First felony offense eligible for deferred prosecution under Offender Initiative Program

September 24, 2021
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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 […]

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Contempt of court: summary of Illinois law

September 17, 2021
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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. […]

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I got a speeding ticket in Illinois. What is the fine, and will it suspend my driver’s license?

September 10, 2021
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NOTE: The information below was refreshed to clarify the effect of Public Act 101-0623, which became effective on January 1, 2020. Since that date, Illinois law no longer supports driver’s license suspension for non-moving violations, such as a failure to pay fines. Many people believe they can pay a speeding ticket and settle the matter […]

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How much does it cost to have a BAIID installed for an MDDP in Illinois?

September 7, 2021
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First time DUI offenders in Illinois are eligible for a special permit allowing them to drive during the statutory summary suspension, but the costs are high.

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What is the penalty for failure to stop at a railroad crossing in Illinois?

August 31, 2021
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NOTE: This page was refreshed with supplemental content to clarify how Public Act 99-663 adjusted Illinois state law. After this Act became effective on January 1, 2017, the Illinois penalties increased for failure to stop at a railroad crossing. A ticket for disobedience to a signal indicating the approach of a train is based on […]

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

August 26, 2021
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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 […]

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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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Can the victim make the State drop charges in a domestic battery case?

August 20, 2021
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NOTE: This article has updated material to explain the impact of Public Act 101-223 (effective January 1, 2020) and Public Act 101-651 (effective August 7, 2020). Once these acts became law in Illinois, certain rules changed concerning aggravated battery offenses. Many people believe that if they are the victim of a domestic violence incident, they […]

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The penalty for driving without insurance in Illinois increased in 2010

August 16, 2021
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NOTE: The material below was updated to account for changes to Illinois law with passage of Public Act 99-613 (effective January 1, 2017) and Public Act 100-202 (effective January 1, 2018). After these Acts became effective, there were several changes to Illinois laws that address driving without insurance in Illinois. Driving without insurance Vehicle insurance […]

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What is the Illinois Difference Between Battery & Aggravated Battery?

August 13, 2021

Battery is an extremely common offense under the Illinois Criminal Code. Unlike assault crimes that involve threats, battery requires physical contact between the alleged perpetrator and the victim. Absent some kind of intentional contact, battery does not occur under Illinois law. While battery is typically a lower-level, misdemeanor offense, Illinois law also provides for an […]

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