Practice resources

These resources are written for legal professionals doing legal aid or pro bono work. If you do not have legal training, they may be difficult to understand. Visit resources from the main menu for legal information written and designed for the public. Note: IICLE resources are only available to legal aid employees.

Crime & Traffic Resources
Safety from abuse or assault
(4 resources)
Service on the Respondent
This is a chapter in our Orders of Protection lawyer manual. It covers how to serve the respondent, as well as enforcement of the EOP.
Response by Respondent
This is a chapter in our Orders of Protection lawyer manual. It covers how a respondent can respond to being served with a Petition.
Issues Involving Abuse, Neglect, and Dependency
Gives information about situations involving abuse, neglect, or dependency.
Lawyer Manuals
After plenary order is in effect
This is a chapter in our Orders of Protection lawyer manual. It covers what happens after a plenary OP is in effect, like how it can be terminated or modified.
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Cars, driver's licenses, traffic and parking tickets
(4 resources)
Illinois Statutory Used Car Warranty
IL law on used car warranties
Lawyer Manuals
Service of summons
Learn about service of summons in a traffic accident case in Illinois.
Lawyer Manuals
Remedies Available Under the CFA
Gives information about the types of remedies available under the CFA.
Lawyer Manuals
Getting back a repossessed car or personal property left in the car
The debtor should get back any personal property left in the car. Unless the creditor also had a security interest in the property inside the car, which is not likely, a repossession agent must follow two rules.
Lawyer Manuals
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Criminal records
(3 resources)
Criminal records: Expungement and other relief
A guide for lawyers on expungement and sealing in Illinois, including juvenile records, Cook County practice, identity theft, job and housing impacts, pardons, and recent reforms.
IICLE
Defending Criminal Cases: Trials, Sentencing, Appeals, and Post trial Issues
A resource for lawyers on Illinois criminal practice, covering trial strategy, evidence, sentencing, appeals, post-conviction hearings, and habeas corpus.
IICLE
Defending criminal cases: Pretrial issues, guilty pleas, and defenses
A resource for lawyers on Illinois criminal defense, covering arrest, search and seizure, confessions, discovery, pretrial motions, cybercrimes, defenses, plea bargaining, and trial preparation.
IICLE
A crime I saw or was hurt by
(2 resources)
What to know if you think Chicago police violated your rights
What to know if you think Chicago police violated your rights and you want to sue them a guide for the public produced by First Defense Legal Aid to provide general details about police misconduct lawsuits.

Text article
Premises liability
Manual for practitioners outlining premises liability, including the elements of a case and common defenses and immunities. 2021 Edition.
IICLE
Abuse, neglect, human trafficking
(4 resources)
Service on the Respondent
This is a chapter in our Orders of Protection lawyer manual. It covers how to serve the respondent, as well as enforcement of the EOP.
Response by Respondent
This is a chapter in our Orders of Protection lawyer manual. It covers how a respondent can respond to being served with a Petition.
After plenary order is in effect
This is a chapter in our Orders of Protection lawyer manual. It covers what happens after a plenary OP is in effect, like how it can be terminated or modified.
Orders of Protection training for Legal Answers volunteers
A brief video training that covers Orders of Protection, including emergency orders, plenary orders, and termination/extension of existing orders. This training is designed for volunteers in ILAO's Legal Answers program, but is suitable for anyone interested in this topic.
Video
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Police (arrest, charge, or search)
(4 resources)
What to know if you think Chicago police violated your rights
What to know if you think Chicago police violated your rights and you want to sue them a guide for the public produced by First Defense Legal Aid to provide general details about police misconduct lawsuits.

Text article
James J. Ahern on DUI caselaw
A lawyer resource on Illinois DUI law, including DUI and summary suspension cases, trial advocacy strategies, and practical forms for litigation.
IICLE
Defending Criminal Cases: Trials, Sentencing, Appeals, and Post trial Issues
A resource for lawyers on Illinois criminal practice, covering trial strategy, evidence, sentencing, appeals, post-conviction hearings, and habeas corpus.
IICLE
Defending criminal cases: Pretrial issues, guilty pleas, and defenses
A resource for lawyers on Illinois criminal defense, covering arrest, search and seizure, confessions, discovery, pretrial motions, cybercrimes, defenses, plea bargaining, and trial preparation.
IICLE
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Juvenile justice system or record
(2 resources)
Defending Criminal Cases: Trials, Sentencing, Appeals, and Post trial Issues
A resource for lawyers on Illinois criminal practice, covering trial strategy, evidence, sentencing, appeals, post-conviction hearings, and habeas corpus.
IICLE
Elements of Illinois law: Domestic relations and juvenile law
Manual on domestic relations and juvenile law, including editable forms. 2023 Edition.
IICLE
Prisoners' rights
(1 resources)
Defending Criminal Cases: Trials, Sentencing, Appeals, and Post trial Issues
A resource for lawyers on Illinois criminal practice, covering trial strategy, evidence, sentencing, appeals, post-conviction hearings, and habeas corpus.
IICLE
Other crime and traffic issues
(4 resources)
Working with the insurance company
Advanced level content. In Illinois registered vehicles must be insured for liability purposes with the following minimum limits: $250,000 for injury or death to one person in an accident; $50,000 for injury or death of more than one person in an accident; and $20,000 for damage to property of…
Lawyer Manuals
James J. Ahern on DUI caselaw
A lawyer resource on Illinois DUI law, including DUI and summary suspension cases, trial advocacy strategies, and practical forms for litigation.
IICLE
Elements of Illinois law: criminal law
A resource for lawyers on Illinois criminal law, offering an overview of felony and misdemeanor defense in state courts, with insights for both new and experienced lawyers.
IICLE
Defending criminal cases: Pretrial issues, guilty pleas, and defenses
A resource for lawyers on Illinois criminal defense, covering arrest, search and seizure, confessions, discovery, pretrial motions, cybercrimes, defenses, plea bargaining, and trial preparation.
IICLE
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