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Crime & Traffic

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Juvenile justice system

Resources that help if you have a juvenile For misdemeanor offenses, a defendant is considered a juvenile if the offense occurred when they were 17 or younger.For felony offenses, a defendant is considered a juvenile if the offense occurred when they were 16 or younger. offense issue.

What do abbreviations on a RAP sheet mean?
Explains the common shortening of words on a RAP sheet so that you can understand your arrest record. Includes abbreviations of charges, sentences, dispositions, court terms, police terms, and convictions.
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Juveniles in the criminal justice system
Learn what happens when a juvenile is arrested in Illinois, their rights during questioning, and when they can be tried as an adult.
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Criminal records common questions
Find answers to common questions about criminal records in Illinois, including how they’re created, who can see them, how to fix mistakes, and ways to clear them.
FAQ
Finding my juvenile arrest records - Cook County
Find out how to request juvenile arrest records in Cook County. Learn where to go, what to bring, and how long it takes to get your records.
How-To
Expunge juvenile records
A program to help you complete the forms to ask the court to expunge your juvenile records.
Easy Form
Should I clear my criminal record for immigration purposes?
Explains how hiding or erasing your criminal or juvenile record might affect your immigration status.
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Juvenile expungement basics
Find out how to expunge your juvenile record in Illinois, including which charges qualify for automatic expungement and your options if they don’t.
Guide
My right to counsel
The Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees the right to have a lawyer for criminal prosecutions. This article explains the rights you have to a lawyer and how to get free representation if you face potential imprisonment.
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Juvenile record basics
Learn about juvenile records in Illinois, including who can see them, how to request copies, and when they may be expunged.
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New parole opportunities for people under 21
Explains changes in parole hearings for people under 21, effective June 2019 and 2024.
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Do I have to tell employers about my juvenile record?
Explains when you have to tell employers about your juvenile record.
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What to do if someone you know has been arrested by the police
This article explains initial steps to taken when someone you know has been arrested by the police.
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Starting a request to expunge or seal a juvenile arrest record
Explains how to expunge a juvenile record in Illinois, including how to gather your records, which ones qualify, the forms you need, and where to file them.
How-To
What Illinois laws take effect January 1, 2024?
Details new Illinois laws passed in 2023 that go into effect on January 1, 2024.
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Juvenile law: Pre-delinquency and delinquency
A resource for lawyers on juvenile justice in Illinois, covering services for children, status offenses, diversion, transfer of jurisdiction, trials, sentencing, appeals, post-disposition review, and federal juvenile law.
IICLE
Elements of Illinois law: Domestic relations and juvenile law
Manual on domestic relations and juvenile law, including editable forms. 2023 Edition.
IICLE