Crime & Traffic

As of September 18, 2023, Illinois courts no longer use a cash bail system. Instead, they use a “pretrial release” system as allowed by the SAFE-T Act. Learn more about this new system and what it means.

Learn more about new Illinois laws passed in 2025, including those going into effect on January 1, 2026.

This article explains what a bond is, the elimination of bonds in Illinois, and how judges now decide whether to release someone before their trial.

Learn about guilty pleas, including what rights you give up, the consequences, and how to ask to withdraw your plea.

Find out what to expect and what steps to take after being charged with a crime.

Learn the basics of criminal charges, pleas, and sentencing, including how the process works and what to expect.

Problem-solving courts help eligible defendants with drug, mental health, DUI, or veteran issues avoid jail through treatment programs and expungement.

Learn about drug court and how to expunge your record after completing the program.

Answers to common questions about criminal charges, plea bargains, sentencing, and what happens after you are charged with a crime.

These instructions explain how to ask for a public defender and how the judge decides if you qualify.

Learn about your right to a lawyer in a criminal case, what a public defender does, and when the court will appoint one.

Learn about Illinois’ new public defender law, also known as the FAIR Act. Read about the changes to how public defenders are organized and supported statewide, and what it means for you.

These FAQs provide information on public defenders, who qualifies, and how to request one.