Probation

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 a Class C misdemeanor in Illinois?

May 1, 2021
Thumbnail image for What is a Class C misdemeanor in Illinois?

NOTE: The content below was refreshed to account for changes to Illinois law on January 1, 2020, after the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act (Illinois House Bill 1438) became effective. After that date, Illinois residents and out-of-state visitors are allowed to possess and use cannabis for recreational purposes, subject to certain limitations. The Class C […]

Read the full article

What is a Class A misdemeanor in Illinois?

January 23, 2020
Thumbnail image for What is a Class A misdemeanor in Illinois?

Note: This article has been updated to republished as of 2020. The misdemeanor sentencing structure is governed by 730 ILCS 5/5-4.5-55. The last change to the statute became effective on July 1,2019. All criminal charges in the state of Illinois fall generally into two categories: felony and misdemeanor. The distinction between felony and misdemeanor is that […]

Read the full article

What is Legality of Police Dog Sniffs During Traffic Stops in Illinois?

January 15, 2018
Thumbnail image for What is Legality of Police Dog Sniffs During Traffic Stops in Illinois?

In popular culture, there are countless representations of police dogs sniffs that lead to the discovery of illegal drugs, bombs, or other contraband. The police dogs are almost always portrayed as heroes in these storylines, helping the good buys fight back against the bad guys. There is rarely any exploration of rights and duties involved […]

Read the full article

Penalties for Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault in Illinois

January 15, 2018
Thumbnail image for Penalties for Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault in Illinois

NOTE: The following materials received an update to account for changes to Illinois law after the passage of Public Act 101-130. After this Act took effect on January 1, 2020, Illinois removed the statute of limitations for the prosecution of sexual assault crimes. Illinois law under 720 ILCS 5/11-1.40 defines predatory criminal sexual assault and […]

Read the full article

The Changing Landscape of Retail Theft Crimes in Cook County

January 15, 2018
Thumbnail image for The Changing Landscape of Retail Theft Crimes in Cook County

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 […]

Read the full article

Overview: Expunging Your Criminal Record in Illinois

February 27, 2016
Thumbnail image for Overview: Expunging Your Criminal Record in Illinois

NOTE: This article was refreshed to account for Public Act 102-933, which became part of Illinois law on January 1, 2023. Since that date, Illinois modified the Criminal Identification Act to enable a person to request expungement, even after testing positive for cannabis. Expungement is the process where a criminal court disposition is removed from […]

Read the full article

Understanding the Risks of Retail Theft in Illinois

February 23, 2016
Thumbnail image for Understanding the Risks of Retail Theft in Illinois

NOTE: The information below includes updated content to explain how Public Act 101-394 adjusted Illinois law on January 1, 2020. After that point, Illinois changed certain aspects of theft crimes committed against elderly or disabled victims, effectively removing the ability to seal such criminal records.  “It was only a shirt.” “No one was looking.” “I […]

Read the full article

Job applicants with criminal records may find employment under new EEOC policy

October 29, 2012
Thumbnail image for Job applicants with criminal records may find employment under new EEOC policy

As anyone with a criminal record can tell you, one conviction can have a devastating impact on your future. When you apply for a job with a criminal record, you usually don’t expect to make it past the background check. But that all may change soon under an important policy change with the Equal Employment […]

Read the full article

Summary of sentencing rules for misdemeanor offenders

December 5, 2011
Thumbnail image for Summary of sentencing rules for misdemeanor offenders

The potential penalties for a Class A misdemeanor offense include up to one year in the county jail and a maximum fine of $2500. Technically, a sentence of incarceration can last for only 364 days. A jail sentence of 365 days or more is only permissible for a felony offense. Additionally, any sentence lasting one […]

Read the full article

← Previous Entries

Next Entries →