In an increasingly rare show of bipartisan agreement, Republican Governor Bruce Rauner has signed a number of bills into law that are intended to bolster the state’s effort to reform existing Illinois criminal justice laws, especially with respect to juveniles. Citing a need to help individuals gain a second chance at becoming productive citizens and avoiding a cycle of incarceration, Rauner acknowledged the fact that most crime is attributable to factors such as mental illness, addiction, and a lack of basic job skills or training. As a result, Rauner characterized these reforms as a more …

Shoplifting, or what is commonly referred to as retail theft, occurs when you take something that does not belong to you from a store or other type of business. While it may seem minor in nature, it is a negative mark on your criminal history that you may have to disclose to prospective employers. The reality is that any criminal conviction involving theft or deception will only have negative repercussions for you, your family, and your future. Fortunately, with the help of experienced Illinois criminal defense lawyers, you may be able to avoid a negative result.

Conviction of a DUI (driving under the influence) in the state of Illinois can have serious, lasting consequences. In fact, even first-time offenders run the risk of losing their license, jail time, and significant fines. Furthermore, the DUI laws in Illinois are progressive, so each additional offense results in even heavier penalties. If you or someone you love has recently been arrested for a DUI, understand the consequences and how to best protect your rights.

Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner has signed a bill into law that limits how police officers can use devices designed to collect vast amounts of cell phone data. Privacy advocates, such as the ACLU, have highly praised the new legislation, calling it a much-needed protection of individuals’ rights to privacy. In recent months, cell site simulator device has been at the center of a lawsuit against the Chicago Police Department, in which plaintiffs are asking for the release of records showing how the police are using the technology.

According to a recent news article, Governor Bruce Rauner has worked closely with representatives of the Illinois State Police and the legislature in order to essentially decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana. Lawmakers finalized Senate Bill 2228 on June 16, 2016, and sent it to the Governor, who signed it on July 27, 2016. Although Rauner failed to sign a similar measure into law last year, he indicated that he would be willing to sign it if legislators made certain provisions in the bill stronger, which they did.