criminal record

Illinois felonies result in conviction despite fact that offender has no criminal background

April 21, 2022
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NOTE: This article was updated to reflect 2019 changes to Illinois law with passage of Public Act 101-593. This change became effective on December 4, 2019, updating various statutes addressing marijuana and related offenses. A person with no experience in the criminal justice system will see that the courts make a distinction between felony and […]

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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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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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What is a Class B misdemeanor in Illinois?

May 25, 2021
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NOTE: This page includes adjusted content to reflect the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act (Illinois House Bill 1438), which became effective on January 1, 2020. Since that time, it is no longer an offense to possess cannabis within certain limits for in-state residents and out-of-state visitors. Under Illinois law, a criminal offense is generally classified […]

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What is a Class C misdemeanor in Illinois?

May 1, 2021
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NOTE: The content below was refreshed to account for changes to Illinois law on January 1, 2020, after the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act (Illinois House Bill 1438) became effective. After that date, Illinois residents and out-of-state visitors are allowed to possess and use cannabis for recreational purposes, subject to certain limitations. The Class C […]

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2010 expungement law in Illinois changes eligibility and waiting periods

February 19, 2020
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NOTE: This article was updated to reflect 2020 changes in Illinois law with passage of Public Act 101-027. These changes became effective on January 1st, amending Illinois law to legalize recreational use of marijuana and expunge certain possession charges. State lawmakers changed the law for the expungement process in Illinois significantly in 2010. The new […]

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What is Criminal Drug Trafficking in Illinois?

January 15, 2018
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Criminal drug trafficking in Illinois is a serious offense. There are a few types of criminal drug trafficking. 720 ILCS 550/5.1 outlines Cannabis Trafficking pursuant to the Cannabis Control Act while 720 ILCS 570/401.1 focuses on criminal drug trafficking pursuant to the Controlled Substances Act. Drug trafficking also applies to possession of a controlled substance […]

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What is Legality of Police Dog Sniffs During Traffic Stops in Illinois?

January 15, 2018
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In popular culture, there are countless representations of police dogs sniffs that lead to the discovery of illegal drugs, bombs, or other contraband. The police dogs are almost always portrayed as heroes in these storylines, helping the good buys fight back against the bad guys. There is rarely any exploration of rights and duties involved […]

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What is the Cannabis Law in Illinois?

March 17, 2016
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NOTE: The information below was modified to clarify the effect of the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act. After this Act became Illinois law on January 1, 2020, cannabis became legal for recreational possession and use, which also impacted various criminal offenses related to cannabis. Cannabis was formerly illegal to possess or use in the state […]

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Overview: Expunging Your Criminal Record in Illinois

February 27, 2016
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NOTE: This article was refreshed to account for Public Act 102-933, which became part of Illinois law on January 1, 2023. Since that date, Illinois modified the Criminal Identification Act to enable a person to request expungement, even after testing positive for cannabis. Expungement is the process where a criminal court disposition is removed from […]

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