Cannbis Law

Illinois lawmakers became the first to legalize the adult (21 and over) use of cannabis through legislation, rather than ballot initiative. The law was enacted on Jan. 1, 2020, with licensed sellers providing the herb at the retail level. 

The law allows Illinois residents age 21 and over to purchase up to one ounce of flower (dried herb) and up to five grams of cannabis concentrate (such as hashish or tincture). Illinois visitors are able to possess half those amounts. The law allows adults to consume cannabis either in their homes or at certain approved establishments. Businesses and landlords have the right to refuse its use on their properties.#Cannabis, #marijuana, 

Gun Laws

To legally possess firearms or ammunition, Illinois residents must have a Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) card, which is issued by the Illinois State Police on a shall-issue basis. Non-residents who may legally possess firearms in their home state are exempt from this requirement.

The state police issue licenses for the concealed carry of handguns to qualified applicants age 21 or older who pass a 16-hour training course. However, any law enforcement agency can object to an individual being granted a license "based upon a reasonable suspicion that the applicant is a danger to himself or herself or others, or a threat to public safety". Objections are considered by a Concealed Carry Licensing Review Board, which decides whether or not the license will be issued, based on "a preponderance of the evidence". Licenses issued by other states are not recognized, except for carry in a vehicle. Open carry is prohibited in most areas. When a firearm is being transported by a person without a concealed carry license, it must be unloaded and enclosed in a case, or broken down in a non-functioning state, or not immediately accessible. #gunlaws,

Animal Cruelty

Cruel treatment. (a) No person or owner may beat, cruelly treat, torment, starve, overwork or otherwise abuse any animal. (b) No owner may abandon any animal where it may become a public charge or may suffer injury, hunger or exposure. People who are suspected of being guilty of cruelty to animals or neglect may be prosecuted under Class B misdemeanor. The punishment for Class B misdemeanor is prison term of up to six months. Aggravated cruelty is charged as a Class 4 felony. #animalcruelty,

Grounds for Divorce

In order for a person to get a divorce in the past, they had to prove their spouse did something wrong. The reasons could be things like desertion, cruelty, or adultery.

In 2016, Illinois made some huge updates to its divorce law. One of the biggest changes was that Illinois officially became a No-Fault divorce state. This means that you no longer have to prove any sort of wrongdoing to get a divorce. Currently, the only reason accepted for divorce in Illinois is irreconcilable differences.

Many people expect a cheating spouse to be “punished” as part of a divorce. They think that proof of infidelity is enough to sway a judge when deciding child custody or alimony. However, this is not the case. Adultery can’t be used as legal grounds to make decisions on property division, child custody, or support. #adultery, #nofaultdivorce, 

Scott's Law

Scott's Law, 625 ILCS 5/11-907, is a mandatory move over law in the state of Illinois. The law requires that all motorists move over when encountering stopped or disabled vehicles displaying warning lights.Applies to drivers approaching any police or other emergency vehicle stopped along the roadway. When approaching an emergency vehicle with flashing lights, drivers are required to change lanes (if possible), reduce speed and proceed with caution. #scott'slaw,

Statute Of Frauds

Illinois's statute of frauds requires the following types of promises or agreements to be in writing: A promise to pay for the debt or default of another person (740 ILCS 80/1). Any agreement in consideration of marriage (740 ILCS 80/1). An agreement for the sale or lease or other disposition of real property.#statuteoffrauds,

Order Of Protection

Any person who violates an order of protection in Illinois will likely face Class A misdemeanor charges. The punishment can include up to one year in jail and a $2,500 fine. The court may also sentence the defendant to probation, counseling, and community service. If the offender was not served, the judge will reschedule the hearing for another day. If that happens and you have an emergency order, the order will be extended until the date of the next hearing. How long will the plenary order last? A plenary protective order can last up to two years. #Order Of Protection,

general Release

A general release is a written contract in which one or more parties agree to give up legal causes of action against the other party in exchange for adequate consideration (that is, something of value to which the party releasing the legal claims is not already entitled). General release of claims agreements are used in a variety of business situations and allows a company that is providing a service to reduce their risk of a lawsuit. Some common types of liability subject to a release of claims include: Auto accidents. Activity waivers. Personal property damage. #generalrelease,

Pets As Marital Property

If the court finds the companion animal is not a marital asset, then the person will be awarded his/her non-marital property. If the court finds that the companion animal is a marital asset, the court shall then allocate the sole or joint ownership of and responsibility for the animal. Under the new Illinois law, a judge can grant a couple joint custody over a pet in a divorce proceeding.  If it is determined that each of the owners would like to share ownership of the pet and that they could both afford to care for it properly, a judge may decide that joint custody is the best option.  How this custody is determined would not be unlike shared custody of children, with each member of the couple agreeing to time with the pet as well as who provides what for them. #petsindivorce, 

Age Discrimination in Employment

The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA) protects certain applicants and employees 40 years of age and older from discrimination on the basis of age in hiring, promotion, discharge, compensation, or terms, conditions or privileges of employment.#agediscrimination,

Plenary Order Of Protection

The law in Illinois provides that an order of protection can last for up to two years. This is called a plenary order.

A plenary order of protection comes about when the respondent was served by the sheriff with a petition for an emergency order of protection alleging abuse or harassment. In these cases, the respondent must be given an opportunity to be heard in court.

Once a plenary order is put into place by the court, it will remain in place for the full timeline. The only way it can be removed during the two-year period is if the petitioner agrees to vacate the order. #plenaryorderofprotection,

Illegal Transportation of Open Alcohol

It is illegal for any driver to transport, carry, possess or have any open alcohol container in the passenger area of any motor vehicle upon a highway in Illinois. Open alcohol includes, but is not limited to, open beer, wine, liquor and champagne.

Passengers of vehicles may also be charged with violating this statute. The only exception under the law relates to the possession of open alcohol in the passenger areas of limousines, chartered buses, and motorhomes or mini motorhomes. The container of alcohol must be separated from the driver of the vehicle by a partition.

Alcoholic beverages must remain in their original container with the seal unbroken if transported in the passenger area of the vehicle. If you choose to transport an open container of alcohol, it must be secured in the trunk of your vehicle to avoid breaking Illinois law.#illegaltransportationofopenalcohol, #openalcoholincar,