Sentences

Illinois Inmate Early Release

July 17, 2020
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NOTE: This page contains new materials to account for updates to Illinois law after passage of Public Act 101-440. After January 1, 2020, this Act modified several provisions of 730 ILCS 5/3-6-3, including guidelines for sentencing credits earned toward early release. There was a time in Illinois when inmates could get released from state prison […]

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What will the sentence be for an Illinois DUI that is reduced to reckless driving?

May 11, 2020
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NOTE: The following content was refreshed to demonstrate 2020 changes to Illinois law with passage of Public Act 101-027. On the first day of the year, this Act officially legalized the use and possession of marijuana for recreational use and updated intoxication standards accordingly. Defendants who are charged with driving under the influence (DUI) under […]

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2010 expungement law in Illinois changes eligibility and waiting periods

February 19, 2020
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NOTE: This article was updated to reflect 2020 changes in Illinois law with passage of Public Act 101-027. These changes became effective on January 1st, amending Illinois law to legalize recreational use of marijuana and expunge certain possession charges. State lawmakers changed the law for the expungement process in Illinois significantly in 2010. The new […]

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Fatal Accident: A Review of Reckless Homicide Charges and Penalties

February 3, 2020
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NOTE: This article was updated to reflect 2020 changes in Illinois law with passage of Public Act 101-173. These changes became effective on January 1st, adjusting the Illinois statutes governing reckless homicide charges and Scott’s Law violations. The courts treat most accidents as a matter of negligence. The person who is responsible for the accident […]

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Illinois Traffic Ticket Points & Driver’s License Suspension Rules

January 29, 2020
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How many traffic tickets can I get before my Illinois driver’s license is suspended? Note: This article has been updated as of January 2020 to include all changes in Illinois traffic law. Too many traffic tickets in one year will cause the Illinois Secretary of State to suspend your driver’s license. The rule is, 3 […]

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What is a Class A misdemeanor in Illinois?

January 23, 2020
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Note: This article has been updated to republished as of 2020. The misdemeanor sentencing structure is governed by 730 ILCS 5/5-4.5-55. The last change to the statute became effective on July 1,2019. All criminal charges in the state of Illinois fall generally into two categories: felony and misdemeanor. The distinction between felony and misdemeanor is that […]

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What is Legality of Police Dog Sniffs During Traffic Stops in Illinois?

January 15, 2018
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In popular culture, there are countless representations of police dogs sniffs that lead to the discovery of illegal drugs, bombs, or other contraband. The police dogs are almost always portrayed as heroes in these storylines, helping the good buys fight back against the bad guys. There is rarely any exploration of rights and duties involved […]

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Penalties for Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault in Illinois

January 15, 2018
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NOTE: The following materials received an update to account for changes to Illinois law after the passage of Public Act 101-130. After this Act took effect on January 1, 2020, Illinois removed the statute of limitations for the prosecution of sexual assault crimes. Illinois law under 720 ILCS 5/11-1.40 defines predatory criminal sexual assault and […]

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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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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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