Class A Misdemeanors

Penalties for possession of drug paraphernalia under Illinois law

November 19, 2010
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Illinois law makes it a criminal offense to knowingly possess drug paraphernalia. The law does not distinguish between the type of drug the paraphernalia is used for. The penalties for possessing a pipe to smoke marijuana are the same as a needle to shoot heroin, even though heroin is regarded as a more dangerous drug. […]

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New laws in Illinois increase penalties for speeding tickets

July 3, 2010
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The laws against speeding in Illinois got tougher on July 2, 2010 when Governor Pat Quinn signed a new law aimed at persons driving 100 mph or faster. The law has two important parts: Speeding 31 mph over the Limit is a Class B Misdemeanor Speeding 31 mph in excess of the limit is no […]

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What is the legal definition of great bodily harm?

April 25, 2010
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If a person causes great bodily harm to another while committing a criminal offense, the charge is usually a felony. What is the definition of great bodily harm? The Illinois Criminal Code of 1961 does not specify which injuries constitute great bodily harm. The question is for the jury to decide. When defendants have been […]

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I got arrested for battery. What are the penalties under Illinois law?

April 18, 2010
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Battery is a criminal offense in Illinois that is classified as a misdemeanor, unless there is serious injury. In cases of serious injury, battery is charged as a felony. Battery is found in the criminal code at 720 ILCS 5/12-3, which provides the following: A person commits battery if he (or she) intentionally or knowingly […]

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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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What is the definition of reckless driving in Illinois?

February 20, 2010
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The Illinois statute that defines reckless driving is 625 ILCS 5/11-503. It provides that reckless driving is driving any vehicle with a willful and wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property. Reckless driving is a Class A misdemeanor offense. The penalty can be up to one year in jail and a fine of […]

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

February 5, 2010
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Under Illinois law, a person who is arrested by a police officer but does not cooperate runs the risk of getting charged with resisting or obstructing a peace officer.

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Can I get court supervision for a first-time DUI if I have a prior reckless driving charge on my record?

February 3, 2010
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If a driver has a prior reckless driving charge on his record (also called a driver’s abstract), then he is not eligible for supervision on his first Illinois DUI offense.

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