What are the penalties in Illinois for driving on a suspended or revoked license?

November 12, 2021
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NOTE: The article below features new information to explain the impact of Public Act 100-1004, which became Illinois law on January 1, 2019. After that date, driving on a suspended or revoked license is subject to Uniform Traffic Citations and new penalties for certain violations. Penalties If you drive while your license is suspended because […]

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I got a ticket for driving without a valid driver’s license. What are the penalties in Illinois?

November 5, 2021
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NOTE: This page features supplementary materials to illuminate how Public Act 101-0623, adjusted Illinois law on January 1, 2020. After the effective date of this Act, driver’s license suspension is typically reserved for moving violations and similar offenses, instead of non-moving violations like failing to satisfy financial obligations. Driving without a valid driver’s license in […]

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I got pulled over going 40 MPH over the speed limit. Is this ticket serious?

November 3, 2021
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NOTE: This article includes updated material to explain the impact of Public Act 98-511 (effective January 1, 2014) and Public Act 101-0027 (effective January 1, 2020). Since these Acts became effective, there have been numerous changes to the Illinois Traffic Code, including the offenses of aggravated speeding and DUI. 625 ILCS 5/11-601.5 Driving 40 miles […]

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I need to move away from Illinois. How can I transfer my probation to another state?

October 29, 2021
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NOTE: This article includes new content to clarify recent changes to the Interstate Compact for Adult Offender Supervision. After April 1, 2020, the Commission that governs this compact established a new definition for the term sex offender. A defendant who is placed on probation for a criminal offense generally cannot leave the state without permission […]

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What is the legal definition of nolle prosequi?

October 19, 2021
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NOTE: The following content incorporates new material to explain changes to Illinois law with Public Act 101-223 (effective January 1, 2020) and Public Act 101-651 (effective August 7, 2020). After these acts became effective, there were new rules for aggravated battery offenses committed in places of religious worship. Use of nolle prosequi When a criminal […]

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What is the possible sentence for fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer in Illinois?

October 11, 2021
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NOTE: The page below features additional content to discuss the effect of the SAFE-T Act (Public Act 101-0652). Starting July 1, 2021, there will be new Illinois rules for driver’s license suspension and automatic reinstatement of driving privileges for certain offenders. The offense of fleeing or attempting to elude a peace officer is a Class […]

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Important changes to Illinois retail theft laws

October 7, 2021
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NOTE: The information below comprises supplementary materials to explain new thresholds for retail crime in certain jurisdictions. Beginning in 2016 and continuing through 2020 and beyond, the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office increased the threshold for felony retail theft crimes to focus on the prosecution of violent crimes instead. 720 ILCS 5/16-25 Illinois state law […]

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First felony offense eligible for deferred prosecution under Offender Initiative Program

September 24, 2021
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NOTE: This article includes new subject matter to elucidate the impact of the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act (Public Act 101-0027). When this Act became effective on January 1, 2020, cannabis became legal for recreational possession and use in Illinois. The Offender Initiative Program Under Illinois law, a person who is charged with a felony […]

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Contempt of court: summary of Illinois law

September 17, 2021
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NOTE: The article below has new content to explain how Public Act 101-440 changed Illinois law after January 1, 2020. At that time, a new route to good behavior credits opened to inmates with certain sentences. If these inmates participate in qualifying programs, they can earn additional time off their sentence and secure early release. […]

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I got a speeding ticket in Illinois. What is the fine, and will it suspend my driver’s license?

September 10, 2021
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NOTE: The information below was refreshed to clarify the effect of Public Act 101-0623, which became effective on January 1, 2020. Since that date, Illinois law no longer supports driver’s license suspension for non-moving violations, such as a failure to pay fines. Many people believe they can pay a speeding ticket and settle the matter […]

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