Class 3 Felonies

What is the definition of reckless driving in Illinois?

September 6, 2022
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NOTE: The article below features additional content to explain how the License to Work Act (Public Act 101-623) adjusted aspects of Illinois law. When this Act took effect on July 1, 2020, Illinois restricted driver’s license suspension or revocation to situations involving moving violations. The Illinois statute that defines reckless driving is 625 ILCS 5/11-503. […]

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What Qualifies as Forgery Under the Illinois Criminal Code?

July 25, 2022
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Forgery is a type of fraud crime that often involves the creation of false documents or the alteration of otherwise legally valid documents. Generally speaking, the creation or alteration of a document, does not qualify as forgery in and of itself. Under Illinois law, the offender must showcase an intent to commit fraud to face […]

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Illinois felonies result in conviction despite fact that offender has no criminal background

April 21, 2022
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NOTE: This article was updated to reflect 2019 changes to Illinois law with passage of Public Act 101-593. This change became effective on December 4, 2019, updating various statutes addressing marijuana and related offenses. A person with no experience in the criminal justice system will see that the courts make a distinction between felony and […]

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Conviction for felony offense involving a motor vehicle will suspend your Illinois driver’s license

April 19, 2022
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NOTE: The article below was modified to explain how the License to Work Act (Public Act 101-623) changed Illinois law concerning driver’s license suspension. After an effective date of July 1, 2020, the License to Work act effectively eliminated driver’s license suspension for non-moving violations, including many felony offenses that did not involve a motor […]

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Possession of a fraudulent identification card: a serious offense

April 7, 2022
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NOTE: There is new content on this page to account for passage of Public Act 101-440 on January 1, 2020. Since that date, there are additional good behavior credits available to eligible inmates upon completion of specific programs. Many people would be surprised to know that possessing a fake ID in the state of Illinois […]

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Important changes to Illinois retail theft laws

October 7, 2021
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NOTE: The information below comprises supplementary materials to explain new thresholds for retail crime in certain jurisdictions. Beginning in 2016 and continuing through 2020 and beyond, the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office increased the threshold for felony retail theft crimes to focus on the prosecution of violent crimes instead. 720 ILCS 5/16-25 Illinois state law […]

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First felony offense eligible for deferred prosecution under Offender Initiative Program

September 24, 2021
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NOTE: This article includes new subject matter to elucidate the impact of the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act (Public Act 101-0027). When this Act became effective on January 1, 2020, cannabis became legal for recreational possession and use in Illinois. The Offender Initiative Program Under Illinois law, a person who is charged with a felony […]

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Summary of Felony Prison Sentences & Felony Classes in Illinois

August 9, 2021
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NOTE: The information below features additional content since original posting to detail how Public Act 101-440 adjusted sentencing credits. Since this Act became effective on January 1, 2020, eligible inmates can earn sentence credits for attending and completing various programs. Illinois law provides that a felony is any offense for which the penalty is one […]

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What is aggravated DUI in Illinois?

August 6, 2021
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NOTE: The page below was updated to account for passage of the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act (Public Act 101-0027) on January 1, 2020. After that date, Illinois legalized cannabis for recreational possession and use. Even still, it remains illegal to operate a motor vehicle while impaired by cannabis. Generally speaking, an arrest for driving […]

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Illinois law on felony probation sentences

July 12, 2021
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NOTE: This article features updated content to explain the impact of Public Act 101-440. After an effective date of January 1, 2020, certain inmates with eligible convictions may earn additional time off their sentence by completing specific program requirements. Felony sentencing The principal rule in regards to felony sentencing in the Illinois courts is that […]

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