With the advent of new technologies and our increased reliance on them, it is easier than ever for someone to get their hands on all kinds of personal information. Once an individual has access to a person’s name, address, phone number, social security number, or tax ID number, they can gain access to many personal records. 

Identity theft is not uncommon in the United States. In 2016, there were nearly 26 million victims of identity theft in the U.S, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics. Being charged with identity theft is a serious charge and can mean severe consequences if you are convicted.

Self-defense is often a legitimate argument when defending against assault or battery charges, but it can only be a defense in certain situations. If you acted in self-defense, it is possible you acted with force that would otherwise be illegal. 

Like many states, Illinois understands there are some situations in which you have no other choice but to use force to protect yourself, your loved ones, or your property. The Illinois Criminal Code contains all of the stipulations and requirements that you must meet in order to claim self-defense. Depending on the circumstances, defending against charges of assault or battery can be difficult, but it can be made easier with the help of a knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer.

In Illinois, there are many ways you can lose your driving privileges. Not paying child support, not appearing in court when you are summoned, not paying traffic tickets or fines, and DUI are ways your driver’s license can be suspended or revoked. 

Another common way driver’s license suspensions or revocations take place is when you accumulate too many points on your driving record during a certain period of time. The ability to drive freely is something you do not know how much you would miss until it is gone. It is important to understand the Illinois points system so you can avoid license suspension or revocation.

Sex crimes are some of the most serious offenses a person can be charged with. Because of their violent and harmful nature, sex crime allegations are taken very seriously, and they also come with significant consequences if they result in a conviction. In Illinois, those convicted of certain offenses will be required to register as a sex offender for the rest of their life. In these cases, a person’s information will be uploaded to the Illinois Sex Offender Registry website, and the offender’s name, where they live, their photo, and whether or not they are compliant with registration requirements will become publicly accessible.

Offenses Which Require Sex Offender Registration

For certain offenses, whether they are misdemeanor or felony charges, a person convicted of these charges will be required to register as a sex offender. These charges include, but are not limited to:

• Indecent solicitation of a child
• Sexual exploitation of a child
• Patronizing a juvenile prostitute
• Juvenile pimping
• Possession or distribution of child pornography
• Predatory criminal sexual assault of a child
• Aggravated criminal sexual abuse
• Forcible detention
• Indecent solicitation of an adult
• Pandering, patronizing, or pimping, if the victim is under 18
• Public indecency
• Permitting sexual abuse of a child
• Aggravated kidnapping
• Unlawful restraint

In order for a person to be required to register as a sex offender, they must also meet one of a few other criteria. These include:

Regardless of your intent, you could commit a stalking offense under Illinois law. Sometimes stalking is a part of domestic violence charges, while other times it is a standalone charge. Stalking charges can affect every part of your life, from your career and living arrangements to your relationships with both family and friends. 

In this day and age, stalking can occur in many forms, which is why Illinois’ stalking law has been updated to reflect that.