Sentences

I have a CDL and got a traffic ticket. Can I get supervision?

November 29, 2021
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NOTE: This page contains updated content to detail modifications to Illinois law after Public Act 101-173 became effective on January 1, 2020. Since that time, Illinois law includes several exceptions to existing lane usage rules under 625 ILCS 5/11-709, including emergency/disabled vehicles and construction/maintenance zones. Court supervision is the preferred outcome of a moving violation […]

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New Illinois law makes speeding 26 mph over the limit a crime

November 19, 2021
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NOTE: The materials below were refreshed to outline how Public Act 100-1004 adjusted Illinois law. After this act became effective on January 1, 2019, it can be a Class A misdemeanor to drive on license suspended for speeding 26mph over the limit. Section 11-601.5(a) of the Vehicle Code Illinois drivers are finding out that state […]

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

October 29, 2021
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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 […]

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What is the legal definition of nolle prosequi?

October 19, 2021
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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 […]

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Important changes to Illinois retail theft laws

October 7, 2021
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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 […]

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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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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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Summary of Felony Prison Sentences & Felony Classes in Illinois

August 9, 2021
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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 […]

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