Author: Daniels Long Pinsel

If you find yourself in legal trouble, you might have no idea what to do next. The court may offer you the chance to plead guilty, or perhaps you will go to trial. Regardless of the choices in front of you, the court may offer you a diversion program as a punishment. Not sure what a diversion program is? You are not alone. This guide explores diversion programs Illinois commonly offers.

What Are Diversion Programs?

Diversion programs are post-conviction programs designed to give an individual the opportunity to avoid punishments typical of this criminal conviction for that crime. In most cases, you can avoid prison completely by becoming part of a diversion program. Diversion programs are often a form of rehabilitation.

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Two people charged with driving under the influence (DUI) may not receive the same penalties even if the court convicts both of them. Mitigating and aggravating circumstances exist that determine the charges and penalties each DUI suspect gets. Below are some of the mitigating factors that may help your DUI case.

Good Driving Conduct

The court may consider your behavior behind the wheel before your arrest. Good behavior may earn you a favorable view from the court, and the reverse is also true. For example, you may enjoy reduced penalties if you have generally obeyed the speed limit, stopped at the trafficked lights, and avoided weaving in and out of lanes. However, dangerous driving tactics in your past may attract higher penalties.

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For many people, the risk of incarceration is the worst consequence of a driving under the influence (DUI) conviction. While prison time does sound horrible, other consequences of a DUI conviction exist whether you serve time or not. The following are some of these consequences.

Finances

A DUI conviction can have a terrible effect on your finances. According to some estimates, you will spend not less than $18,030 on your first DUI conviction, and the amount has no way to go but up for your subsequent convictions. The amount seems high because:

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One of the challenges posed by new technology is the creation of laws surrounding the new ways of the world. Technology has the potential to solve many problems in society today, but it can also cause more problems to pop up.

Sexting is one of those activities, and it may feel like a legal gray area. Illinois has established some laws that may be used when sexting becomes part of the equation. Continue reading to learn more about the ways in which sexting can become illegal.

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Many crimes fall under the category of inchoate or incomplete crimes. These are crimes someone may plan, agree to commit, or request someone else carry out. In all these cases, the ensuing crime doesn’t have to occur. The incomplete crime itself can represent a crime. Here is what you should know about incomplete crimes.

What Are Incomplete Crimes?

Inchoate is a word meaning something just beginning or not fully formed. An inchoate crime is one that doesn’t quite get off the ground. Incomplete crimes imply the intent was there, even if nothing came of that intent. Generally, incomplete crimes fall into three broad categories:

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Do you face an unsure future because of a possible conviction? While you may be concerned with the charges that could put you behind bars, you may be interested to learn you have options for serving time outside of prison.

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