Class 3 Felonies

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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Felons not required to disclose criminal convictions on Illinois government job applications

October 13, 2013
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In an unprecedented move, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn has issued an order that allows applicants for state government jobs to apply without having to disclose felony convictions. Governor Quinn calls it an order to ‘Ban the Box,’ referring to the box job applicants have to check to disclose convictions. The administrative order, issued October 3, […]

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Criminal conviction can result in deportation, even for permanent residents

July 1, 2013
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NOTE: This page was refreshed to explain changes to Illinois law under the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act. When this Act became state law on January 1, 2020, Illinois officially legalized the recreational possession and use of cannabis as well as modified numerous cannabis-related crimes. The impact of a criminal conviction can be long-lasting and […]

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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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Important new bill in legislature would expunge felonies

March 26, 2012
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In the current legislative session, Illinois lawmakers are considering a very important new statute to be added to the criminal code. Senate Bill 3349, proposed by Senator Kwame Raoul (D-Chicago), would create a special type of probation for felonies that can be expunged. If signed by the governor, a defendant with a pending felony would […]

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Statistics show increase in felony charges across state of Illinois

May 29, 2011
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The Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority has been tracking felony and misdemeanor filings in state courts throughout Illinois over the years, and their findings may surprise you. The findings come as no surprise, however, to attorneys and judges handling these caseloads. The studies prove that, on average, prosecutors are seeking stiffer penalties more than ever. […]

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Penalties for possession of drug paraphernalia under Illinois law

November 19, 2010
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Illinois law makes it a criminal offense to knowingly possess drug paraphernalia. The law does not distinguish between the type of drug the paraphernalia is used for. The penalties for possessing a pipe to smoke marijuana are the same as a needle to shoot heroin, even though heroin is regarded as a more dangerous drug. […]

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What is the legal definition of great bodily harm?

April 25, 2010
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If a person causes great bodily harm to another while committing a criminal offense, the charge is usually a felony. What is the definition of great bodily harm? The Illinois Criminal Code of 1961 does not specify which injuries constitute great bodily harm. The question is for the jury to decide. When defendants have been […]

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What are the penalties in Illinois for being charged with possession of cannabis with intent to deliver?

March 5, 2010
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The law that makes it a criminal offense in the state of Illinois to possess cannabis (e.g., marijuana) with intent to deliver is the Illinois Cannabis Control Act, found at 720 ILCS 550/1 et seq. Section 550/5 provides that it is illegal to manufacture, deliver, or possess with intent to deliver cannabis. To manufacture is […]

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What is the law in Illinois on possession of cannabis?

March 3, 2010
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Possession of cannabis, generally referred to a marijuana, is a criminal offense in Illinois. The criminal charge of possession of cannabis is set forth in 720 ILCS 550/1 et seq, the Illinois Cannabis Control Act. While other states have decriminalized cannabis, Illinois has not. To decriminalize possession of cannabis is to say that it is […]

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