Sentences

What is aggravated DUI in Illinois?

August 6, 2021
Thumbnail image for What is aggravated DUI in Illinois?

NOTE: The page below was updated to account for passage of the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act (Public Act 101-0027) on January 1, 2020. After that date, Illinois legalized cannabis for recreational possession and use. Even still, it remains illegal to operate a motor vehicle while impaired by cannabis. Generally speaking, an arrest for driving […]

Read the full article

Dissecting the Illinois Laws Against Speeding in a School Zone

July 19, 2021
Thumbnail image for Dissecting the Illinois Laws Against Speeding in a School Zone

In the interest of protecting children and school employees from unreasonable danger or harm, the State of Illinois enacted special speed limits for school zones. These special speed limits are only effective during the school day and if there is a legally posted sign indicating the maximum allowable speed. Before delving into the details of […]

Read the full article

Illinois law on felony probation sentences

July 12, 2021
Thumbnail image for Illinois law on felony probation sentences

NOTE: This article features updated content to explain the impact of Public Act 101-440. After an effective date of January 1, 2020, certain inmates with eligible convictions may earn additional time off their sentence by completing specific program requirements. Felony sentencing The principal rule in regards to felony sentencing in the Illinois courts is that […]

Read the full article

Truth-in-sentencing: defendants must serve more than 50% of the sentence imposed

July 1, 2021
Thumbnail image for Truth-in-sentencing: defendants must serve more than 50% of the sentence imposed

NOTE: The article below includes updated material to explore how Public Act 101-440 impacted truth-in-sentencing laws in Illinois. After an effective date of January 1, 2020, this Act opened a new avenue to sentence credit for eligible inmates. Defendants in felony cases are subject to special rules for their criminal sentence. Compared to misdemeanor sentencing, […]

Read the full article

Two types of domestic battery and penalties

June 25, 2021
Thumbnail image for Two types of domestic battery and penalties

NOTE: This article features additional content to account for changes to Illinois law after passage of Public Act 101-0130. Since this Act became effective in 2019, there is no longer a statute of limitations for criminal sexual abuse or criminal sexual abuse, which has potentially serious implications in the context of domestic battery cases. Illinois […]

Read the full article

How many times can I get court supervision for traffic tickets in Illinois?

June 22, 2021
Thumbnail image for How many times can I get court supervision for traffic tickets in Illinois?

NOTE: This page features refreshed content to explain how Public Act 101-55 adjusted certain traffic laws in Illinois. Since January 1, 2020, this Act increased the mandatory fines for the offense of passing a stopped school bus. Court supervision is the minimum sentence in Illinois, allowing charge(s) to be dismissed after a period of time […]

Read the full article

Illinois Law Changes Definition of Forgery in 2012

June 10, 2021
Thumbnail image for Illinois Law Changes Definition of Forgery in 2012

NOTE: The following information was updated to explore the effect of Public Act 101-645. Since this Act became effective on June 26, 2020, certain Illinois rules have changed concerning the expungement or sealing arrests, charges, and convictions. Forgery is a crime that has gone through many changes under the Illinois criminal code. This offense is […]

Read the full article

What is a Class B misdemeanor in Illinois?

May 25, 2021
Thumbnail image for What is a Class B misdemeanor in Illinois?

NOTE: This page includes adjusted content to reflect the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act (Illinois House Bill 1438), which became effective on January 1, 2020. Since that time, it is no longer an offense to possess cannabis within certain limits for in-state residents and out-of-state visitors. Under Illinois law, a criminal offense is generally classified […]

Read the full article

An Explanation of Illinois Sex Crimes

May 12, 2021
Thumbnail image for An Explanation of Illinois Sex Crimes

NOTE: The following information was updated to account for various amendments to sex crimes under the Illinois Criminal Code in 2019. More specifically, Public Act 101-0130 eliminated the statute of limitations for prosecuting major sex crimes in Illinois, including the regular and aggravated versions of criminal sexual assault and criminal sexual abuse. The accusation of […]

Read the full article

What is the Illinois Crime of Inducement to Commit Suicide?

May 7, 2021
Thumbnail image for What is the Illinois Crime of Inducement to Commit Suicide?

In 2015, there was a highly publicized suicide case in Massachusetts involving Michelle Carter. This situation was commonly referred to as the “texting suicide case,” after Cater sent messages to a romantic partner, Conrad Roy, encouraging the act of suicide. As established in court documents, Roy expressed a desire and intent to commit suicide via […]

Read the full article

← Previous Entries

Next Entries →