Crime & Traffic

Find out which Illinois ID is right for you and what documents you need to apply for a state ID or driver’s license.

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.

Explains the rules that people must follow for self-identification with the police.

Describes a person's eligibility for a Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) card, gun ownership and use based upon prior criminal convictions.

Information about how the legal differences and punishments for assault and battery.

Explains what you have to do if you receive a subpoena from the court. Do not ignore the subpoena. Failure to reply to a subpoena could result in charges of contempt of court, fines, and even jail time.

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.

Describes the laws for using phones while driving

Explains the different levels of fireworks regulation on the federal, state, and local levels.

This Easy Form helps you ask the court to waive or reduce criminal court assessments. It can also help you ask the court to waive or reduce traffic court assessments in Cook County, Illinois.

Driving under the influence does not only mean driving under the influence of alcohol. You can be arrested for DUI if you are under the influence of any drug. If so, your ability to drive will be impacted.

The police sometimes take property from people they arrest. This explains how to get that property back.

Explains being charged with a crime, found guilty of a crime, and juvenile offenses' influence on an immigration case.

Explains Illinois state and city laws covering cyclists on the road and on sidewalks.

Gives a basic overview of the laws surrounding smoking in Illinois.

Describes when the Department of Children and Family Services DCFS would take protective custody of your children.

A blog about the Illinois Trafficking Victims Protection Act.

Information on liability and bank fees for bad checks.

Explains myth of having to bag liquor and having alcohol in a vehicle.

Describes what a criminal conviction is, how to appeal one and different types of sentences. You can ask for an appeal if you believe there was a serious error in your case. The appellate court will then review the issues you bring up.

Reporting crimes to immigration and the effects on your application.

This article explains initial steps to taken when someone you know has been arrested by the police.

Learn about your options if you don’t qualify for expungement or sealing, including certificates and waivers.

Describes what a hate crime is and how to report it.

Describes the protections you have under the Opioid Overdose Reduction Act.

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.

A handbook for lawyers on federal criminal practice, covering jurisdiction, grand juries, bail and detention, plea bargaining, motions, jury selection, sentencing, habeas corpus, and appeals.

A guide for lawyers on non-alcohol motor vehicle violations, addressing offenses, defenses, and Chicago Traffic Court rules, procedures, and practices.

A resource for lawyers on Illinois DUI cases, covering investigatory stops, probable cause, DUI defenses, sobriety and breath testing, aggravated DUI, license issues, and more.

Learn who qualifies for TASC probation and how to vacate a conviction after successfully completing it.