Illinois’ fireworks ban could land you in jail
Illinois’ fireworks ban could land you in jail
Illinois remains one of only four states to impose severe restrictions on the purchase and use of consumer fireworks.
Manteno case sheds light on absurdity, severity of Illinois’ eavesdropping law
Manteno case sheds light on absurdity, severity of Illinois’ eavesdropping law
Illinois’ eavesdropping law is clear as mud on the matter of recording authority figures, which has led to a number of contentious legal battles and attempts at reform in recent years. Boron is not alone.
Illinois 13-year-old charged with eavesdropping felony for recording meeting with principal
Illinois 13-year-old charged with eavesdropping felony for recording meeting with principal
Illinois’ eavesdropping law is one of the nation’s most severe, but leaves ample room for ambiguity.
Jason Spyres
Jason Spyres
“I served 15 years in prison, and now owe $268,000 in fines because I sold pot when I was 19 and 20. “I got out of prison and all of my counselors told me, ‘Jason, you get out there and you make the life you told me you were going to make. We’re so proud....
General Assembly passes bill expanding medical marijuana access as opioid alternative
General Assembly passes bill expanding medical marijuana access as opioid alternative
Lawmakers in Springfield are seeking to offer patients with debilitating conditions the option to replace opioids with medical marijuana.
Illinois lawmakers pass bill raising legal age of tobacco, e-cigarette purchases to 21
Illinois lawmakers pass bill raising legal age of tobacco, e-cigarette purchases to 21
Pending the governor’s signature, the bill would expand Chicago’s smoking age restriction statewide.
Leave your 13-year-old home alone? Police can take her into custody under Illinois law
Leave your 13-year-old home alone? Police can take her into custody under Illinois law
Illinois’ law mandating a minimum age for leaving children home alone is the strictest of its kind in the nation.
Bill to expunge marijuana convictions passes House committee
Bill to expunge marijuana convictions passes House committee
House Bill 2367 would allow those convicted of marijuana possession before Illinois decriminalized marijuana to petition for expungement of their guilty plea or criminal conviction.
Just reward: A 2017 comeback story for the ages
Just reward: A 2017 comeback story for the ages
State lawmakers would be wise to re-examine the barriers to second chances and first careers throughout the state.
The gift of a second chance
The gift of a second chance
Illinois has started to embrace second chances for people who have been through the criminal justice system.
Last day for refunds on Chicago red-light and speed camera tickets
Last day for refunds on Chicago red-light and speed camera tickets
Motorists have only hours left to seek a refund from the city of Chicago.
Record sealing, expungement have the power to reduce crime, benefit Illinois’ economy
Record sealing, expungement have the power to reduce crime, benefit Illinois’ economy
In 2017 the Illinois General Assembly passed two bills that can improve employment outcomes for ex-offenders, potentially reducing crime and saving millions of dollars.
Bad record keeping allows police misconduct to go unpunished
Bad record keeping allows police misconduct to go unpunished
ProPublica Illinois and the Chicago Tribune’s groundbreaking report shows how disciplinary actions for Chicago police officers fall through the cracks.
Chicago Ald. Ed Burke wants to fine pedestrians up to $500 for ‘distracted walking’
Chicago Ald. Ed Burke wants to fine pedestrians up to $500 for ‘distracted walking’
The proposal would fine pedestrians $90 for checking their phone at city intersections and $500 for the offense of being distracted.