crime of violence

Misdemeanor convictions that cannot be sealed: crimes of violence

April 14, 2022
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NOTE: This page has new content to clarify the recent impact of Public Act 101-223 (effective January 1, 2020) and Public Act 101-651 (effective August 7, 2020). These Acts adjusted the Illinois approach to standard and aggravated domestic battery offenses, including the possibility of a felony charge. A person convicted of a misdemeanor can have […]

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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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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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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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What does it mean to be convicted of a crime in Illinois?

February 28, 2011
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One of the most frequently misused terms in criminal law is conviction.  All too often a person will talk about a case and say that if they’re found guilty they were convicted.  But this is not entirely accurate. Under Illinois law, when a person is found guilty the court enters a judgment against him.  The […]

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