Medical Marijuana Laws in Illinois

Illinois Authorities Charge California Man With Cannabis Trafficking

A California man faces criminal charges for cannabis trafficking after bringing approximately 86 pounds of cannabis into Illinois, according to an article by The Pantagraph. This man also faces criminal charges for possession of cannabis with intent to deliver. 

This incident stems from a traffic stop in McLean County on Thursday, October 7. When police pulled over the California man near Interstate 55, they also discovered cannabis that was divided into individual packages weighing about one pound each. 

Prosecutors stated that the 86 pounds of cannabis in question had a street value of $170,000 to $430,000, depending on certain factors. The California man allegedly grew the cannabis with the intent of delivering it to Ohio for eventual sale. 

As a result of this incident, the California man faces Illinois charges for cannabis trafficking and possession with intent to deliver. In light of these charges, it seems like a proper [...]

Written by on October 15, 2021

How Does Illinois Define and Punish Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault?

Criminal sexual assault is an Illinois crime that involves sexual penetration and, in many cases, the use or threat of force. In addition to the standard version of this offense, Illinois law also provides for aggravated criminal sexual assault. As explained in more detail below, the presence of certain aggravating factors can dramatically increase the penalties for criminal sexual assault in Illinois. 

What is the Illinois Definition of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault?

720 ILCS 5/11-1.30 establishes the Illinois definition of aggravated criminal sexual assault. Under this law, the aggravated version of this offense applies when a person commits criminal sexual assault and also:

    Displays, uses, or threatens to use any dangerous weapon or similar object that reasonably appears to be a dangerous weapon; Inflicts bodily harm to the victim; Threatens or endangers the life any person; Commits or attempts to commit a separate felony crime; Commits the offense against
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Written by on October 1, 2021

Illinois Burglary and Forgery Charges Levied Against Man in McLean County

Local authorities in McLean County charged a man with burglary and forgery after allegedly tendering a fraudulent check, according to an article by The Pantagraph.

Charging documents indicated that this man attempted to use a fraudulent check at a Commerce Bank branch in Normal, Illinois. The fraudulent check in question was in the amount of $2,300.

At this point, the man in question secured his release from police custody with a $25,000 personal recognizance bond. While this man awaits an arraignment scheduled for October 8, it seems like a proper moment to review the Illinois statutes that govern burglary and forgery offenses. 

Burglary

The Illinois laws against burglary appear at 720 ILCS 5/19-1. Under this section, a person commits burglary if they knowingly and without authority:

    Enter or remain within an aircraft, building, motor vehicle, railroad car, trailer, or watercraft; and Demonstrate an intent to commit theft or
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Written by on September 24, 2021

Illinois Man Charged with Criminal Trespass to Stolen Vehicle

A man from Bloomington, Illinois faces charges for criminal trespass to and possession of a stolen vehicle, according to an article by The Pantagraph.

According to reports, this 19-year-old man allegedly stole a passenger vehicle from its owner. After law enforcement arrested this man, the authorities charged him with criminal trespass to vehicles and possession of a stolen vehicle. 

The Illinois man secured his release from police custody with a $3,000 personal recognizance bond in advance of a September 24 arraignment. While this legal case continues to develop, it seems like a proper instance to review several applicable laws and penalties under the Illinois Criminal Code. 

Criminal Trespass to Vehicles

720 ILCS 5/21-2 explains the Illinois laws against criminal trespass to vehicles. Under this section, it is unlawful to knowingly and without authorization:

    Enter any part of any vehicle, aircraft, watercraft, or snowmobile; or Operate any vehicle, aircraft, watercraft,
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Written by on September 17, 2021