Department of Corrections

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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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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Truth-in-sentencing: defendants must serve more than 50% of the sentence imposed

July 1, 2021
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NOTE: The article below includes updated material to explore how Public Act 101-440 impacted truth-in-sentencing laws in Illinois. After an effective date of January 1, 2020, this Act opened a new avenue to sentence credit for eligible inmates. Defendants in felony cases are subject to special rules for their criminal sentence. Compared to misdemeanor sentencing, […]

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What is criminal sexual abuse in Illinois?

June 28, 2021
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NOTE: The following content includes new information to account for changes to Illinois law with passage of Public Act 101-0130. Since January 1, 2020, this Act removed the statute of limitations for criminal sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual assault, and aggravated criminal sexual abuse. Sex between two consenting persons who are under 17 years of […]

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Illinois Inmate Early Release

July 17, 2020
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NOTE: This page contains new materials to account for updates to Illinois law after passage of Public Act 101-440. After January 1, 2020, this Act modified several provisions of 730 ILCS 5/3-6-3, including guidelines for sentencing credits earned toward early release. There was a time in Illinois when inmates could get released from state prison […]

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Understanding the Risks of Retail Theft in Illinois

February 23, 2016
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NOTE: The information below includes updated content to explain how Public Act 101-394 adjusted Illinois law on January 1, 2020. After that point, Illinois changed certain aspects of theft crimes committed against elderly or disabled victims, effectively removing the ability to seal such criminal records.  “It was only a shirt.” “No one was looking.” “I […]

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