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If you frequent wine stores, you most likely have noticed the increase in wine “brands” with clever names which give little indication of the source of the wine. Perhaps not all consumers care, but the producers certainly do. For example, wine producers in Napa Valley seek and obtain agreements around the world not to allow sales of wine labeled “Napa” if the grapes in the wine are not from that region. French producers have a similar position when it comes to “Champagne” which was originated in Champagne, France. As more campaigns start for truth-in-wine labeling laws, what will happen to wines such as “scraping the barrel.”

In 2011 alone, nearly 25,000 shipments were seized on the infringement of goods from abroad. The top three contenders for knockoff products are China (62% or $124.7 million of the total domestic value of seizures), Hong Kong (18%), and finally India (3%). Back in 2005, the top of the list for items seized was copycat footwear. Shipments today are instead in the areas of consumer electronics like cell phones, pharmaceuticals, optical media, clothes and perfume. According the Department of Homeland Security, consumers are urged to look past the low prices. Instead, consumers should realize that the purchase of these goods are costing people jobs, stolen business profits, threats to our national security and a serious risk of injury to consumers. 

According to Public Act 97-362, courts are to review several aspects of a minor’s history prior to sending them to a Department of Juvenile Justice facility. This act directs judges to consider the minor’s age, criminal background, educational background and physical, mental, and emotional health during the sentencing process, while also evaluating any community-based services provided to the minor, if the services were successful and if the juvenile justice department services will meet the minor’s needs. The law also requires courts to ensure reasonable efforts have been made to prevent removing a minor from home unless it is in the best interest of the minor, the minor’s family, and the public.

In Joliet, a man is facing felony theft charges for stealing $1.75 from a gumball machine located in the front of the Super China Buffet store. In the restaurant, the offender who was in a wheelchair reached into the machine for half an hour. When officers arrive, he gave them the seven quarters, but was still charged with a felony because of his prior criminal record.