00:00:00

Orders of protection, or restraining orders, may be issued for a variety of reasons. However, they are most typically seen in cases that involve charges of stalking or domestic violence. What can you do if you have been served an order of protection? Is there any way that you can fight back? With the help of an Arlington Heights, IL criminal defense attorney, you can contest allegations of domestic violence and protect your rights.

Our firm is well aware of how stressful it can be to be served with an order of protection. As a former prosecutor with over 25 years of criminal law experience, Scott F. Anderson, Attorney at Law, can advise you every step of the way.

When Can You Get Served With an Order of Protection?

An order of protection can be issued in a wide range of situations. Illinois law allows a court to grant one whenever someone claims they have been abused by a family member, a household member, or someone they have a close personal relationship with. That includes current or former spouses, dating partners, people who share a child, and people who live or have lived together.

Pros and Cons of Taking a DUI Plea Bargain in Illinois

2026-05-21 00:00:00

Though not available in every DUI case, plea bargains may offer a way for some to avoid certain consequences of a conviction. However, defendants in DUI cases must understand the implications before deciding to accept such an offer. If you are considering a plea bargain, get in contact with an Arlington Heights, IL criminal defense lawyer today.

At Scott F. Anderson, Attorney at Law, our lawyer has over 25 years of experience in criminal law, both as a defense attorney and prosecutor. We can review your case and help you negotiate for reduced charges. When possible, we can also fight the underlying charge as well.

Penalties for a DUI in Illinois

A first DUI in Illinois is usually a Class A misdemeanor. This can carry up to 364 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. Illinois law makes it illegal to drive or be in actual physical control of a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, intoxicating compounds, or a mix of these substances (625 ILCS 5/11-501).

Defending Against an Illinois DUI Charge

2026-05-08 00:00:00

Being charged with a DUI is unnerving because a conviction can result in severe consequences. Even if you are a first-time DUI offender, you could face jail time, fines, and a driver’s license suspension for a conviction. However, a knowledgeable Arlington Heights, IL DUI defense lawyer can help. Scott F. Anderson, Attorney at Law, has been defending clients against DUI charges for more than 25 years, so you can trust us to fight for your best interests.

How Serious Is a First DUI in Illinois?

A first DUI is usually a Class A misdemeanor in Illinois (625 ILCS 5/11-501). This is the most serious type of misdemeanor. A conviction can lead to up to 364 days in jail and fines of up to $2,500.

The court may also order probation, alcohol treatment, community service, and court costs. Additionally, you may face a license suspension even before the criminal case is finished. A first DUI can become even more serious if it involves a crash, a child in the car, a very high BAC, or another aggravating factor.

Adding Injury to Insult: Leaving the Scene of an Accident While Intoxicated

2026-04-22 00:00:00

Driving under the influence carries strict penalties in Illinois. Being involved in an accident while under the influence can increase the severity of those penalties. However, leaving the scene of that accident (otherwise known as a hit-and-run accident) exacerbates the charges even further. If you or someone you love is facing such charges in 2026, consider working with a Rolling Meadows, IL DUI defense lawyer.

Our firm can review the accident in detail, looking for possible mitigating factors or defenses. Scott F. Anderson, Attorney at Law, has over 25 years of experience in criminal law, both as a prosecutor and a defense attorney, giving him deep insights into how to fight DUI charges.

What Is Your Duty at the Scene of an Accident in Illinois?

In Illinois, a driver involved in a crash cannot just panic and leave. The law generally requires the driver to stop as close to the scene as possible, stay there, and give identifying information. That usually includes the driver’s name, address, vehicle registration number, and, if asked and available, a driver’s license. The driver also has a duty to give reasonable help to anyone who is hurt, which can include helping the person get medical treatment or arranging transportation to a hospital when needed (625 ILCS 5/11-403).

When Are Drug Possession Charges Elevated to Possession with Intent to Deliver?

2026-04-09 13:16:00

Getting charged with drug possession in Illinois is bad enough. Depending on the type of drugs that are in your possession, you may face jail time, hefty fines, and a permanent criminal record. However, if your drug possession charges get elevated to possession with intent to deliver, you face even harsher consequences. If you are currently in this situation, it is critical to avoid talking to the police and consult a skilled lawyer promptly.

Our Arlington Heights, IL drug crime defense attorney has over 25 years of experience in criminal law. We can review your case in detail and question if the prosecution’s argument holds water.

What Does "Intent to Deliver" Mean in Illinois Drug Possession Cases?

In some cases, the police may decide to raise a regular drug possession charge to a possession with intent to deliver charge. You may be charged with intent to deliver based on certain evidence, including:

Dealing with False Domestic Battery Allegations in Illinois

2026-03-18 00:00:00

Domestic battery is considered a serious offense in Illinois. This is due, in part, to the awareness and movements associated with domestic violence prevention. What do you do, though, when the allegations against you are completely false? Are you even at risk if you are truly innocent? It may seem that the obvious answer is no, you are not at risk if you have not done anything wrong. Yet this is not always the case.

Disputing allegations of domestic battery can be incredibly stressful. Our Arlington Heights, IL criminal defense lawyer has successfully defended clients accused of violent crimes. You can trust our firm to review the allegations carefully and explore all legal defenses.

Facing Sexual Assault Charges in Illinois? Here is What You Need to Know

2026-03-06 14:56:00

While almost any criminal charge can have a serious and negative impact on your life and future, those that arise from sexual assault allegations can be especially devastating. In addition to having your job, freedom, and finances on the line, your reputation – and where you fit into your community – could be jeopardized. Moving will not fix anything either, since a conviction for one of these crimes will follow you wherever you go. If you are facing a sexual assault charge, you should understand what is at stake and what you can do to lessen the negative consequences of conviction.

As a former prosecutor, Scott F. Anderson, Attorney at Law knows what to expect and how to navigate a sexual abuse charge. When you work with our Rolling Meadows, IL criminal defense lawyer, you will benefit from a personalized legal strategy tailored to the facts of your case.

Can You Refuse a Field Sobriety Test in Illinois?

2026-02-19 00:00:00

Getting pulled over for a DUI is a nerve-wracking experience. You do have rights, however, and you should exercise them to the fullest extent. This includes your right to refuse a field sobriety test. Before you do, though, there are some things you should know.

Consenting to a field sobriety test or refusing to take one can have implications for your case. An Arlington Heights, IL drunk driving defense lawyer can review your situation and help you determine the best course of action. Scott F. Anderson, Attorney at Law has over two decades of criminal law experience, so you can trust him to provide you with clear guidance in a DUI case involving a field sobriety test.

Who Gets Arrested When Two Family Members Are Fighting?

2026-02-10 00:00:00

When we hear the term "domestic violence," we usually think of violence between two people in a romantic relationship. That said, there are many times when domestic violence involves family members rather than romantic partners.

But when two relatively physically matched family members are involved in an argument that turns physical, who gets arrested? The answer to this question is not an easy one, and the police do not always get it right. If you have been arrested for domestic violence, but you were only defending yourself, it is important to speak to an experienced Rolling Meadows, IL domestic violence defense lawyer to understand your options.

Who Could Be Arrested for Domestic Violence Under Illinois Law?

Illinois criminal law says that domestic violence can apply to any two people who have any type of domestic relationship. This could include parents and children, grandparents and adult children, siblings, or even cousins, not to mention those you are related to by marriage – your in-laws.

Can You Be Charged With a Sex Crime Without Physical Evidence?

2026-01-27 00:00:00

Accusations of sex crimes can be incredibly difficult to resolve in a legal setting. Often, the court has to make a decision based on competing testimony from the accuser and accused. In Illinois, you should know that you can be charged with a sex crime even without physical evidence. However, being charged doesn’t mean that you are guilty of that offense. A Rolling Meadows, IL criminal defense attorney can review your case and determine the best course of action.

With over 25 years of criminal law experience from both sides of the courtroom, Scott F. Anderson, Attorney at Law can effectively represent clients accused of rape, sexual assault, and similar offenses. We can help you contest unsubstantiated claims, protecting your rights during stressful legal proceedings.

Can You Get Arrested for Accusations of a Sex Crime?

Police do not need physical evidence to make an arrest. They need probable cause, which means officers believe a crime may have happened and that a specific person may be responsible. A detailed statement from an accuser can be enough to meet that standard. Under Illinois law, an arrest may be made without a warrant when officers have reasonable grounds to believe an offense was committed (725 ILCS 5/107-2).