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Improper Searches

Posted by Barrett W. Mays | Mar 13, 2025 | 0 Comments

What is an Improper Search in McHenry? An improper search in Illinois is an illegal search that violates an individual's constitutional right to privacy.  The Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution, which states: The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, pape...

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Understanding Plea Deals

Posted by Barrett W. Mays | Jan 17, 2025 | 0 Comments

Getting into trouble with the law in Illinois disrupts your life in more ways than one. Whether you are innocent or guilty, however, you have a right to a defense. The criminal justice system, though flawed, offers options. Plea deals or plea bargains can be an option. The important thing if offe...

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The Right To An Attorney In Criminal Proceedings

Posted by Barrett W. Mays | Dec 13, 2024 | 0 Comments

We cannot all be experts in the law. That said, if we get in trouble with the law (or are accused of it), we want someone who knows the law to represent us. Fortunately, the backbone of our legal system is each person's right to an attorney. This right is true regardless of whether you can afford...

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Division of Marital Property in Divorce Actions

Posted by Barrett W. Mays | Nov 22, 2024 | 0 Comments

A couple can acquire a lot of things––from a marital home to investments to bank accounts––during the course of a marriage. When they decide to divorce, all of that must be divided. It can become a pretty heated part of a divorce, especially when the assets (and debts) are extensive. At Bear Law...

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Quick Comparison: Wills vs. Trusts

Posted by Barrett W. Mays | Nov 09, 2024 | 0 Comments

When it comes to estate planning, understanding the distinction between a will and a trust is essential. Both are important tools that serve to manage and distribute your assets, but they function differently and have unique advantages. Wills: A Simple Overview A will is a legal document that o...

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Illinois Nonprofit Law FAQ

Posted by Barrett W. Mays | Oct 10, 2024 | 0 Comments

Nonprofit organizations in Illinois are an asset to society but must still comply with strict laws and regulations. At Bear Law, LLC, our lawyer in McHenry is committed to providing you with valuable information to help your organization thrive within the legal landscape.  Here, we address some ...

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Understanding Your Rights - Miranda Warnings

Posted by Barrett W. Mays | Sep 19, 2024 | 0 Comments

Imagine a United States of America where police hold all the power, and citizens have no power. That world, for some, may not be so unimaginable. If you have found yourself on the other side of police officers in McHenry, you know you can appreciate that there are laws in this country meant to pr...

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Real Estate Law FAQ

Posted by Barrett W. Mays | Sep 11, 2024 | 0 Comments

Whether you are in the market to sell or purchase a new home, the real estate transaction process can be overwhelming and complex, especially when you attempt to do it on your own. There are a lot of people or agencies that may be involved and each has its own role to play. There's also a lot of ...

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Civil Litigation FAQ

Posted by Barrett W. Mays | Sep 06, 2024 | 0 Comments

Whether you are facing a legal dispute in Illinois, considering legal action, or seeking representation in a civil case, Bear Law, LLC will help you successfully resolve disputes with clarity and purpose. The first step of that process, however, is understanding the process. We help clients under...

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Trusts FAQ

Posted by Barrett W. Mays | Aug 29, 2024 | 0 Comments

Trusts can be very useful estate planning tools. Here, commonly asked questions are answered. If you are thinking about opening a trust, already have a trust and have questions, or are simply unsure of what to do about an estate plan, contact us to schedule a free consultation and get answers to ...

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Theft Offenses in Illinois

Posted by Barrett W. Mays | Aug 25, 2024 | 0 Comments

A theft crime can be committed in many different ways. Likewise, the penalties for a conviction on a theft crime will vary. The more serious the theft and the higher the value of the item taken, the more likely the penalties will be harsher. When charged with a theft crime, many people want to ta...

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Understanding Your Rights Under the 4th Amendment

Posted by Barrett W. Mays | Aug 22, 2024 | 0 Comments

What is an Improper Search in McHenry, Illinois? An improper search in Illinois is an illegal search that violates an individual's constitutional right to privacy.  The Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution states: The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, p...

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Juvenile Offenses

Posted by Barrett W. Mays | Aug 12, 2024 | 0 Comments

A youth – someone under the age of 17 (although each state defines it differently) – who commits a misdemeanor or felony in Illinois is typically charged as a juvenile defendant. Their criminal case is then held in the juvenile justice system. There are exceptions, of course. A youth may be charg...

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First Amendment Issues and the Issue of Fake News

Posted by Barrett W. Mays | Aug 09, 2024 | 0 Comments

First Amendment Principles And “Fake News”             “Wisconsin has more votes than people who are registered to vote.”[1] “Good news, Wuhan's corona virus can be cured by one bowl of freshly boiled garlic water….”[2] “Protestors paid $3,500 to disrupt Trump rally.”[3] These gripping headlines...

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Intoxicated Driving FAQ

Posted by Barrett W. Mays | Aug 05, 2024 | 0 Comments

Driving while intoxicated (DWI), operating a vehicle under the influence (OVI), or driving under the influence (DUI) are all ways to describe the same thing: intoxicated driving. Intoxication may be the result of alcohol or another chemical substance (e.g., marijuana) or both.

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