Whether a defendant is released on a cash bond, on his or her own recognizance ("I bond"), or not at all, is the first crucial decision a judge makes after someone is arrested. Despite the importance of this decision, in most U.S. courtrooms this ruling has been primarily a subjective one.
Read MoreBeginning in 2016, the rules to seal a criminal record will be eased. Of the six bills I’ve been tracking, Governor Rauner signed three bills into law earlier this month, sent two bills back for revisions, and one bill remains stalled in the House.
Read MoreEvery year unsuspecting U.S. visitors are turned away at Canada’s border based on criminal inadmissibility -- having a criminal record. Whether your criminal record will bar you from Canada depends on if the Canadian equivalent of the crime you committed is an indictable or hybrid offense. An indictable or a hybrid offense is defined as a crime subject to a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment.
Read MoreRecently, I wrote about several Chance Second bills that were making their way through the Illinois General Assembly. These bills would benefit people who have a criminal background. One bill would keep someone from getting a criminal record (decriminalizing marijuana). This post summarizes the remaining noteworthy bills awaiting Governor Rauner’s signature.
Read MoreIf a retail merchant believes an employee is stealing, besides getting fired, there is a good chance the employee’s name will be reported to a retail theft database. These databases are used by U.S. retail merchants to check on whether a job applicant has a history of stealing on the job.
Read MoreCriminal Background Check Illinois. I am often asked “Should I tell a potential employer about my criminal record?” I believe there is a benefit to telling an employer about your criminal record. That does not mean it is the first topic you discuss. Remember, a job interview is like a first date: you want to make a favorable impression right off the bat.
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