Understanding the Risks of Retail Theft in Illinois

February 23, 2016
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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 […]

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New Illinois law bans mugshot web sites while Google removes them from search

October 23, 2013
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People make mistakes… That’s just life, right? But things are different in today’s world, because social media like Facebook and Twitter are available to document people’s mistakes forever. In an instant, arrest records are disseminated for all to see in Google. There is a pernicious industry on the web that preys upon people who were […]

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Felons not required to disclose criminal convictions on Illinois government job applications

October 13, 2013
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In an unprecedented move, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn has issued an order that allows applicants for state government jobs to apply without having to disclose felony convictions. Governor Quinn calls it an order to ‘Ban the Box,’ referring to the box job applicants have to check to disclose convictions. The administrative order, issued October 3, […]

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Criminal conviction can result in deportation, even for permanent residents

July 1, 2013
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NOTE: This page was refreshed to explain changes to Illinois law under the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act. When this Act became state law on January 1, 2020, Illinois officially legalized the recreational possession and use of cannabis as well as modified numerous cannabis-related crimes. The impact of a criminal conviction can be long-lasting and […]

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

October 29, 2012
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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 […]

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Racial profiling by Illinois police? Statistics show minorities ticketed more than whites

August 31, 2012
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Chicago radio station WBBM recently reported that statistics show that during traffic stops, minorities are charged with traffic offenses disproportionately. Depending on their sources, statistics can be misleading. But these numbers come from a source that even prosecutors and judges would acknowledge as an authority: the Illinois Department of Transportation. A WBBM Newsradio analysis of […]

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Illinois Theft Laws: Elements of the Offense and Penalties

June 11, 2012
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Note: This article has been updated and republished as of 2020. The offense of theft under Illinois law is misunderstood. Many people think that because it is not a violent offense, and in some cases, it has no discernible victim, it is not a serious offense. This thinking is wrong. Theft can result in a jail […]

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Cook County to host annual expungement summit June 2, 2012

May 1, 2012
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All persons who have ever been arrested in Cook County should be aware of the free expungement seminar scheduled for June 2, 2012. Under Illinois law, any person who is arrested and charged with a crime has a record with the Illinois State Police that can be disseminated nationwide. The record of the arrest remains […]

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Important new bill in legislature would expunge felonies

March 26, 2012
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In the current legislative session, Illinois lawmakers are considering a very important new statute to be added to the criminal code. Senate Bill 3349, proposed by Senator Kwame Raoul (D-Chicago), would create a special type of probation for felonies that can be expunged. If signed by the governor, a defendant with a pending felony would […]

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New interview with Associated Press on Illinois House Bill

March 13, 2012
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The Associated Press interviewed me for a story on March 10, 2012 about a bill proposed in Springfield that would make a significant change to the Illinois Vehicle Code. Read the article. The story teaches a lesson about Illinois criminal law. House Bill 5099, sponsored by Representative Jerry Costello, D-Smithton, would amend two sections of […]

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