Entries by Fotopoulos Law Office

4 Things to Be Aware of Before Filing a Medical Malpractice Case

Unfortunately, medical malpractice is a common occurrence in the United States. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, medical negligence is the primary cause of death for more than 250,000 people each year. This puts medical negligence at the third leading cause of death in the United States, behind heart disease and cancer. Sadly, medical errors and negligence are […]

How Police Excessive Force Can Lead to Criminal Charges Against the Victim

This past January, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) completed a formal investigation into the Chicago Police Department (CPD), specifically the misuse and overuse of force in ways that violate the civil rights of Illinois residents. The DOJ found there was “reasonable cause to believe” that CPD officers routinely took part in acts that “unnecessarily […]

When Can a Juvenile Criminal Case Be Transferred to Adult Court?

The juvenile justice system operates on a fundamental principle: children are inherently different from adults. This distinction is crucial, as it recognizes that young individuals possess a greater capacity for rehabilitation and behavioral change before reaching maturity. This understanding forms the bedrock of a separate legal framework designed specifically for minors. The Genesis of the […]

How the “Presumption of Innocence” Helps You in a Criminal Trial

The most basic principle of the criminal justice system in Illinois is the presumption of innocence. Whether you are charged with a DUI, sexual assault, or murder, state law provides that “[e]very person is presumed innocent until proved guilty.” In any criminal trial, the burden is therefore on the prosecution to establish the defendant’s guilt beyond a “reasonable […]