Penalties for the offense of retail theft under Illinois law

January 23, 2020
Thumbnail image for Penalties for the offense of retail theft under Illinois law

Note: This article has been revised as of January 2020 and reflects the updated statute of retail theft. Retail theft used to be codified under 720 ILCS 5/16A-13. The new statute is 720 ILCS 5/16-25 which became effective on January 1, 2012. This article also encompasses the changes from 2011 that increased the cutoff for […]

Read the full article

What is domestic battery under Illinois law?

January 17, 2020
Thumbnail image for What is domestic battery under Illinois law?

Illinois law says that domestic battery is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail.

Read the full article

Can a child get an order of protection against a parent in Illinois?

January 16, 2020
Thumbnail image for Can a child get an order of protection against a parent in Illinois?

NOTE: This article was updated to reflect 2020 changes in Illinois law with passage of Public Act 101-0285. These changes became effective on January 1st, amending the Illinois statute governing female genital mutilation. Children may seek an order of protection against a parent under the Illinois Domestic Violence Act, found at 750 ILCS 60/1 et […]

Read the full article

720 ILCS 5/11-9.2: What is the Definition of & Penalties for Custodial Sexual Misconduct in Illinois?

November 14, 2019
Thumbnail image for 720 ILCS 5/11-9.2: What is the Definition of & Penalties for Custodial Sexual Misconduct in Illinois?

Custodial sexual misconduct is a specific type of sex crime under Illinois law. This criminal offense relates to sexual acts that occur between certain government employees and individuals in their custody or under their supervision. In these situations, a government employee has a position of power and control over individuals, which effectively destroys the concept […]

Read the full article

720 ILCS 570/401: How Does Illinois Address Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver?

November 14, 2019
Thumbnail image for 720 ILCS 570/401: How Does Illinois Address Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver?

The Illinois Controlled Substances Act establishes the state laws against and penalties for various drug crimes. Under this act, illegal drugs – referred to legally as controlled substances – are divided into different schedules based on medical use and addictiveness. In addition to rules against possession of a controlled substance, this act also prohibits the […]

Read the full article

625 ILCS 5/11-503: Understanding Illinois Reckless Driving Statutes & Penalties

October 22, 2019
Thumbnail image for 625 ILCS 5/11-503: Understanding Illinois Reckless Driving Statutes & Penalties

In the interest of public health and safety, the State of Illinois has many rules and regulations that require safe driving conduct. Among many other traffic laws, Illinois specifically prohibits reckless driving conduct that puts other people or property in danger. Any driver who engages in this type of reckless behavior can face criminal punishment, […]

Read the full article

A Look at 625 ILCS 5/11-501: What is the Illinois Difference Between DUI & Aggravated DUI?

September 25, 2019
Thumbnail image for A Look at 625 ILCS 5/11-501: What is the Illinois Difference Between DUI & Aggravated DUI?

In order to preserve safe roadways for all drivers, the State of Illinois prohibits any person from driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs. Contrary to popular belief, this applies even to being under the influence of legal or prescribed drugs. Any driver who violates these regulations can face criminal charges for DUI […]

Read the full article

What are the Illinois Laws Against Possession of Controlled Substances?

August 29, 2019

In the interest of public health and safety, the State of Illinois prohibits most people from possessing controlled substances, such as heroin, cocaine, and other illegal drugs. Under the Illinois Controlled Substances Act (the Act), which is codified as 720 ILCS 570/1 et seq., any person who possesses a controlled substance without authorization is subject […]

Read the full article

How Does Illinois Define & Punish Criminal Sexual Assault?

August 13, 2019

Criminal sexual assault is a type of sex crime punishable by prison time under Illinois law. This criminal offense occurs when a perpetrator commits an act of sexual penetration against a victim under specific circumstances. In certain cases, the perpetrator may use force or threats to complete the act. In other situations, the perpetrator may […]

Read the full article

Obstruction of Justice and Filing False Police Reports: The Criminal Liability of Jussie Smollett Explained

February 26, 2019
Thumbnail image for Obstruction of Justice and Filing False Police Reports: The Criminal Liability of Jussie Smollett Explained

In the last few days, the investigation surrounding the alleged attack of Empire actor Jussie Smollett has twisted its way into a pretzel. The potential criminal liability continues to build as conflicting facts, false police tips, and new facts that are seeping their way into the press, emerge. Smollett alleged that while he was walking […]

Read the full article

← Previous Entries

Next Entries →