Representative Avery Bourne of Raymond, Illinois, 34 weeks pregnant herself, gave an impassioned pro-life speech against the newly passed Illinois abortion law on the Illinois congressional floor. The abortion rights issue has recently risen to the forefront of national and Illinois politics. The Illinois House of Representatives voted to pass a new abortion law that would remove almost all abortion restrictions at the end of May. Representative Kelly Cassidy's Reproductive Health Act will remove 45-year-old limits on abortion. Some late-term...

The Illinois Senate passed a law that legalizes the recreational use of marijuana after January 1, 2020. The Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act authorizes the "use of cannabis" for "persons 21 years of age or older and should be taxed like alcohol." Now anyone over the age of 21 and a citizen of Illinois can possess up to 30 grams of cannabis legally. Non-residents may only legally possess up to 15 grams. Residents may lawfully possess one ounce of a...

The Perry County Police Department arrested a man for possession of marijuana in May of 2019, two weeks before legalizing marijuana possession throughout the state. The man who was arrested had less than 10 grams of marijuana in his possession when he was arrested. A new Illinois law that goes into effect January 1, 2020, decriminalizes possession of 30 grams or less of marijuana for Illinois Citizens and possession of 15 grams of less for non-citizens of Illinois. Under the...

You have been with your partner for years, while you feel you have experienced more bad with them than good. Your partner habitually hurls insults at you, acts out in jealousy, and has a generally explosive temper. You sense that your partner seeks to isolate you from your family and friends. You are beginning to fear for your safety, but you are not sure what to do or how to get out of a bad situation. Did you know that...

Your marriage has been rocky lately. You seem to fight about every little thing, and last night the fight seemed to reach a new level of intensity. You and your partner both said and did things you now regret, but in the harsh light of morning, you discover that your partner has filed an order of protection against you. What happens now? You may be worried about your future. You may be embarrassed and not know how to respond. Perhaps...

On May 16, 2019, Decatur police arrested a mother who used a belt to whip her 17-year-old daughter after finding her in bed with her boyfriend. Police found belt-like welts and bruises on both of the girl’s arms. The Illinois domestic battery victim told the police that her mother made her stay home from school for two days to let her injuries heal. The Macon County Jail released the mother on $5,000 bail. Illinois Domestic Battery Law An Illinois domestic...

George and Irene own a cozy bungalow on the outskirts of the city. They have been married for a year after a whirlwind courtship and their relationship is rocky, at best. When Irene discovers that George is cheating on her, she is outraged. She files for divorce a few weeks later. George is furious, and the two argue extensively over who will get to keep the house. Irene has a lower-paying job than George, massive student debt and no family...

Aggravated battery on a police officer is a serious crime anywhere, but in Illinois, these charges are taken particularly seriously. If you have been charged with aggravated battery on a police officer, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney to assist you in crafting your defense because you are facing significant penalties if convicted. What is Aggravated Battery on a Police Officer? A simple battery occurs when someone “causes bodily harm to an individual” or “makes physical contact of an...

Domestic battery charges are quite serious in Illinois. Even if a victim chooses not to press charges, state prosecutors may still pursue the case. If you have been charged with domestic battery in Illinois, it is important to have an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side because you may be facing serious penalties. What Constitutes Domestic Battery? The crime of domestic battery in Illinois occurs when a person causes a family or household member bodily harm or perpetrates insulting...

In Illinois, if the state charges you with driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI), your driver's license might be summarily suspended. Defendants can petition the court to rescind the suspension of their driver’s license so that they can drive again at a Hearing before the Court or a Secretary of State Hearing. What happens when the state does not provide a timely hearing? The Appellate Court of Illinois recently addressed this precise issue in People v. Patel, 2019 IL...

When Does Aggravated Battery Become a Felony in Illinois?

posted on 5/18/19

If you have been charged with battery in Illinois, it is important that you know the difference between battery and aggravated battery. The crime of battery can range from a...

Can Schools Legally Record Teachers in Illinois?

posted on 5/10/19

Are you a teacher who is concerned about your school recording you without your permission? The issue of recording teachers came up in 2009 when the Board of Education for...

Every Illinois resident is required by law to have a driver’s license or a government-issued Photo ID. Before 2005, Illinois residents who did not have a social security number could not acquire a driver’s license. In 2005, Illinois changed this policy to allow documented immigrants who have visas to obtain a Temporary Visitor’s Driver’s License (TVDL) as long as they had a proper visa. This new law allowed spouses and children of temporary workers, long-term visitors, and international students to...

Does Supervision Constitute a Criminal Conviction in Illinois?

posted on 5/3/19

If you have been charged with a misdemeanor offense in Illinois, the court will likely offer you supervision as a sentencing option. Supervision is essentially a deferred dismissal of the...

When can a Student Legally Record a Teacher in Illinois?

posted on 5/3/19

In February 2018, Illinois middle school student Paul Boron used an audio recorder on his cell phone to record a conversation between himself, his principal, and his assistant principal. After...