For 2011 a new law was created for minors involved in the electronic dissemination of indecent visual depictions. Under this new law a minor who distributes or disseminates an indecent visual depiction of another minor through the use of a computer or electronic communication device may be subject to a petition for adjudication and adjudged a minor in need of supervision.
Sexting Statute Created
Posted on: May 9th, 2011Changes to Theft and Retail Theft Laws
Posted on: March 21st, 2011Prior to 2011 Retail Theft could be enhanced to a felony if the retail value of the merchandise stolen exceeded $150.00. However, beginning January 1, 2011 the threshold value was changed to $300.00. Additionally, 720 ILCS 5/16A-11 is a new section stating that venue can be any jurisdiction where a theft occurred in a continuing course of conduct. This section means that a person can be prosecuted in any jurisdiction in which one or more of the thefts occurred when there is a continuing course of conduct between multiple jurisdictions.
New Stop Light Camera Rules- 2011
Posted on: February 22nd, 2011The Illinois Legislature has made new stop light camera rules for 2011.
First, in most cases the new law requires that all violations must be reviewed and approved by a law enforcement officer or retired law enforcement officer of the municipality or county issuing the violation. This probably offers no real protections for drivers. However, the law is also amended to prohibit an additional fee from being charged if a driver exercises his or her right to an administrative hearing. Further. people must be given at least 25 days after an administrative hearing to pay any civil penalty imposed.
New Secretary of State Rules for 2011
Posted on: February 16th, 2011The Illinois Legislature has created some new rules concerning the Illinois Secretary of State’s administration of driving privileges for 2011.
New Laws -2011- part 2- Sentencing, Fees and Fines
Posted on: February 8th, 2011As of January 1, 2011 the Illinois Legislature serves up increased fines and fees.
1. Company Logos on Work Trucks: 625 ILCS 5/12-713 requires every second division vehicle to display on the side of the truck or trailer the name for the company for which it is employed. The name shall be in letters at least 2 inches tall and one-half inch wide. Violating this law is a petty offense with a minimum fine of $500. Before 2011 the fine was $100.
Changes to Illinois Traffic Law in 2011
Posted on: February 1st, 2011The Illinois Legislature wishes residents a Happy New Year with lots of new laws to keep us safe and make some money for the cash strapped state.
First, as of January 1, 2011 even the sick and disabled are required to use safety belts. 625 ILCS 5/12-603 now states that “[e]ach driver of a motor vehicle transporting a passenger who is unable, due to infirmity, illness or age, to properly adjust and fasten a seat safety belt…shall secure the passenger in a properly adjusted and fastened seat safety belt…”
Cannabis Decriminalization in Illinois?
Posted on: January 25th, 2011On January 12, 2011 LaShawn Ford (8th Legislative District State Representative) introduced House Bill 100. Mr. Ford’s bill amends the Cannabis Control Act, which currently outlaws the possession of cannabis. The proposed amendment provides that possession of less than one ounce of cannabis is a petty offense punishable by fine only. A first offense provides for a $500 fine, $750 for a second offense and $1,000 for a third or subsequent offense.
Driver’s License Suspensions
Posted on: October 17th, 2010Everyone at some point is the unlucky recipient of a traffic ticket. Immediately the driver is faced with legitimate concerns. There is always the possibility of a fine, a court appearance causing missed work or even a conviction on the driver’s record. However, one aspect of a traffic ticket that is many times overlooked is the effect it may have on the driver’s license.
Petition To Revoke
Posted on: June 23rd, 2010A petition to revoke is a document filed by a prosecutor in a criminal case. When a person is on probation, conditional discharge or supervision he or she must abide by a set of conditions to avoid the full penalty allowed by law in a particular case. If the prosecutor has reason to believe the person has not followed the conditions, a petition to revoke is filed.
Consent to search
Posted on: April 26th, 2010A recent case that Harter & Schottland won is a good example of how the notion of “apparent authority” controls the validity of a search. A similar case was reviewed by an Illinois appellate court.
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