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I got a DUI and it is my third offense. What are the penalties in Illinois?

January 5, 2022
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NOTE: This article was updated to changes to Illinois DUI laws under the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act (Illinois House Bill 1438). After January 1, 2020, in-state residents and visitors are allowed to purchase and use cannabis recreationally. But they must refrain from operating a motor vehicle while impaired by cannabis. Or they can face […]

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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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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 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 Law Changes Definition of Forgery in 2012

June 10, 2021
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NOTE: The following information was updated to explore the effect of Public Act 101-645. Since this Act became effective on June 26, 2020, certain Illinois rules have changed concerning the expungement or sealing arrests, charges, and convictions. Forgery is a crime that has gone through many changes under the Illinois criminal code. This offense is […]

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An Explanation of Illinois Sex Crimes

May 12, 2021
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NOTE: The following information was updated to account for various amendments to sex crimes under the Illinois Criminal Code in 2019. More specifically, Public Act 101-0130 eliminated the statute of limitations for prosecuting major sex crimes in Illinois, including the regular and aggravated versions of criminal sexual assault and criminal sexual abuse. The accusation of […]

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What is a Class X felony in Illinois?

May 3, 2021
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NOTE: This article includes refreshed content to account for updates to Illinois law since passage of Public Act 101-223. After an effective date of January 1, 2020, this Act adjusted and reclassified the Illinois legal approach to aggravated battery offenses (720 ILCS 5/12-3.05). The Class X felony is, short of first-degree murder, the most serious […]

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A summary of the law and penalties for involuntary manslaughter

April 10, 2020
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NOTE: This article was updated to reflect 2020 changes to Illinois law with passage of Public Act 101-173. This Act became effective on January 1st and instituted various amendments to the Illinois Vehicle Code, including an update to the penalties for involuntary manslaughter offenses involving violations of Scott’s Law. Involuntary manslaughter under Illinois law refers […]

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Fatal Accident: A Review of Reckless Homicide Charges and Penalties

February 3, 2020
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NOTE: This article was updated to reflect 2020 changes in Illinois law with passage of Public Act 101-173. These changes became effective on January 1st, adjusting the Illinois statutes governing reckless homicide charges and Scott’s Law violations. The courts treat most accidents as a matter of negligence. The person who is responsible for the accident […]

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