Frequently Asked Questions

Exercise your right to remain silent and ask for an attorney immediately. Do not answer questions from police without your lawyer present. Be polite but firm in asserting your rights. Contact Chicago Legal Exchange as soon as possible — early attorney involvement often produces better outcomes.

Yes. Charges can be dropped for insufficient evidence, procedural violations, successful completion of diversion programs, or constitutional violations. An experienced attorney identifies these opportunities and pursues them aggressively on your behalf.

Misdemeanors carry up to one year in county jail, while felonies can result in one or more years in state prison. Felonies carry more severe collateral consequences including restrictions on voting, firearms, and employment. The classification of your charge significantly affects both the legal strategy and potential outcomes.

An arrest and charges appear on your criminal record even without a conviction. However, Illinois law provides expungement and sealing options for certain records. We advise clients on record-clearing eligibility after their case concludes.

Fees vary based on case complexity, charge severity, and whether the case goes to trial. We offer free initial consultations and provide transparent fee information upfront. Quality legal representation is an investment in protecting your future.

While not legally required, having a real estate attorney is standard practice in Illinois and strongly recommended. An attorney reviews contracts, examines title, attends closing, and protects your interests. The cost is minimal compared to the risks of an unreviewed transaction.

Residential closing attorney fees in the Chicago area typically range from $500 to $1,500 depending on transaction complexity. Commercial closings may cost more. Contact us for a specific quote.

The eviction process typically takes 3 to 8 weeks from filing to order of possession, assuming no complications. Contested evictions or cases with special circumstances can take longer.

Key items include purchase price, earnest money terms, financing and inspection contingencies, closing and possession dates, seller disclosures, and breach consequences. An attorney identifies issues you might miss and negotiates better terms.

An uncontested divorce can be finalized in 2-3 months. Contested divorces typically take 6-18 months depending on the complexity of issues including property disputes, custody disagreements, and court scheduling.

Illinois follows equitable distribution — marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally. The court considers each spouse's contribution, marriage duration, economic circumstances, and any agreements between the parties.

Illinois courts determine the allocation of parental responsibilities based on the best interests of the child, considering factors including each parent's wishes, the child's adjustment, parental health, and any history of violence.

While not required, legal representation ensures your rights are protected and agreements are properly drafted. An attorney identifies issues you might not consider, such as tax implications or future modification of support orders.

The best entity depends on your specific situation including owner count, liability needs, tax considerations, and growth plans. LLCs offer flexibility and protection for most small businesses; corporations may suit those seeking outside investment. We evaluate your options and advise accordingly.

The statute of limitations is 10 years for written contracts and 5 years for oral contracts. However, consult an attorney immediately when you become aware of a potential breach — delays affect your ability to recover damages and preserve evidence.

Essential elements include party identification, scope of work, payment terms, intellectual property provisions, termination rights, dispute resolution procedures, and limitation of liability clauses. Every contract should be reviewed by an attorney before signing.

Absolutely. Record contracts contain provisions that can affect your career and income for decades. An entertainment attorney identifies unfavorable terms, negotiates better conditions, and ensures you retain appropriate rights.

Copyright exists automatically upon creation, but registration with the U.S. Copyright Office provides additional protections including the ability to sue for infringement and recover statutory damages. We handle the entire registration process.

Key provisions include term length, commission rates and scope, manager's authority, performance obligations, termination rights, and post-term commission sunset clauses. Every term should be reviewed by an attorney before signing.

Processing times vary significantly by category and country of origin. Family-based green cards for immediate relatives of U.S. citizens take 12-24 months; other categories may take years due to backlogs. Employment-based green cards typically take 1-3 years. We provide realistic expectations for your situation.

It depends on your visa status and application type. Some categories allow work authorization; in many cases you can apply for an Employment Authorization Document while your adjustment of status is pending. We advise on work authorization options throughout the process.

A denial isn't necessarily final. You may reapply with additional evidence, file a motion to reopen or reconsider, or pursue alternative pathways. An experienced attorney evaluates your options and develops a strategy moving forward.