Law Office of Jonathan W. Cole

06/07/2026

06/06/2026

History Happened in the Streets, and It Still Matters Today!

In August 1765, ordinary citizens in Boston took an extraordinary stand against unjust government power. When Parliament imposed the Stamp Act without colonial representation, the people pushed back, loudly and publicly.

One of the earliest and most powerful protests took place under a giant elm tree at the corner of Essex and Orange Streets. There, colonists hanged an effigy of Andrew Oliver, the Massachusetts stamp distributor, along with a symbolic “green-soled” jackboot mocking the British leaders they blamed for the tax. Despite orders from Lieutenant Governor Thomas Hutchinson to remove the protest, the crowd stood firm.

All day long, merchants were stopped and their goods were symbolically stamped beneath what would soon be known as the Liberty Tree, a lasting symbol of resistance. That day, August 14, 1765, became recognized as the founding moment of the Sons of Liberty.

The lesson is timeless: when people believe their rights are threatened, public accountability and civic engagement matter.

📞 (708) 529-7794 | Law Office of Jonathan W. Cole P.C. — “Your Neighborhood Law Firm.”

06/05/2026

Are License Plate Cameras Putting Your Privacy at Risk?

Illinois is one of the few states whose constitution explicitly protects the right to privacy, yet many communities are installing automated license-plate-reading systems like Flock cameras that collect and store data on everyday drivers.

In our latest article, we explore:
🔹 What the Illinois Constitution says about privacy
🔹 How Flock cameras work
🔹 Why widespread vehicle tracking raises real constitutional concerns
🔹 What residents should know about data collection, retention, and oversight

👉 Read the full article here:
Illinois Constitution vs. License Plate Cameras: Are Flock Cameras Infringing on Your Right to Privacy?

Stay informed about how technology and government intersect, and what it means for your rights.

📞 (708) 529-7794 | Law Office of Jonathan W. Cole P.C. — “Your Neighborhood Law Firm.”

06/04/2026

New Illinois Law Helps Parents When Their Baby Is in the NICU

Did you know Illinois now guarantees job-protected leave for parents with newborns in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)? This new law helps families focus on what matters most, caring for their baby, without worrying about losing their job.

Learn how the law works, who it covers, and how it works with federal protections in our latest article:

https://jwcolelaw.com/illinois-parents-now-have-job-protected-leave-when-their-baby-is-in-the-nicu-what-you-should-know/

If you have questions about your rights or how this change affects your family, contact the Law Office of Jonathan W. Cole P.C. at (708) 529-7794 — Your Neighborhood Law Firm.

06/03/2026

Why Are Some Cities Covering License Plate Readers With Trash Bags?

Across the country, communities from Ohio to here in Illinois are pushing back on automated license plate cameras, covering them with trash bags, cancelling contracts, and raising tough questions about privacy, surveillance, and local control.
Our latest article breaks down what’s happening, why it matters to Illinois families, and what you should know about how your movements might be tracked.

Read more:
https://jwcolelaw.com/why-some-cities-are-covering-flock-license-plate-cameras-with-trash-bags-what-illinois-families-should-know/

If you have questions about privacy rights or how public surveillance affects your family, contact the Law Office of Jonathan W. Cole P.C. at (708) 529-7794 — Your Neighborhood Law Firm.

06/02/2026

When does crime-fighting technology cross the line into everyday surveillance?

License Plate Readers (LPRs) were introduced to help solve serious crimes, but across the country, these systems are increasingly being used for purposes far beyond their original intent. From school residency checks to non-criminal background searches, this growing “mission creep” raises serious questions about privacy, transparency, and oversight.

In our latest article, we explain:

What license plate readers are really collecting
How their use is quietly expanding
Why this matters for everyday Illinois residents
What safeguards should be in place to protect privacy

Read the full article here:
🚔 When does crime-fighting technology cross the line into everyday surveillance?

License Plate Readers (LPRs) were introduced to help solve serious crimes — but across the country, these systems are increasingly being used for purposes far beyond their original intent. From school residency checks to non-criminal background searches, this growing “mission creep” raises serious questions about privacy, transparency, and oversight.

In our latest article, we explain:

What license plate readers are really collecting
How their use is quietly expanding
Why this matters for everyday Illinois residents
What safeguards should be in place to protect privacy

Read the full article here:
https://jwcolelaw.com/when-crime-fighting-tech-becomes-everyday-surveillance-license-plate-readers-and-mission-creep/

Staying informed is the first step toward protecting your rights.

📞 (708) 529-7794 | Law Office of Jonathan W. Cole P.C. — “Your Neighborhood Law Firm.”

06/01/2026

Planning the Future of Your Business?

Whether you run a family business, a partnership, or a closely held company here in Illinois, one question every owner should ask is: What happens to my business if I retire, become disabled, or pass away?

A thoughtful business succession plan protects your legacy, your family, and the people who depend on your business. From ownership transfers to tax planning and leadership transitions, there’s a lot to consider, and the right legal guidance makes all the difference.

Learn how to plan ahead and protect what you’ve built in our latest article:
Estate Planning for Business Succession in Illinois

If you’re ready to take the next step in securing your business’s future, we’re here to help.

📞 (708) 529-7794 | Law Office of Jonathan W. Cole P.C. — “Your Neighborhood Law Firm.”

05/30/2026

Is advanced surveillance making our community safer, or raising new privacy concerns?

Oak Lawn Village has implemented the Axon Fusus security monitoring system, a powerful technology that allows real-time access to camera footage and data. While these systems are often promoted as crime-fighting tools, they also raise important questions about privacy, transparency, and oversight for everyday residents.

In our latest article, we break down:

What Axon Fusus is and how it’s used locally
The privacy and civil-liberty concerns residents should understand
Why these issues matter for families, businesses, and neighborhoods in Illinois

Read the full article and stay informed about how local technology decisions affect your rights. https://jwcolelaw.com/oak-lawns-axon-fusus-security-system-public-safety-tool-or-privacy-concern/

📞 If you have questions about local ordinances, privacy concerns, or how municipal decisions impact you, contact the Law Office of Jonathan W. Cole P.C. at (708) 529-7794 — Your Neighborhood Law Firm.

05/29/2026

Do You Know Who Makes Local Laws in Illinois?
From zoning rules to local taxes, not all cities and towns have the same authority to govern themselves, and that’s because of a part of the Illinois Constitution known as Article VII.

In our latest article, we explain:
✔️ What home rule means
✔️ Which municipalities automatically get it
✔️ How smaller towns still pass ordinances
✔️ Why this matters for residents and property owners

Read the full article here: https://jwcolelaw.com/home-rule-in-illinois-what-article-vii-means-for-local-governments-and-residents/

Understanding local government power helps you stay informed about the rules that affect your daily life.

📞 (708) 529-7794 | Law Office of Jonathan W. Cole P.C. — “Your Neighborhood Law Firm.”