What is the Difference Between Illinois Kidnapping Crimes?

Kidnapping is an Illinois crime that usually occurs when a perpetrator confines a victim against their will in secret. Although force or the threat of force can be present, it is not necessarily a requirement for this type of offense. And in extraordinary situations, a perpetrator can face charges for aggravated kidnapping instead, assuming their conduct meets any of the enhanced requirements.

How Does Illinois Define Kidnapping?

720 ILCS 5/10-1 furnishes the Illinois definition of kidnapping. A person commits kidnapping under this section if they knowingly:

    Confine a victim against their will in a secretive fashion; Use force or the threat of imminent force to take a victim to another location with the intent to confine the victim against their will in a secretive fashion; or Employ deceit or enticement to induce a victim to go to another location with the intent to confine the victim against their will in
[...]

Written by on September 30, 2022

Illinois Man Allegedly Used Amtrak for Trafficking/Delivery Drug Crimes

A man from LeRoy, Illinois, faces felony charges for delivery and trafficking after allegedly using Amtrak to transport methamphetamine (“meth”) across state lines, according to an article by The Pantagraph. 

Apparently, the Illinois State Police obtained information that this Illinois man was making trips to St. Louis and returning to McLean County with large amounts of meth. But on September 14, police officers tailed the Illinois man after leaving the train station and executed a traffic stop. After a K9 unit indicated the presence of drugs, police searched the vehicle and seized 223.9 grams of meth.

As a result of this incident, the Illinois man faces criminal charges for meth trafficking and delivery. Based on the information at hand, it seems appropriate to review the Illinois laws against and penalties for meth delivery and trafficking crimes. 

Illinois Laws Against Meth Delivery

The Illinois laws against the delivery of meth [...]

Written by on September 22, 2022

How Does Illinois Define and Punish Reckless Driving?

In addition to driving under the influence (DUI), the Illinois Vehicle Code prohibits other dangerous driving behavior. Reckless driving is one of these traffic offenses that can result in misdemeanor or felony charges and penalties that include jail or prison time and criminal fines. 

How Does Illinois Define Reckless Driving?

The Illinois definition of reckless driving appears under 625 ILCS 5/11-503. This section establishes two different versions of reckless driving. 

First, a person commits reckless driving under Section 11-503 if they drive any vehicle with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of other people or property.

Second, a person commits reckless driving under Section 11-503 if they knowingly drive any vehicle and use an incline in a road — including but not necessarily limited to a bridge approach, hill, or railroad crossing — to send their vehicle airborne. 

What is the Illinois Punishment for Reckless Driving?

The [...]

Written by on September 16, 2022

Medical Marijuana Laws in Illinois

Illinois Man Charged with Cannabis Delivery Crime

A 31-year-old man from Peoria, Illinois, faces criminal charges for cannabis delivery in McLean County, according to an article by The Pantagraph. 

Official reports indicate that Illinois State Police Task Force 6 conducted a controlled transaction using a confidential informant. The confidential informant allegedly met with the Illinois man to purchase approximately one ounce of cannabis. After the transaction concluded, the authorities arrested the Illinois man and charged him with the delivery of cannabis. 

During a bond hearing on September 8, a local judge determined there was probable cause to keep the Illinois man in police custody. Furthermore, the local judge set his bond in the amount of $100,000. 

While this case continues to play out in court, it seems like a good opportunity to review the Illinois laws and penalties for cannabis delivery. 

Illinois Laws Against Cannabis Delivery

720 ILCS 550/5 furnishes the Illinois laws against the delivery [...]

Written by on September 9, 2022