Polales Horton & Leonardi LLP (PHL) welcomes Shelby Leonardi as its newest partner in the firm’s Columbia office. Shelby’s experience in complex civil litigation and her familiarity with the federal court system equip her to join the firm’s litigation practice alongside her husband of twenty-two years, Dan Leonardi, and the lawyers in the firm’s Chicago office. PHL focuses on complex civil and criminal litigation, primarily in federal court.

In 2008, the State of Illinois enacted the Biometric Information Privacy Act, 740 ILCS 14 et seq. (“BIPA”). Illinois was one of the first states to enact a law to address and regulate business’s collection of biometric data (Biometrics are unique physical characteristics, such as fingerprints, that can be used for automated recognition.) The use of biometric data in business is now widespread and common, which includes such uses as time management, security access, safety, and wellness programs.

Once upon a time, it was reasonably simple to figure out the potential penalties for a criminal offense. In South Carolina, for example, if you were convicted of kidnapping, you would be looking at up to 30 years in prison. S.C. Code § 16-3-910. Possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine? Up to 15 years for a first offense. S.C. Code § 44-53-375(b)(1). Stealing a car? Up to 10 years depending on the value of the car. S.C. Code §§ 16-13-30, -420.