Probation

An explanation of Illinois sex crimes

March 5, 2012

The accusation of sexual misconduct can be devastating for a defendant. First, the person is tried in the court of public opinion, and almost always found guilty when his or her mug shot appears in the news. Second, regardless of any sentence imposed in a criminal case, the defendant will be required to register as [...]

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Summary of sentencing rules for misdemeanor offenders

December 5, 2011

The potential penalties for a Class A misdemeanor offense include up to one year in the county jail and a maximum fine of $2500. Technically, a sentence of incarceration can last for only 364 days. A jail sentence of 365 days or more is only permissible for a felony offense. Additionally, any sentence lasting one [...]

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Two types of domestic battery and penalties

September 13, 2011

The law in Illinois provides that there are two types of domestic battery offenses. First, a person can be charged with domestic battery for causing bodily harm to any family or household member. Second, a person can also be charged with domestic battery for making contact of an insulting and provoking nature with any family [...]

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

May 24, 2011

A person with no experience in the criminal justice system will see that the courts make a distinction between felony and misdemeanor cases. In almost every courthouse in Illinois, felony cases are heard by a judge who hears only felony matters. The judge presiding over felony cases is usually a Circuit Judge. These judges are [...]

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Illinois law on felony probation sentences, generally

May 20, 2011

The principal rule in regards to felony sentencing in Illinois courts is that the judge is not allowed to sentence the defendant to a conviction only. Rather, the law requires that the judge must sentence the defendant to a conviction combined with some other terms.
Usually in felony cases, the judge has discretion to sentence the [...]

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What is a Class C misdemeanor in Illinois?

April 10, 2011

The Class C misdemeanor in Illinois is an atypical offense. Most misdemeanor offenses are categorized as Class A misdemeanors, not Class C misdemeanors.
The law in Illinois says that a person charged with a Class C misdemeanor is subject to a maximum 30 days imprisonment and fine of $1,500.
On the books, there are three types of [...]

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What is a Class B misdemeanor in Illinois?

March 23, 2011

Under Illinois law, a criminal offense is generally classified as either a felony or a misdemeanor. The difference between felony and misdemeanor is that a felony has a penalty of one year or more imprisonment, whereas a misdemeanor is a penalty of less than one year.
There are three types of misdemeanors: Class A, Class B, [...]

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What is a Class A misdemeanor in Illinois?

February 13, 2011

All criminal charges in the state of Illinois fall generally into two categories: felony and misdemeanor. The distinction between felony and misdemeanor is that a felony offense has a possible sentence of one year or more imprisonment, whereas a misdemeanor is less than one year. Most states classify their offenses in this same manner.
The Illinois [...]

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I need to move away from Illinois. How can I transfer my probation to another state?

August 28, 2010

A defendant who is placed on probation for a criminal offense generally cannot leave the state without permission of the court. The same rule applies while on bond. On request, some courts will grant a defendant permission to travel out of state for a job, or in cases of family or medical emergency.
The law allows [...]

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What is the law in Illinois on possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver?

May 1, 2010

Illinois courts regard possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver as a very serious offense. The issue in almost every case is whether the defendant is willing to risk going to trial or accept a probation offer.
Possession of a controlled substance is a felony offense under state law. Most lawyers and judges [...]

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