<

On March 2, 2001, the Illinois Supreme Court reversed the circuit court's dismissal of the defendant's post-conviction petition filed in a death penalty case.

The Illinois House of Representatives has approved legislation that would toughen the state's stance against hate crimes.

Citing a recent Supreme Court opinion, Illinois criminal defendants have successfully argued for a reduction in court-imposed sentences where the length of sentence was based on certain factors not proven during their trial.

On February 16, 2001, the Illinois Supreme Court reversed the appellate court's finding that § 21-6 of the Criminal Code of 1961, 720 ILCS 5/21-6, was unconstitutional.

Under legislation proposed by State Representative Jay Hoffman (D-Collinsville), police officers would have to record the race of every driver stopped or ticketed.

On January 19, 2001, the Illinois Supreme Court reversed the appellate court's finding that the defendant, Anthony Crane, had his constitutional right to a speedy trial violated.

Persons who damage or deface property may now face stiffer penalties as a result of a new Illinois law.

On December 1, 2000, the Illinois Supreme Court reversed the appellate court and held that ordering a new trial to correct an evidentiary ruling unfavorable to the state during the first trial, after entering a judgment of acquittal notwithstanding the verdict, violated double jeopardy provisions.

As one of its few acts during the fall veto session, the 91st Illinois General Assembly accepted Gov. George H. Ryan's amendatory veto of crime legislation.

Gov. George H. Ryan approved legislation that ensures legal representation for young minors suspected of murder or sex offenses.

On October 31, 2000, the first district of the Appellate Court of Illinois reversed the defendant's conviction for armed robbery on his claim that he was denied his right to a fair trial as a result of improper prosecutorial remarks during closing arguments.

On October 12, 2000, the seventh circuit court of appeals ruled that the district court erred in dismissing defendant's habeas corpus petition based on the finding that his trial counsel was not ineffective.

Beginning next year, Illinois law enforcement officials will have an additional incentive to identify members of streetgangs.

Persons found not guilty by reason of insanity will bear the burden of proving that they are well enough to leave a secure mental hospital under an amendment to the Uniform Code of Corrections.

Under a recent change to the Illinois Code of Criminal Procedure, certain hearsay evidence will soon be admissible in some circumstances.

As a result of a new Illinois law, the Illinois State Police established a pilot program aimed at testing technology designed to measure driver impairment caused by alcohol or other drug use.

On September 21, 2000, the Supreme Court of Illinois ruled that the trial court did not err in refusing to suppress a confession given by the defendant while in custody on a murder charge.