How is a Fake ID Different From Obstructing Identification in Illinois?

Across the State of Illinois, it is often a crime to possess or use a fraudulent ID card, which is also referred to as a “fake ID.” In more recent times, the General Assembly created a new law that prohibits any person from obstructing identification. Although these offenses might seem similar, they are actually completely separate crimes.  

How Does Illinois Define and Punish Obstructing Identification?

The Illinois laws against obstructing identification appear at 720 ILCS 5/31-4.5. Under this section, it is unlawful to intentionally or knowingly supply a false or fictitious name, address, or birthdate to a police officer who has:

    Arrested the person in question lawfully; Detained the person in question lawfully; or Requested information from a person, when there is good cause to believe that the person witnessed a crime.

A violation of Section 31-4.5 is normally charged as a Class A misdemeanor. If [...]

Written by on July 23, 2021

Regular vs. Aggravated Vehicular Hijacking Under Illinois Law

Commonly referred to as carjacking, the Illinois Criminal Code prohibits both regular and aggravated vehicular hijacking. These crimes are closely related to robbery but involve motor vehicles instead of other types of property. Any person who commits regular or aggravated vehicular hijacking can face severe punishment for their actions.

Vehicular Hijacking

720 ILCS 5/18-3 supplies the Illinois laws against and penalties for vehicular hijacking. Under this section, a person commits vehicular hijacking if they knowingly:

    Take a motor vehicle from someone else’s person or presence; and Use force or the threat of imminent force to complete the offense. 

A vehicular hijacking offense in violation of Section 18-3 is typically charged as a Class 1 felony. If convicted, the punishment can include four to 15 years in prison and up to $25,000 in criminal fines. Probation or conditional discharge of up to 48 months is available for Class 1 [...]

Written by on July 16, 2021

Prison Sentence Levied for Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse in Illinois

A man from Normal, Illinois received a five-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to aggravated criminal sexual abuse, according to an article by The Pantagraph. 

According to court documents, this Illinois man engaged in multiple acts of sexual contact with a minor child in 2020. The authorities levied three charges against the Illinois man in December. But the prosecution dropped two of the charges pursuant to a plea agreement. 

Even though the Illinois man in question already received their sentence, it seems appropriate to review the Illinois statutes governing regular and aggravated criminal sexual abuse. 

Criminal Sexual Abuse

The Illinois laws against criminal sexual abuse appear at 720 ILCS 5/11-1.50. There are two different variations of this offense under Illinois law. First, it is unlawful to:

    Commit a sexual act through the use or threat of force; or Commit a sexual act, knowing that the victim is
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Written by on July 8, 2021

Aggravated Robbery Lands Illinois Man in Prison for 15 Years

After pleading guilty to aggravated robbery of a Bloomington hotel, an Illinois man received a 15-year prison sentence, according to an article by The Pantagraph. 

The robbery incident in question occurred on January 7, 2020 at the Best Western located at 604 1/2 IAA Drive in Bloomington. That is when the Illinois man entered the hotel and demanded money from an employee. According to court documents, the Illinois man indicated verbally that he was armed with a weapon and used the threat of force to complete the crime.

After the Illinois man left the hotel with an undisclosed amount of money, the Bloomington police arrived at the scene. At first, police officers were unable to locate the Illinois man. But they later apprehended and arrested the Illinois man after responding to reports of disorderly conduct in the 2000 block of Rainbow Avenue.

Since the arrest, the Illinois man declined [...]

Written by on July 2, 2021