Class 4 Felonies

What happens on a second offense of domestic battery in Illinois?

August 18, 2022
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NOTE: The article below contains additional information to clarify the importance of Public Act 101-651. This Act took effect on August 7, 2020 and expanded the circumstances under which an offender may face charges for aggravated battery, which can serve as a prior conviction for the purposes of domestic battery charges. A second offense for […]

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Examining 3 Types of Bank-Related Fraud Under Illinois Law

August 16, 2022
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Illinois law under 720 ILCS 5/17-1 prohibits a wide range of deceptive practices, including various types of bank-related fraud. In terms of bank fraud, specifically, Section 17-1 criminalizes the use of false statements, possession of stolen or fraudulently obtained checks, and possession of check fraud implements. These criminal offenses can lead to misdemeanor or felony […]

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How Does Illinois Address Possession of a Controlled Substance?

July 29, 2022
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The unlawful possession of illegal drugs is an exceedingly common charge in Illinois. Referred to legally as controlled substances, possession crimes involving these drugs can be extremely serious for an alleged offender. A guilty verdict can result in stringent penalties under Illinois law, up to and including jail or prison time and hefty criminal fines. […]

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What happens if I have an MDDP and drive a vehicle without a BAIID?

July 12, 2022
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NOTE: The information below includes new material to explain the impact of Public Act 100-1004, which took effect on January 1, 2019. After this Act took effect, there were changes to certain aspects of monitoring device driving permits (MDDPs) under 625 ILCS 5/6-303. When a DUI defendant agrees to participate in the Monitoring Device Driving […]

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I got a ticket for driving while suspended in Illinois and this is my second offense. What happens now?

April 27, 2022
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NOTE: This page reflects new material to explain how the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act (Public Act 101-0027) adjusted Illinois DUI laws on January 1, 2020. Since that time, cannabis is legal to possess and use recreationally. But it remains an Illinois DUI offense to operate a motor vehicle while impaired by cannabis. Illinois law […]

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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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What is the possible sentence for fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer in Illinois?

October 11, 2021
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NOTE: The page below features additional content to discuss the effect of the SAFE-T Act (Public Act 101-0652). Starting July 1, 2021, there will be new Illinois rules for driver’s license suspension and automatic reinstatement of driving privileges for certain offenders. The offense of fleeing or attempting to elude a peace officer is a Class […]

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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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