Recent Articles

2009 Brings New Laws, Court Costs to Illinois

January 04, 2009 17:03

The New Year has brought into effect more than 100 new laws in Illinois. In addition, court costs for various types of cases and procedures are on the rise. Here is a summary of some of the most notable legislative changes.The New Year has brought into effect more than 100 new laws in Illinois. ...

Gift Card Expiration Dates -- Are They Legal in Your State?

December 30, 2008 12:45

The National Retail Federation reports an estimated $24.9 billion was spent on gift cards this holiday season. In recent years there have been numerous warnings in the press about expiring gift cards...Illinois law restricts gift cards from expiring for five years...The National Retail Federation...

DUI Laws Toughen Up When the Clock Strikes 2009

December 26, 2008 10:47

If you're planning a New Year's Eve celebration that involves alcohol, you may be one of the first to face Illinois' new DUI laws. Beginning January 1, 2009, Illinois drivers face tough changes to the state’s DUI laws affecting first-time DUI offenders...If you're planning a New Year's Eve c...

Holiday purchases promising rebates may not be such a bargain

December 24, 2008 17:22

The Yahoo! Technology Blog warns readers that mail-in rebates promised on a number of products this holiday season may not pay out. CPG Promotions Group, one of the largest providers of rebate services to the tech industry, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in November...CPG handled...

ABA Journal Survey Results Available

December 20, 2008 11:50

Last month as a courtesy to the ABA Journal we posted a link to its survey of attorneys on the economic impact on the profession. Results are available by following this link.Last month as a courtesy to the ABA Journal we posted a link to its survey of attorneys on the economic impact on the...

Kane prosecutor calls for lower bail to reduce jail crowding

December 07, 2008 16:59

Some nonviolent criminals might spend less time in Kane County's new jail under a plan to offset crowding by setting lower bail for defendants with steady jobs and living conditions...Some nonviolent criminals might spend less time in Kane County's new jail under a plan to offset crowding by...

New Illinois laws coming in January

November 30, 2008 14:44

Two bills will become Illinois law on Jan. 1...House Bill 4450 will amend state law to give victims of crimes more opportunities to recover money from the perpetrators...Senate Bill 2135 enhances the penalties for juveniles who escape from jails or similar facilities...Two bills will become...

Teenagers protest Chicago police getting high-power rifles

November 22, 2008 16:55

Nearly 100 teens marched outside Chicago police headquarters Thursday night to protest the department's plans, to equip officers with semi-automatic rifles, saying the weapons could make the streets more dangerous. The plans have been publicly backed by Mayor Richard Daley...Nearly 100 teens...

Winnetka repeals handgun ban

November 19, 2008 09:53

Winnetka Village Council voted 6-0 Tuesday night to repeal the suburb's 20-year-old ban on possessing handguns, WBBM-780AM is reporting...Winnetka Village Council voted 6-0 Tuesday night to repeal the suburb's 20-year-old ban on possessing handguns, WBBM-780AM is reporting...

How will the economic crisis impact the legal profession?

November 18, 2008 09:38

The ABA Journal is surveying lawyers about the job market and the current state of the economy. To participate in the online survey, follow this link. Non-lawyer readers, we'd like to hear what you think too...The ABA Journal is surveying lawyers about the job market and the current state of the...