Class B misdemeanor

What is the law in Illinois on possession of cannabis?

August 26, 2022
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NOTE: This page includes updated content to explain how cannabis possession crimes changed following passage of the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act. After January 1, 2020, Illinois made it lawful to possess and use cannabis for recreational purposes. But in certain cases, the possession of cannabis remains unlawful and can result in criminal charges. Even […]

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How Does Illinois Define & Punish Cannabis Delivery Crimes?

March 29, 2022
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The State of Illinois legalized cannabis for recreational possession and use in January 2020. Since that time, residents and out-of-state visitors over the age of 21 can possess and use cannabis legally, subject to possession limits and other restrictions. Despite the transition to recreationally legal cannabis, Illinois maintains laws against and penalties for cannabis delivery. […]

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New Illinois law makes speeding 26 mph over the limit a crime

November 19, 2021
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NOTE: The materials below were refreshed to outline how Public Act 100-1004 adjusted Illinois law. After this act became effective on January 1, 2019, it can be a Class A misdemeanor to drive on license suspended for speeding 26mph over the limit. Section 11-601.5(a) of the Vehicle Code Illinois drivers are finding out that state […]

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I got a ticket for driving without a valid driver’s license. What are the penalties in Illinois?

November 5, 2021
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NOTE: This page features supplementary materials to illuminate how Public Act 101-0623, adjusted Illinois law on January 1, 2020. After the effective date of this Act, driver’s license suspension is typically reserved for moving violations and similar offenses, instead of non-moving violations like failing to satisfy financial obligations. Driving without a valid driver’s license in […]

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I got pulled over going 40 MPH over the speed limit. Is this ticket serious?

November 3, 2021
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NOTE: This article includes updated material to explain the impact of Public Act 98-511 (effective January 1, 2014) and Public Act 101-0027 (effective January 1, 2020). Since these Acts became effective, there have been numerous changes to the Illinois Traffic Code, including the offenses of aggravated speeding and DUI. 625 ILCS 5/11-601.5 Driving 40 miles […]

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Dissecting the Illinois Laws Against Speeding in a School Zone

July 19, 2021
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In the interest of protecting children and school employees from unreasonable danger or harm, the State of Illinois enacted special speed limits for school zones. These special speed limits are only effective during the school day and if there is a legally posted sign indicating the maximum allowable speed. Before delving into the details of […]

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What is a Class B misdemeanor in Illinois?

May 25, 2021
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NOTE: This page includes adjusted content to reflect the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act (Illinois House Bill 1438), which became effective on January 1, 2020. Since that time, it is no longer an offense to possess cannabis within certain limits for in-state residents and out-of-state visitors. Under Illinois law, a criminal offense is generally classified […]

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What is a Class C misdemeanor in Illinois?

May 1, 2021
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NOTE: The content below was refreshed to account for changes to Illinois law on January 1, 2020, after the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act (Illinois House Bill 1438) became effective. After that date, Illinois residents and out-of-state visitors are allowed to possess and use cannabis for recreational purposes, subject to certain limitations. The Class C […]

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What is the Cannabis Law in Illinois?

March 17, 2016
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NOTE: The information below was modified to clarify the effect of the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act. After this Act became Illinois law on January 1, 2020, cannabis became legal for recreational possession and use, which also impacted various criminal offenses related to cannabis. Cannabis was formerly illegal to possess or use in the state […]

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Overview: Expunging Your Criminal Record in Illinois

February 27, 2016
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NOTE: This article was refreshed to account for Public Act 102-933, which became part of Illinois law on January 1, 2023. Since that date, Illinois modified the Criminal Identification Act to enable a person to request expungement, even after testing positive for cannabis. Expungement is the process where a criminal court disposition is removed from […]

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