Probation

How Does Illinois Address Possession of a Controlled Substance?

July 29, 2022
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The unlawful possession of illegal drugs is an exceedingly common charge in Illinois. Referred to legally as controlled substances, possession crimes involving these drugs can be extremely serious for an alleged offender. A guilty verdict can result in stringent penalties under Illinois law, up to and including jail or prison time and hefty criminal fines. […]

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Illinois felonies result in conviction despite fact that offender has no criminal background

April 21, 2022
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NOTE: This article was updated to reflect 2019 changes to Illinois law with passage of Public Act 101-593. This change became effective on December 4, 2019, updating various statutes addressing marijuana and related offenses. A person with no experience in the criminal justice system will see that the courts make a distinction between felony and […]

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I got a DUI and it is my third offense. What are the penalties in Illinois?

January 5, 2022
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NOTE: This article was updated to changes to Illinois DUI laws under the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act (Illinois House Bill 1438). After January 1, 2020, in-state residents and visitors are allowed to purchase and use cannabis recreationally. But they must refrain from operating a motor vehicle while impaired by cannabis. Or they can face […]

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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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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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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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Dissecting the Illinois Laws Against Speeding in a School Zone

July 19, 2021
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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 […]

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Illinois law on felony probation sentences

July 12, 2021
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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 […]

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Two types of domestic battery and penalties

June 25, 2021
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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 […]

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What is a Class B misdemeanor in Illinois?

May 25, 2021
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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 […]

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