Understanding the Difference Between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
Navigating the World of Bankruptcy Bankruptcy is often viewed as a last resort for individuals drowning in debt, but understanding the nuances between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 can shed light on which path is…
POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE
JANUARY 2018, LIVINGSTON COUNTY MOTION TO SUPPRESS GRANTED Fairbury police entered the client’s apartment without a warrant, searched the client and seized suspected cannabis and “spice.” Mr. Hiatt moved to suppress the evidence based on…
AGGRAVATED UNLAWFUL USE OF A WEAPON; POSSESSION OF CANNABIS WITH INTENT TO DELIVER
INTENT TO DELIVER NOVEMBER 2017, KANKAKEE COUNTY MOTION TO SUPPRESS GRANTED Client was pulled over by Kankakee police. A firearm and cannabis were discovered inside the vehicle. Police claimed they had information that the vehicle…
DUI
JUNE 2017, KANKAKEE COUNTY NOT GUILTY Client was arrested in Bourbonnais for DUI and other offenses. Despite the client’s failure of field sobriety tests and possession of alcohol in the vehicle, Mr. Hiatt successfully attacked…
HARASSMENT OF A WITNESS
JUNE 2017, KANKAKEE COUNTY NOT GUILTY Client was charged with going to the home of a witness in a criminal case against the client’s husband and harassing her. At trial, under questioning from Mr. Hiatt,…
FAILURE TO REGISTER AS A SEX OFFENDER
APRIL 2017, KANKAKEE COUNTY CHARGES DISMISSED As a juvenile, the client pled guilty to a sex offense and was subjected to lifetime sex offender registration. As an adult, he missed his registration deadline and was…
DUI
MARCH 2017, FORD COUNTY CHARGES DISMISSED Client was arrested after being involved in a single-car accident after he left a bar. Despite a high blood-alcohol content and witnesses from the bar who observed the client…
CRIMINAL SEXUAL ASSAULT
MAY 2016, KANKAKEE COUNTY NOT GUILTY Client, a group home worker, was accused of raping one of the residents while on duty. He sat in jail for several months with court-appointed counsel until Mr. Hiatt…
CHILD PORNOGRAPHY
JANUARY 2016, US DISTRICT COURT, PEORIA BELOW GUIDELINES SENTENCE Client was indicted for distribution of child pornography. His residence contained several computers and electronic devices with thousands of photographs and videos. Client pleaded guilty and…
AGGRAVATED DISCHARGE OF A FIREARM
JULY 2015, KANKAKEE COUNTY CHARGES DISMISSED Client was accused of shooting at a neighbor’s home with a high-powered rifle. Mr. Hiatt obtained evidence and witnesses contradicting the claim. Prosecutors elected to dismiss the charge, which…
