What You Need to Know About the New Cannabis Laws in Illinois

What You Need to Know About the New Cannabis Laws in Illinois

What You Need to Know About the New Cannabis Laws in Illinois

Starting on January 1, 2020, residents and non-residents of Illinois 21 years of age or older will be permitted to possess, consume, use, purchase, obtain, and transport certain amounts of cannabis which do not exceed the legal limits set forth in the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act. Personal Use: Illinois residents 21 years of age or older will be permitted to possess: Thirty (30) grams of cannabis flower, Five hundred (500) milligrams of THC contained in cannabis-infused products, Five (5)Continue reading

Landscape Changes Regarding Illinois Marijuana Laws

On May 29, the Illinois State Senate passed a bill that approved the use of recreational marijuana. Two days later, Michael Madigan and the House also voted in favor of this bill, confirming Illinois as the next state in the Union to go forward with legalization. With Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker having campaigned on the promise of legalizing recreational marijuana, many in the state are thrilled that it is now finally becoming a reality. However, as with any bill’s progressContinue reading

Which criminal offenses require registration as a sex offender?

Basics of the Illinois Sex Offenders Registration Act – 730 ILCS 150 Anyone who is convicted of a “sex offense” as defined in 730 ILCS 150/2 (B) is defined as a “sex offender”.  Anyone so defined is required to register as a sex offender. The most typical offenses requiring registration include any child pornography offense, any offense for aggravated criminal sexual assault, criminal sexual assault, and aggravated criminal sexual abuse. How long is a person required to register?  The durationContinue reading

How To Restore Driving Privileges After A DUI Conviction

Restore Driving Privileges The revocation of a persons driver’s license in Illinois from a DUI conviction can be devastating. The process to restore driving privileges can be difficult if not done correctly. Knowing the process and the complications within the process is the absolute key to being successful with the Illinois Secretary of State. Attorney Steven Haney has practiced in front of the Illinois Secretary of State for over 20 years and has helped hundreds of people restore driving privileges.  InContinue reading

How is the amount of bond determined for a criminal case?

Bond will usually be set by a judge who will take into consideration the nature of the offense, a persons prior criminal history, if any, and the persons ties to the community where the case is pending. An exception exists for most misdemeanor offenses for which the law allows bond to be set at a certain nominal amount without involvement of the court. Bond is set in one of two scenarios. If a criminal complaint is filed with the courtContinue reading

Aggravated Speeding – Illinois’ Newest Criminal Offense

“Aggravated speeding” is a relatively new criminal offense in Illinois. It is classified as a class B misdemeanor if the speed is between 26 – 35 mph in excess of the posted speed limit and classified as a class A misdemeanor if the speed exceeds 35 mph over the posted limit. Both are offenses potentially punishable by a jail sentence. Most Illinois misdemeanor offenses, including DUI and reckless driving, are eligible for a diversion program known as “court supervision”. Court supervision is theContinue reading

Drug Possession and Delivery

What is the charge of drug trafficking? Drug trafficking involves the movement of any type of illegal drug, including cannabis, into Illinois from any other state for the purpose of distribution. The State must prove that the illegal drug came into Illinois from a location outside of this State. A drug trafficking charge is one of the most serious drug crimes as it carries a penalty that doubles the potential prison sentence that exists for the simple delivery of the drug independent of theContinue reading

How will a DUI arrest affect my driving privileges?

How will a DUI arrest affect my driving privileges? Everyone arrested for DUI faces a temporary suspension of their driving privileges 46 days from the date they either submit to a breath test, or, alternatively, refuse any type of breath, blood or urine test. This is called a Summary Suspension. For those who take and fail a chemical test (whether breath, blood, or urine), the suspension lasts for 6 months. For those who refuse any such testing, the suspension lastsContinue reading

How can a conviction for domestic battery be avoided?

Can the victim drop the domestic battery charges? Only the prosecutor has the power and legal authority to start and end a prosecution for domestic violence. In Will County, the State’s Attorney will rarely, if ever, dismiss a domestic battery prosecution on the wishes of the complaining victim. You can learn more about domestic battery here. What are the penalties for domestic battery? Domestic battery is, most typically, charged as a class A misdemeanor, and carries a potential penalty ofContinue reading

Posting bail for criminal offenses in Will County, Illinois

When someone is arrested in the State of Illinois, bond will have to be posted in order to be releaed from custody.  If the arrest is for a misdemeanor, typically a person can be released on posting bail in the amount of $100, or simply on their own signature with a promise to appear in court.  If someone is arrested on an arrest warrant, then bond has been pre-determined by a judge for that offense.  The cash amount of theContinue reading

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