What happens on a second offense of domestic battery in Illinois?

August 18, 2022
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NOTE: The article below contains additional information to clarify the importance of Public Act 101-651. This Act took effect on August 7, 2020 and expanded the circumstances under which an offender may face charges for aggravated battery, which can serve as a prior conviction for the purposes of domestic battery charges. A second offense for […]

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What does it mean to resist arrest or obstruct a peace officer?

August 18, 2022
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NOTE: This article was updated to account for Public Act 101-652, which takes effect on January 1, 2023. Starting on that date, this Act will make adjustments to the Illinois laws concerning resisting arrest offenses under 720 ILCS 5/31-1. One of the most common misdemeanor offenses charged in the State of Illinois is resisting or […]

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What types of traffic tickets can cancel an Illinois commercial driver’s license?

August 17, 2022
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NOTE: The information below was updated to account for the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act. Since an effective date of January 1, 2020, it is legal to possess and use cannabis recreationally in Illinois. Despite this change, drivers in Illinois can face DUI charges for operating a motor vehicle while impaired by cannabis. A commercial […]

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Examining 3 Types of Bank-Related Fraud Under Illinois Law

August 16, 2022
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Illinois law under 720 ILCS 5/17-1 prohibits a wide range of deceptive practices, including various types of bank-related fraud. In terms of bank fraud, specifically, Section 17-1 criminalizes the use of false statements, possession of stolen or fraudulently obtained checks, and possession of check fraud implements. These criminal offenses can lead to misdemeanor or felony […]

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I got a DUI in Illinois. How can I win my summary suspension hearing?

August 11, 2022
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NOTE: This page contains new material to explain how the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act impacted DUI laws in Illinois. After this Act became effective on January 1, 2020, the possession and use of cannabis became legal for recreational purposes. Though it remains an Illinois crime to operate a motor vehicle while impaired by cannabis, […]

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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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What Qualifies as Forgery Under the Illinois Criminal Code?

July 25, 2022
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Forgery is a type of fraud crime that often involves the creation of false documents or the alteration of otherwise legally valid documents. Generally speaking, the creation or alteration of a document, does not qualify as forgery in and of itself. Under Illinois law, the offender must showcase an intent to commit fraud to face […]

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What happens if I have an MDDP and drive a vehicle without a BAIID?

July 12, 2022
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NOTE: The information below includes new material to explain the impact of Public Act 100-1004, which took effect on January 1, 2019. After this Act took effect, there were changes to certain aspects of monitoring device driving permits (MDDPs) under 625 ILCS 5/6-303. When a DUI defendant agrees to participate in the Monitoring Device Driving […]

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What Qualifies as Forgery Under the Illinois Criminal Code?

July 12, 2022
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Forgery is a type of fraud crime that often involves the creation of false documents or the alteration of otherwise legally valid documents. Generally speaking, the creation or alteration of a document, does not qualify as forgery in and of itself. Under Illinois law, the offender must showcase an intent to commit fraud to face […]

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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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