Law Office of Jack L Zaremba, PC

Law Office of Jack L Zaremba, PC Former Will County Prosecutor...Now Fighting For You. Don't go it alone. Call today.

If you have a criminal case, including traffic citations, DUI or drug related offenses, you want an experienced Will County Defense Attorney on your side.

06/08/2026

🚸 Passing a stopped school bus triggers severe penalties under 625 ILCS 5/11-1414. First offense carries mandatory minimum fine and potential 90-day license suspension.

Illinois law prohibits overtaking school buses with activated stop arms and flashing red lights, requiring drivers to stop at least 20 feet away. Prosecutors rely on bus video footage, driver statements, and automated detection systems. Violations in school zones during pickup/drop-off trigger enhanced penalties and points on driving records.

Defense strategies challenge visibility conditions, examine stop-arm activation timing, and contest video evidence quality. Former Will County prosecutor Jack Zaremba defends traffic violations with over 20 years of legal experience. https://zarembalawoffice.com

06/08/2026

⚖️ Revocation hearings determine whether judges will revoke probation or conditional discharge and impose original prison sentences when defendants violate terms. Illinois law treats revocation hearings differently than trials—hearsay evidence allowed/prosecutors need only prove violations by preponderance of evidence rather than beyond reasonable doubt/defendants have no jury trial right. Common violations include failed drug tests/missed check-ins/new arrests/unpaid fines. Judges have broad discretion to continue probation with modified terms/extend supervision periods/or revoke entirely and order immediate incarceration. Defense strategies focus on demonstrating substantial compliance/explaining violation circumstances/presenting mitigation evidence showing rehabilitation efforts. Former Will County prosecutor Jack Zaremba defends revocation hearings over 20 years legal experience → zarembalawoffice.com

06/07/2026

🚨 One aggravating factor turns an Illinois DUI from a misdemeanor into a FELONY — under 625 ILCS 5/11-501(d), "Aggravated DUI" can mean mandatory penitentiary time.

A first or second DUI is typically a Class A misdemeanor, but the escalation is steep. A third DUI is a Class 2 felony carrying 3–7 years in IDOC. A DUI committed while your license is suspended or revoked for a prior DUI is a Class 4 felony (1–3 years, fines up to $25,000) — and DUI without a valid license or without insurance triggers the same felony class. A DUI causing great bodily harm or permanent disfigurement carries an extended 1–12 year range, and a DUI involving a death is a Class 2 felony punishable by 3–14 years (6–28 years for multiple deaths), with probation available only in "extraordinary circumstances." Other felony triggers include a DUI in a school zone causing injury, a DUI injuring a child passenger under 16, and DUI while driving a school bus carrying minors. Every aggravated DUI conviction also brings mandatory driver's license revocation — and because Illinois never allows DUI convictions to be expunged or sealed, a felony DUI follows you for life.

💡 As a former Will County prosecutor with over 20 years of legal experience, Jack L. Zaremba knows how the State builds felony DUI cases — and where they fall apart. Free consultation: https://zarembalawoffice.com

JolietLawyer

⚖️ This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Results vary by case.
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06/07/2026

🚗 Leaving the scene of an accident — even property damage only — triggers serious criminal charges in Illinois. Under 625 ILCS 5/11-402 drivers who fail to stop and exchange information face Class A misdemeanor charges carrying 364 days jail and $2,500 fines. Illinois law requires drivers involved in any accident causing property damage to immediately stop/provide identification/exchange insurance information. Prosecutors rely on witness statements/surveillance footage/911 records proving defendants left scenes without exchanging information. Defense strategies challenge whether defendants knew collision occurred and contest identification evidence. Former Will County prosecutor Jack Zaremba defends traffic violations over 20 years legal experience → zarembalawoffice.com

06/07/2026

🚨 On probation in Illinois? One missed drug test, unpaid fine, or new arrest can put your ORIGINAL sentence back on the table — and under 730 ILCS 5/5-6-4, the State only has to prove the violation by a preponderance of the evidence, not beyond a reasonable doubt.

When prosecutors file a Petition to Revoke, the judge can issue a summons — or an arrest warrant. At the hearing there is no jury, and the lowered burden of proof makes a violation far easier to prove than the underlying crime. Common allegations include missed probation appointments, failed or skipped drug tests, unpaid fines or restitution, incomplete treatment or community service, and new criminal charges. If probation is revoked, the court may impose any sentence that was available for the original offense — 1–3 years in IDOC for a Class 4 felony, 3–7 years for a Class 2 — and time already served on probation is NOT credited unless the judge orders it (730 ILCS 5/5-6-4(h)). Even a purely "technical" violation can end in prison. But revocation isn't automatic: the judge can also continue probation, extend the term, or tighten conditions — outcomes that turn heavily on preparation and advocacy.

💡 Facing a Petition to Revoke in Will or Grundy County? Jack L. Zaremba is a former Will County prosecutor and brings over 20 years of legal experience to revocation hearings — he knows exactly how the State builds these cases. Free consultation: https://zarembalawoffice.com



⚖️ This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Results vary by case.
Sent using Claude

06/06/2026

🚨 Caught shoplifting in Illinois? Retail theft under 720 ILCS 5/16-25 escalates from misdemeanor to felony faster than most people expect.

If the merchandise is worth $300 or less, retail theft is a Class A misdemeanor — up to 364 days in jail and fines up to $2,500. Cross the $300 threshold and it becomes a Class 3 felony carrying 2–5 years in prison and fines up to $25,000. A prior theft-related conviction can elevate even a low-value case to a Class 4 felony, and leaving through an emergency exit with unpaid merchandise raises the stakes as high as a Class 2 felony (3–7 years). Beyond the courtroom, a theft conviction is a crime of dishonesty that surfaces on every background check, and retailers can pursue separate civil demands on top of the criminal case. First-time offenders may qualify for court supervision or diversion that keeps a conviction off their record — but only if the case is handled correctly from the start.

💡 Former Will County prosecutor Jack L. Zaremba brings over 20 years of legal experience to defending retail theft and shoplifting charges in Joliet and throughout Will County. Free consultation: https://www.zarembalawoffice.com/criminal-defense/retail-theft-shoplifting



⚖️ This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Results vary by case.
Sent using Claude

06/06/2026

🚨 Arrested for DUI in Illinois? A second, separate case starts the moment you're booked: the statutory summary suspension under 625 ILCS 5/11-501.1 — and it takes your license automatically on day 46, even if you're never convicted.

The criminal DUI charge (625 ILCS 5/11-501) is a Class A misdemeanor carrying up to 1 year in jail and $2,500 in fines for a first offense — but the suspension is civil, automatic, and runs on its own track. Test at .08 or above and a first offender loses driving privileges for 6 months; refuse testing and it's 12 months — 3 years with a prior within 5 years. The only way to stop it is filing a Petition to Rescind under 625 ILCS 5/2-118.1 and winning the hearing before day 46. First offenders whose suspension takes effect may qualify for an MDDP, but only with a BAIID ignition interlock installed.

💡 The 46-day clock doesn't pause for weekends. Jack L. Zaremba is a former Will County prosecutor and brings over 20 years of legal experience to both the criminal case and the suspension — handled as one coordinated defense. Free consultation: https://www.zarembalawoffice.com



⚖️ This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Results vary by case.
Sent using Claude

06/06/2026

🚨 Juvenile Probation in Illinois — Supervised Release for Minors

Under 705 ILCS 405 Illinois juvenile courts impose probation as supervised rehabilitation alternative to detention when minors commit delinquent acts. Probation conditions include regular check-ins with officers, curfews, school attendance requirements, community service, drug testing, and counseling programs.

Violations trigger immediate detention hearings where judges can revoke probation and order secure confinement. Common violations include failed drug tests, missed appointments, new arrests, or curfew violations.

Defense strategies focus on demonstrating compliance efforts and negotiating modified terms. Former Will County prosecutor Jack Zaremba defends juvenile cases over 20 years legal experience. https://zarembalawoffice.com

06/05/2026

💡 You have the right to remain silent — but how do you actually exercise it?

Under the Fifth Amendment, you can refuse to answer police questions beyond basic identification. Simply say "I am invoking my right to remain silent" and "I want an attorney." Be clear and unambiguous. Police may continue talking or asking questions — stay silent. Do not explain, justify, or negotiate.

Even seemingly innocent answers can be used against you in court. Illinois courts uphold invocations when defendants clearly state their intent to remain silent.

Former Will County prosecutor Jack Zaremba protects constitutional rights with over 20 years of legal experience. Visit https://zarembalawoffice.com

06/05/2026

📱 Charged with telephone harassment in Illinois?

Under 720 ILCS 5/26.5-2, telephone harassment occurs when someone uses phones/electronic communication to threaten harm/obscenely harass/repeatedly call with intent to harass. Class A misdemeanor convictions carry 364 days jail and $2,500 fines. Illinois prosecutors rely on phone records, witness statements, and text message evidence proving defendants knowingly made harassing calls or sent threatening messages.

Common scenarios include repeated unwanted calls to ex-partners, threatening voicemails, and obscene text messages designed to intimidate or alarm recipients. Defense strategies challenge intent elements and examine whether communications constitute protected speech versus true harassment.

Former Will County prosecutor Jack Zaremba defends telephone harassment cases with over 20 years legal experience. https://zarembalawoffice.com

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Joliet, IL
60432

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