Ask a Question

Get free answers to your Municipal Law legal questions from lawyers in your area.

Lawyers, increase your visibility by answering questions and getting points. Answer Questions
Illinois Municipal Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law and Municipal Law for Illinois on
Q: I'm curious on if I can and how to claim and abandoned vehicle that's located in an abandoned garage
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 27, 2024

Claiming an abandoned vehicle from an abandoned garage involves a few legal steps. First, you need to check your local and state laws regarding abandoned property and vehicles. This typically involves reporting the vehicle to local authorities, such as the police or the department of motor vehicles... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Municipal Law for Illinois on
Q: Falsely accused by a Meijer loss prevention employee of allegedly producing can of mace and displaying knife

On January 12, of 2021, a Meijer loss prevention employee (Miles) at the Michigan City Meijer store falsely accused me of producing a can of mace, loudly threatening her and displaying and pointing a knife in her direction. The Meijer surveillance footage shows that "the male subject"... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 31, 2024

Based on the information provided, it seems that you were wrongfully accused and charged with a serious crime (armed robbery with a deadly weapon) by a Meijer loss prevention employee, despite evidence from surveillance footage showing that you did not produce mace or display a knife as alleged. As... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Municipal Law for Illinois on
Q: My wife and I have a neighbor who violates the noise ordinance. He starts his performance sports car at 2 to 6 am

We had video called the police they said they didnt want to get involved he did it again my wife stopped him and called 911 we showed video and they charged my wife with disorderly conduct. He is doing this time and again he has a tunable exhaust and does this on purpose we tried talking with him... View More

Cheryl Powell
Cheryl Powell
answered on Sep 19, 2023

You might try a no contact or no stalking order if it is interrupting your sleep. Give lots of details, dates it happened, witnesses, etc.

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation and Municipal Law for Illinois on
Q: In a municipal case in Illinois court outside of Chicago can I use case law from Wisconsin that is similar to help my ca

It is a civil / municipal case where the village did along with the police department a total seizure of our house our property they made our car disappear our two dogs our two cats. They had the police illegally remove 2,175 plus items of our personal belongings from the house and they will not... View More

T. J. Jesky
T. J. Jesky
answered on Sep 11, 2022

The short answer is: Yes. If you cannot find a case on point in Illinois and the Wisconsin case is on point, most judges (and it is up to the judge) to allow you to reference another State. Frequently, in Judge rulings if they cannot find applicable Illinois case law, they will cite case law... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Juvenile Law and Municipal Law for Illinois on
Q: Can a court system file charges without a police report?
William Wolf
William Wolf
answered on Jan 4, 2022

In short, yes.

Police have the job of investigating cases.

Prosecutors have the job of deciding whether to file charges, on which charges they should be, and whether and how to proceed on them.

There is no legal requirement, despite how unusual that may be, for...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets and Municipal Law for Illinois on
Q: If I contested a traffic fine and lost, would a not guilty court form improve my chances to dismiss case entirely

I consulted the law library at the court house in Lake County as to what forms to appeal my case about a red light camera fine . The two forms to appeal , one about motion to vacate looks interesting. But not sure either one will work.

Everything must be done by e file online court. Also I... View More

Juan Ooink
Juan Ooink
answered on Feb 4, 2021

Fighting these types of tickets are typically a complete waste of time and you are better off just paying the fine. If you really wish to appeal such a case, you will be wasting more time and money to do so.

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Gov & Administrative Law, Land Use & Zoning and Municipal Law for Illinois on
Q: Want to put in a fence but restriction on plat are in the way. The city doesn't know who owns the plat restrictions.

We purchased a home in McHenry, IL and back up to a major roadway. We have dogs and kids and want to put in a 6' fence and not give up 30' of our yard. The restrictions are on the plat but nobody knows who owns them to have them removed. The restrictions are:

1. Fencing is... View More

Robert Shipley
PREMIUM
Robert Shipley
answered on Oct 22, 2020

Based upon your description, it appears the City is/would be cooperative with your ultimate goal. It is likely the restrictions were put in place by the developer, perhaps based upon zoning or right of way issues. I would think the City should be able to work with you to develop a solution. I... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Constitutional Law, Gov & Administrative Law and Municipal Law for Illinois on
Q: Who does one contact if a department violates this law?
Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Oct 9, 2020

It looks like part of your post may have gotten left off - that's probably why it remains open for four weeks. There's no guarantee all questions are picked up, but if you included what the law you're talking about is, a Chicago attorney would be in a better position to offer... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Land Use & Zoning and Municipal Law for Illinois on
Q: Does Illinois require gutters? I live in Chicago and my roof is a gable roof.

If my neighbor is complaining about installing gutters, do I have to install them? Am I legally obligated to install them?

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jun 16, 2020

An Illinois attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. Until you are able to reach a local attorney, you could start some self-help research by looking into state building codes (and local ones as well, if they address the issue). If such regulations or codes exist,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Municipal Law for Illinois on
Q: Are tasers legal to have and carry in Illinois if a person has a FOID card?

I'd like to keep on at home or in my purse/car.

Kimber Russell
Kimber Russell
answered on Mar 10, 2020

Tasers are legal in IL with a valid FOID card, however, there are exceptions to when they may be used including:

--when you intend to use the weapon unlawfully against someone else

--while you’re masked or hooded in a way to hide your identity

--in a place licensed to sell...
View More

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Domestic Violence and Municipal Law for Illinois on
Q: Can I call the judge who is reviewing a case and have them remove my letter of character?
William Wolf
William Wolf
answered on Aug 11, 2019

No. You may not contact the judge. It is extremely inappropriate.

If you're the one accused and you are asking to have someone's letter on your behalf not be considered by the judge, you're going to have to talk to your attorney about it. If you're representing...
View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Land Use & Zoning, Municipal Law and Real Estate Law for Illinois on
Q: What are my rights? A municipal is threatening to demolish my house.
James G. Ahlberg
James G. Ahlberg
answered on Sep 8, 2018

There is no way to answer this question without knowing why the municipality is threatening to demolish your house, what their local ordinances provide and whether their local ordinances are appropriate under state law. The stakes are high, so you need to make an appointment with a local lawyer as... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights and Municipal Law for Illinois on
Q: If someones incarcerated in the state of Illinois & said to be mentally unstable & should be in psych-ward by the jails

own psychologist, but the jail will not comply with the doctors recommendation for the inmate to be moved, what can their family do in order to get the jail to move him so he can get the help he needs?

Gary Kollin
Gary Kollin
answered on May 27, 2018

Hire an attorney

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets and Municipal Law for Illinois on
Q: Can you report someone for blocking your alley with snow

Okay so there’s this guy that moves snow from alley to alley and always blocks my alley and I have no way of getting out And it’s annoying because he always moves it there and I always have to clean it again and again and it gets annoying you know

Brandon K. Davis
PREMIUM
Brandon K. Davis
answered on Mar 18, 2018

You can report it to the city.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, DUI / DWI, Traffic Tickets and Municipal Law for Illinois on
Q: I refused to sign a ticket that was given to me for swerving. I wasn't swerving. What happens if I do not pay or appear?

I believe I was pulled over for going through a yellow. Cop pulled a u-turn and followed me for a half mile. I put on my left blinker and turned, he pulled me over. Never told me why he pulled me over. Asked if I had been drinking, I said yes one beer three hours prior. Was asked by another officer... View More

Ray Choudhry
Ray Choudhry
answered on Jun 4, 2017

If it's a must appear ticket, there could be an arrest warrant.

1 Answer | Asked in Municipal Law for Illinois on
Q: I need to file a rule 222 disclosure statement in boone county il. is there a form available or what do i need to do?
Timothy J. Deffet
Timothy J. Deffet
answered on Jul 17, 2012

I would recommend looking at illinoisprobono.org. They have sample forms you can use. This should not be a substitute for legal advice from an attorney but it may be a start. Good luck.

1 Answer | Asked in Municipal Law for Illinois on
Q: Is it okay to shoot a BB gun in Antioch Ill?
Burton A. Padove
PREMIUM
Burton A. Padove pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 13, 2011

You can look up the municpal code and ordinances for Antioch and find out. Many towns have their codes and ordinances available online. If Antioch does not, usually the local library will have it. The municipal clerk will have a copy.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.