Police Search for Robbery Suspect in Normal, Illinois

The Normal Police Department is searching for a suspect in the alleged robbery of a delivery driver, according to an article by The Pantagraph. 

This incident occurred on Tuesday, April 26 at approximately 6 p.m. At that point, the delivery driver just dropped off a food order near Northbrook Drive and Orlando Avenue. That is when the robbery suspect approached the delivery driver. 

The robbery suspect allegedly claimed to have a firearm and demanded cash from the delivery driver. After taking a small amount of cash from the delivery driver, the robbery suspect escaped the scene on foot. The delivery driver did not sustain injury as a result of this incident. 

While the authorities continue to search for this robbery suspect, it seems appropriate to review robbery and aggravated robbery offenses under Illinois law. 

Robbery Under Illinois Law

The Illinois laws against robbery appear at 720 ILCS 5/18-1. [...]

Written by on May 6, 2022

Bloomington Carjacking Lawyer

Explaining Two Versions of Vehicular Hijacking Crimes in Illinois

Standard and aggravated vehicular hijacking represent two serious offenses under the Illinois Criminal Code. Often referred to as carjacking in common parlance, these offenses involve the theft of a motor vehicle using force or the threat of force. Furthermore, the presence of certain aggravating factors can lead to enhanced penalties under Illinois law. 

    Vehicular Hijacking

720 ILCS 5/18-3 supplies the Illinois laws against vehicular hijacking. This section prohibits any person from knowingly:

    Taking a motor vehicle from the person or immediate presence of a victim; and Using force or the threat of imminent force to complete the act. 

Section 18-3 also explains the Illinois penalty for vehicular hijacking. Any person who commits this offense will typically face Class 1 felony charges. If convicted for a Class 1 felony in Illinois, the penalties can include imprisonment for four to 15 years and criminal fines up to $25,000. Though certain offenders may [...]

Written by on April 29, 2022

Illinois Minor Pleads Guilty to Felony Gun Crime

A 16-year-old boy from Bloomington, Illinois pleaded guilty to felony charges for unlawful possession of a firearm, according to an article by The Pantagraph.

Local authorities arrested this Illinois minor in November of 2021 at Bloomington High School. Apparently, school officials suspected that the minor was in possession of cannabis. But when they searched his backpack, they discovered a firearm instead. When law enforcement arrived at the scene, they confiscated a loaded handgun with 10 rounds. 

Approximately three weeks after his arrest, the authorities charged this Illinois minor as an adult for the felony of unlawful possession of a firearm and several other offenses. 

While this Illinois minor awaits formal sentencing on June 7, it seems like a proper occasion to review the Illinois laws against and penalties for unlawful possession of a firearm. 

Unlawful Possession of a Firearm in Illinois

720 ILCS 5/24-3.1 defines what qualifies as unlawful [...]

Written by on April 22, 2022

How Does Illinois Punish Prostitution Crimes?

Prostitution is a sexual offense under the Illinois Criminal Code. Typically, this offense requires a person to perform — or offer or agree to perform — an act of sexual conduct or penetration. In addition, a prostitution offender must receive or agree to receive money or similar consideration in exchange for performing sexual acts. 

What are the Illinois Laws Against Prostitution?

The Illinois laws against prostitution appear under 720 ILCS 5/11-14. This section prohibits any person from knowingly:

    Performing or offering or agreeing to perform any act of sexual penetration; or Touching or fondling sex organs for the purpose of sexual arousal or gratification; and Receiving anything of value in exchange.

In terms of assessing this offense, it is important to understand the Illinois definition of “sexual penetration” under 720 ILCS 5/11-0.1. This section defines sexual penetration as:

    Any contact, no matter how slight, between the sex organ
[...]

Written by on April 15, 2022