Illinois Laws and Legal Penalties
Comprehensive legal reference for Illinois. Browse DUI laws, drug possession penalties, theft charges, statutes of limitations, and more. All information is sourced from public state statutes.
Note: This information is for general educational purposes only. Laws change frequently. Always consult a licensed Illinois attorney for advice specific to your situation.
Illinois Quick Facts
- State Capital: Springfield
- Region: Midwest
- DUI BAC Limit: 0.08%
- Marijuana Status: Legal (recreational)
- Felony Theft Threshold: $500+
- Murder SOL: None
Illinois DUI Laws
| Offense | Penalties |
|---|---|
| First Offense DUI | Up to 1 year jail, $2,500 fine, 1-year revocation |
| Second Offense DUI | Mandatory 5 days jail or 240 hrs community service, $2,500 fine, 5-year revocation |
| Felony DUI Threshold | 3rd offense |
| Legal BAC Limit | 0.08% |
Illinois has statutory summary suspension for refusal of testing
Illinois Marijuana Laws
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal Status | Legal (recreational) |
| Medical Program | Yes |
| Recreational Use | Yes |
| Small Amount Penalty | Legal (up to 30g for residents) |
| Large Amount Penalty | 31–100g: civil violation; over 100g: felony |
Illinois legalized recreational marijuana January 1, 2020
Illinois Theft Penalties
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Misdemeanor Threshold | Under $500 |
| Felony Threshold | $500+ or more |
| Minimum Sentence | Up to 364 days |
| Maximum Sentence | Up to 15 years (Class X felony) |
Illinois theft penalties increase with property value
Illinois Statutes of Limitations
| Crime Type | Time Limit |
|---|---|
| Murder | None |
| Rape / Sexual Assault | None |
| Felony (General) | 3 years |
| Misdemeanor | 18 months |
| Fraud | 3 years |
| Theft | 3 years |
| DUI / DWI | 18 months |
| Assault | 3 years |
Illinois sexual assault of a child has no SOL