Class A Misdemeanors

What does it mean to resist arrest or obstruct a peace officer?

August 18, 2022
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NOTE: This article was updated to account for Public Act 101-652, which takes effect on January 1, 2023. Starting on that date, this Act will make adjustments to the Illinois laws concerning resisting arrest offenses under 720 ILCS 5/31-1. One of the most common misdemeanor offenses charged in the State of Illinois is resisting or […]

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What Qualifies as Forgery Under the Illinois Criminal Code?

July 25, 2022
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Forgery is a type of fraud crime that often involves the creation of false documents or the alteration of otherwise legally valid documents. Generally speaking, the creation or alteration of a document, does not qualify as forgery in and of itself. Under Illinois law, the offender must showcase an intent to commit fraud to face […]

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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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Misdemeanor convictions that cannot be sealed: crimes of violence

April 14, 2022
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NOTE: This page has new content to clarify the recent impact of Public Act 101-223 (effective January 1, 2020) and Public Act 101-651 (effective August 7, 2020). These Acts adjusted the Illinois approach to standard and aggravated domestic battery offenses, including the possibility of a felony charge. A person convicted of a misdemeanor can have […]

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What are the penalties in Illinois for driving on a suspended or revoked license?

November 12, 2021
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NOTE: The article below features new information to explain the impact of Public Act 100-1004, which became Illinois law on January 1, 2019. After that date, driving on a suspended or revoked license is subject to Uniform Traffic Citations and new penalties for certain violations. Penalties If you drive while your license is suspended because […]

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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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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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What are the penalties for a second DUI offense in Illinois?

August 23, 2021
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A second offense for DUI in Illinois results in serious penalties including driver’s license revocation, jail for transportation a minor child, and felony charges for certain conditions.

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What are the penalties in Illinois for violating an order of protection?

July 22, 2021
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NOTE: The content below has been refreshed to account for the passage of Public Act 100-0987. When this Act took effect on July 1, 2019, there were subtle changes to the penalties for violating an order of protection in Illinois. Any person who violates an order of protection in Illinois will likely face Class A […]

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