Class A misdemeanor

I got a ticket for driving while suspended in Illinois and this is my second offense. What happens now?

April 27, 2022
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NOTE: This page reflects new material to explain how the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act (Public Act 101-0027) adjusted Illinois DUI laws on January 1, 2020. Since that time, cannabis is legal to possess and use recreationally. But it remains an Illinois DUI offense to operate a motor vehicle while impaired by cannabis. Illinois law […]

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Possession of a fraudulent identification card: a serious offense

April 7, 2022
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NOTE: There is new content on this page to account for passage of Public Act 101-440 on January 1, 2020. Since that date, there are additional good behavior credits available to eligible inmates upon completion of specific programs. Many people would be surprised to know that possessing a fake ID in the state of Illinois […]

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How Does Illinois Define & Punish Cannabis Delivery Crimes?

March 29, 2022
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The State of Illinois legalized cannabis for recreational possession and use in January 2020. Since that time, residents and out-of-state visitors over the age of 21 can possess and use cannabis legally, subject to possession limits and other restrictions. Despite the transition to recreationally legal cannabis, Illinois maintains laws against and penalties for cannabis delivery. […]

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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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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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What are the penalties for a second DUI offense in Illinois?

August 23, 2021
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A second offense for DUI in Illinois results in serious penalties including driver’s license revocation, jail for transportation a minor child, and felony charges for certain conditions.

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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 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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