The penalty for driving without insurance in Illinois increased in 2010

August 16, 2021
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NOTE: The material below was updated to account for changes to Illinois law with passage of Public Act 99-613 (effective January 1, 2017) and Public Act 100-202 (effective January 1, 2018). After these Acts became effective, there were several changes to Illinois laws that address driving without insurance in Illinois. Driving without insurance Vehicle insurance […]

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What is the Illinois Difference Between Battery & Aggravated Battery?

August 13, 2021

Battery is an extremely common offense under the Illinois Criminal Code. Unlike assault crimes that involve threats, battery requires physical contact between the alleged perpetrator and the victim. Absent some kind of intentional contact, battery does not occur under Illinois law. While battery is typically a lower-level, misdemeanor offense, Illinois law also provides for an […]

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Summary of Felony Prison Sentences & Felony Classes in Illinois

August 9, 2021
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NOTE: The information below features additional content since original posting to detail how Public Act 101-440 adjusted sentencing credits. Since this Act became effective on January 1, 2020, eligible inmates can earn sentence credits for attending and completing various programs. Illinois law provides that a felony is any offense for which the penalty is one […]

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What is aggravated DUI in Illinois?

August 6, 2021
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NOTE: The page below was updated to account for passage of the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act (Public Act 101-0027) on January 1, 2020. After that date, Illinois legalized cannabis for recreational possession and use. Even still, it remains illegal to operate a motor vehicle while impaired by cannabis. Generally speaking, an arrest for driving […]

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How Does Illinois Differentiate Between Assault & Aggravated Assault?

July 29, 2021

In common parlance, the word assault is often used interchangeably with the term battery. Under Illinois law, however, assault and battery are completely separate criminal offenses. Whereas battery requires physical contact of a harmful or provoking nature, assault can happen based on mere words or conduct. In the most severe situations, such as use or […]

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What is obstruction of justice according to Illinois law?

July 26, 2021
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NOTE: This page reflects additional information concerning Public Act 101-440, which took effect on January 1, 2020. Starting at that point, eligible inmates in Illinois can earn supplementary credits for good behavior and, potentially, obtain early release from confinement. A charge for obstruction of justice is a serious criminal offense under Illinois state law. While […]

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What are the penalties in Illinois for violating an order of protection?

July 22, 2021
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NOTE: The content below has been refreshed to account for the passage of Public Act 100-0987. When this Act took effect on July 1, 2019, there were subtle changes to the penalties for violating an order of protection in Illinois. Any person who violates an order of protection in Illinois will likely face Class A […]

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Dissecting the Illinois Laws Against Speeding in a School Zone

July 19, 2021
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In the interest of protecting children and school employees from unreasonable danger or harm, the State of Illinois enacted special speed limits for school zones. These special speed limits are only effective during the school day and if there is a legally posted sign indicating the maximum allowable speed. Before delving into the details of […]

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Having contact with victim in domestic battery is a crime

July 15, 2021
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NOTE: This page includes new information to account for the passage of Public Act 101-223 (effective January 1, 2020) and Public Act 101-651 (effective August 7, 2020). Since the aforementioned effective dates, Illinois law features new conditions for aggravated battery, which can be considered a previous conviction in domestic battery cases. Domestic battery arrest After […]

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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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