Class 1 felony

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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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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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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