Sentences

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

October 29, 2021
Thumbnail image for I need to move away from Illinois. How can I transfer my probation to another state?

NOTE: This article includes new content to clarify recent changes to the Interstate Compact for Adult Offender Supervision. After April 1, 2020, the Commission that governs this compact established a new definition for the term sex offender. A defendant who is placed on probation for a criminal offense generally cannot leave the state without permission […]

Read the full article

What is the legal definition of nolle prosequi?

October 19, 2021
Thumbnail image for What is the legal definition of nolle prosequi?

NOTE: The following content incorporates new material to explain changes to Illinois law with Public Act 101-223 (effective January 1, 2020) and Public Act 101-651 (effective August 7, 2020). After these acts became effective, there were new rules for aggravated battery offenses committed in places of religious worship. Use of nolle prosequi When a criminal […]

Read the full article

Important changes to Illinois retail theft laws

October 7, 2021
Thumbnail image for Important changes to Illinois retail theft laws

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 […]

Read the full article

First felony offense eligible for deferred prosecution under Offender Initiative Program

September 24, 2021
Thumbnail image for First felony offense eligible for deferred prosecution under Offender Initiative Program

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 […]

Read the full article

Contempt of court: summary of Illinois law

September 17, 2021
Thumbnail image for Contempt of court: summary of Illinois law

NOTE: The article below has new content to explain how Public Act 101-440 changed Illinois law after January 1, 2020. At that time, a new route to good behavior credits opened to inmates with certain sentences. If these inmates participate in qualifying programs, they can earn additional time off their sentence and secure early release. […]

Read the full article

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

August 26, 2021
Thumbnail image for What is the law in Illinois on possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver?

NOTE: This article includes new materials to illuminate how the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act (Public Act 101-0027) changed Illinois law on January 1, 2020. Since that time, it is legal to possess and use cannabis for recreational purposes in Illinois. Though possession of cannabis with intent to deliver remains a criminal offense. Illinois courts […]

Read the full article

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

August 23, 2021
Thumbnail image for What are the penalties for a second DUI offense in Illinois?

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.

Read the full article

Summary of Felony Prison Sentences & Felony Classes in Illinois

August 9, 2021
Thumbnail image for Summary of Felony Prison Sentences & Felony Classes in Illinois

NOTE: The information below features additional content since original posting to detail how Public Act 101-440 adjusted sentencing credits. Since this Act became effective on January 1, 2020, eligible inmates can earn sentence credits for attending and completing various programs. Illinois law provides that a felony is any offense for which the penalty is one […]

Read the full article

What is aggravated DUI in Illinois?

August 6, 2021
Thumbnail image for What is aggravated DUI in Illinois?

NOTE: The page below was updated to account for passage of the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act (Public Act 101-0027) on January 1, 2020. After that date, Illinois legalized cannabis for recreational possession and use. Even still, it remains illegal to operate a motor vehicle while impaired by cannabis. Generally speaking, an arrest for driving […]

Read the full article

Dissecting the Illinois Laws Against Speeding in a School Zone

July 19, 2021
Thumbnail image for Dissecting the Illinois Laws Against Speeding in a School Zone

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 […]

Read the full article

← Previous Entries

Next Entries →