Not Guilty: Lawyers, Guns, and Money

They Took My Car, My Cash, and My Stuff: Fighting Civil Forfeiture in Illinois

Episode Summary:In this episode of Not Guilty Lawyers, Guns and Money, criminal defense attorney Edward Johnson breaks down civil forfeiture—when the government seizes your property without a criminal conviction. Edward explains how these cases start, what agencies are involved, and the steps you need to take to prove ownership and recover your assets. From cash and vehicles to large sums of money, he shares real-life examples, common pitfalls, and strategies to protect yourself. This episode is essential listening for anyone who wants to understand how civil forfeiture works and how to fight to get your property back.
Key Timestamps:
00:00 – Understanding civil forfeiture and its national impact.01:30 – Property can be seized without a criminal conviction.03:00 – Distinguishing criminal vs. civil forfeiture situations.05:00 – Airport seizures, traffic stops, and government overreach.07:30 – How law enforcement justifies seizures and the reliability of drug-sniffing dogs.10:00 – Cases involving contaminated cash, casinos, and large sums of money.12:30 – Receipts, tax returns, business records, and documentation needed to reclaim property.15:00 – Importance of timely filings, working with an attorney, and avoiding mistakes on claim forms.17:00 – Why agencies may resist returning property and the legal complexities involved.18:30 – Strategies to safeguard money and other valuable property from wrongful seizure.
About the Show:Not Guilty Lawyers, Guns and Money features Edward Johnson, a leading criminal defense attorney in Illinois. With extensive experience in serious criminal cases and civil forfeiture, Edward provides actionable guidance to protect your rights and assets when facing government investigations.

When Your House Becomes Evidence: What Happens During a Police Raid

Episode Summary:In this episode of Not Guilty Lawyers, Guns and Money, criminal defense attorney Edward Johnson walks listeners through the reality of police raids. He explains what triggers a raid, the role of search warrants, and what your rights are during a search. Edward also covers how evidence is collected, common mistakes people make during a raid, and strategies to protect yourself and your property. From securing video evidence to knowing when to call a lawyer, this episode provides essential guidance for anyone facing law enforcement at their doorstep.
 
Key Timestamps:
00:00 – Overview of police raids and their seriousness.01:30 – Affidavits, investigations, and search warrants.03:30 – How police may attempt entry and your rights.05:00 – When police can and cannot search cars or other property.06:30 – What officers can access, documenting the process, and security footage.08:30 – Avoiding verbal mistakes, confrontation, and protecting your narrative.10:00 – Inventory, damages, and potential remedies.12:30 – What defense attorneys look for in the affidavit and challenging invalid warrants.15:00 – How long police can be on-site and what influences timing.16:30 – Why immediate legal representation is critical during a raid.
About the Show:Not Guilty Lawyers, Guns and Money delivers expert insights from Edward Johnson, one of Illinois’s top criminal defense attorneys. With over a decade of experience handling serious cases, Edward provides practical legal guidance on protecting your rights and property while navigating the complexities of criminal investigations.

Force and Justification: Navigating Self-Defense in Illinois

Episode Summary:
In this informative episode, host Kevin Rosenquist and attorney Edward Johnson discuss Illinois self-defense laws, focusing on the "no duty to retreat" principle and the justified use of force. They explore real cases, legal consequences, and practical advice for those involved in self-defense situations.
 
Key Timestamps:
00:00 - Show Introduction
00:42 - Explanation of "No Duty to Retreat" in Illinois
02:17 - Circumstances justifying use of force in self-defense
02:51 - Discussion of "reasonable force" and court interpretations
03:43 - Understanding imminent danger and proving perceptions
09:31 - Notable case example: UFC fighter incident
10:45 - Types of evidence in self-defense cases
14:17 - Importance of legal representation in self-defense situations
 
About the Show:
Not Guilty: Lawyers, Guns, and Money features Edward D. Johnson III, founding attorney at Edward Johnson Associates PC, discussing various legal topics with host Kevin Rosenquist. The show provides practical legal insights and real-case examples to help listeners understand complex legal matters.

Money Matters: Navigating Arrests and Large Cash Holdings

Episode Summary:
In this eye-opening episode, host Kevin Rosenquist and attorney Edward Johnson III discuss the complex issues surrounding cash seizures during arrests and civil asset forfeiture. Edward explains how law enforcement handles large cash amounts during arrests, debunks the "$10,000 limit" myth, and provides valuable insights on protecting your assets from unlawful seizure.
 
Key Timestamps:
00:00 - Show Introduction
00:24 - What happens during arrests with large cash amounts
02:19 - Cook County seizure statistics ($17 million in assets last year)
03:30 - Legal protections and misconceptions about carrying cash
04:36 - How law enforcement interprets cash findings and drug dog procedures
06:11 - Understanding asset forfeiture process
07:54 - Origin of the "$10,000 rule" misconception
10:26 - Importance of documentation for cash sources
13:18 - 45-day response window for seized assets
14:19 - Discussion on overreaching enforcement
 
About the Show:
Not Guilty: Lawyers, Guns, and Money features Edward D. Johnson III, founding attorney at Edward Johnson Associates PC, discussing critical legal matters affecting everyday citizens. The show provides practical legal insights and expert guidance on various legal topics.

Locked and Loaded: Navigating the New Illinois Gun Licensing Laws

Episode Summary:
Attorney Edward D. Johnson III discusses recent changes to Illinois gun licensing laws, focusing on FOID cards and Concealed Carry Licenses (CCL). The episode covers the complexities of gun transfers, background check requirements, self-defense situations, and legal challenges faced by CCL holders.
 
Key Timestamps:
00:00 - Show Introduction
00:33 - Overview of FOID cards and CCL requirements
01:30 - Private gun sale background check requirements
02:44 - Business restrictions on concealed carry
03:27 - Challenges with gang database and CCL applications
05:17 - Self-defense situations for CCL holders
06:52 - Gun charge implications and transfer requirements
09:32 - Impact of DUIs and domestic cases on CCL
10:59 - Legal defenses for CCL holders
14:09 - Staying updated on gun law changes
 
About the Show:
"Not Guilty: Lawyers, Guns and Money" features Edward D. Johnson III, founding attorney at Edward Johnson Associates PC, discussing legal matters with host Kevin Rosenquist. The show provides expert insights into various legal topics affecting Illinois residents.

The Interrogation Playbook: Understanding Police Tactics and Your Rights

In this eye-opening episode, host Kevin Rosenquist and attorney Edward D. Johnson III discuss common police interrogation tactics and crucial legal rights during investigations. Edward shares valuable insights about police deception, the importance of legal representation, and how to protect yourself during police interactions.
 
Key Timestamps:
00:00 - Show Introduction
00:22 - Common misconceptions about police procedures
01:24 - Police interrogation tactics and deceptive practices
04:52 - How to protect yourself during police questioning
05:51 - Pre-charge retainer services explained
08:23 - Understanding Miranda rights
11:21 - Traffic stop behavior tips
12:21 - Success stories with pre-charge representation
 
About the Show:
"Not Guilty: Lawyers, Guns, and Money" features Edward D. Johnson III, founding attorney at Edward Johnson Associates PC, sharing expert legal insights and practical advice for navigating the criminal justice system.