Sex Offenses

What is the process for involuntary commitment as a sexually violent person?

June 28, 2022
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NOTE: This article was refreshed to explain the ramifications of Public Act 102-538. After an effective date of August 20, 2021, this Act adjusted the requirements for the submission of DNA samples by sexually violent persons under 725 ILCS 207/45. In Illinois, sex offenders who the State feels are still a threat to society can […]

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I got arrested by an undercover officer. Is that entrapment?

April 25, 2022
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Under Illinois law, a person arrested for a criminal offense when the police have acted deceptively (e.g., undercover) may be able to assert a defense of entrapment.

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Conviction for felony offense involving a motor vehicle will suspend your Illinois driver’s license

April 19, 2022
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NOTE: The article below was modified to explain how the License to Work Act (Public Act 101-623) changed Illinois law concerning driver’s license suspension. After an effective date of July 1, 2020, the License to Work act effectively eliminated driver’s license suspension for non-moving violations, including many felony offenses that did not involve a motor […]

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Misdemeanor convictions that cannot be sealed: crimes of violence

April 14, 2022
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NOTE: This page has new content to clarify the recent impact of Public Act 101-223 (effective January 1, 2020) and Public Act 101-651 (effective August 7, 2020). These Acts adjusted the Illinois approach to standard and aggravated domestic battery offenses, including the possibility of a felony charge. A person convicted of a misdemeanor can have […]

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Stalking No Contact Order Illinois

December 13, 2021
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NOTE: The article below was refreshed to underline several important changes to stalking no contact orders in Illinois that occurred on January 1, 2019. That is when Public Act 100-1000 took effect and modified the definition of contact with a victim to specifically provide for workplaces, schools, and places of worship. Illinois Law Illinois law […]

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

July 1, 2021
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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, […]

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What is criminal sexual abuse in Illinois?

June 28, 2021
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NOTE: The following content includes new information to account for changes to Illinois law with passage of Public Act 101-0130. Since January 1, 2020, this Act removed the statute of limitations for criminal sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual assault, and aggravated criminal sexual abuse. Sex between two consenting persons who are under 17 years of […]

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An Explanation of Illinois Sex Crimes

May 12, 2021
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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 […]

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How Does Illinois Penalize Violation of Civil No Contact Orders?

December 28, 2020
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Civil no contact orders are legal mechanisms under Illinois law designed to protect victims of sex crimes. These orders are available to victims of rape, sexual assault, or sexual abuse and their family or household members. Civil no contact orders are similar to an Illinois petition for order of protection in domestic violence cases. But […]

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