720 ILCS 5/16-1

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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Theft of lost property: not a criminal offense

February 11, 2020
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NOTE: This article was updated to reflect 2020 changes in Illinois law with passage of Public Act 101-0394. These changes became effective on January 1st, amending the Illinois statute governing theft. Most people who are accused of theft suffer through feelings of anxiety and fear about the outcome of their case. For defendants charged with […]

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The Changing Landscape of Retail Theft Crimes in Cook County

January 15, 2018
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NOTE: This page reflects new information to illustrate the impact of Public Act 101-394. This Act took effect on January 1, 2020, and removed the ability to seal criminal records related to theft crimes committed against elderly adults or disabled individuals. In December of 2016, recently elected Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx made an […]

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Illinois Theft Laws: Elements of the Offense and Penalties

June 11, 2012
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Note: This article has been updated and republished as of 2020. The offense of theft under Illinois law is misunderstood. Many people think that because it is not a violent offense, and in some cases, it has no discernible victim, it is not a serious offense. This thinking is wrong. Theft can result in a jail […]

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