Changes to the Juvenile Court Act

Records of Municipal Ordinance Violations to be Kept Confidential & Automatic Expungement of Law Enforcement Records   Effective January 1, 2018, two important changes were made to the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 (705 ILCS 405/1-1 et seq.) (the “Act”) concerning records of minors who are investigated, arrested or taken into custody prior to the…

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MHT Holds Free Seminar For Elected And Appointed Officials

On May 13, 2017, MHT attorneys enjoyed spending a morning with newly-elected and current government officials and appointees for its Eleventh Biennial Elected and Appointed Officials Municipal Law Seminar. Officials from municipalities across Illinois attended this free seminar held at the Illinois Central College campus in East Peoria, Illinois. Keynote Speaker: Illinois Senator Chuck Weaver…

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Public Employee Emails Subject to FOIA

Even when using private email or devices, employee emails are subject to FOIA and must be included in a reasonably adequate search. By Joshua Herman email: joshua.herman@mhtlaw.com On August 9, 2016, the Illinois Attorney General’s Public Access Counselor (“PAC”) issued Binding Opinion 16-006, which addressed the Freedom of Information Act’s (“FOIA”) application to employee email….

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New Law Decriminalizing Marijuana and Drug Paraphernalia

Ordinances Enacted by Units of Local Government Not Affected by New Law Decriminalizing Marijuana and Drug Paraphernalia. By:  Kateah M. McMasters kateah.mcmasters@mhtlaw.com Effective July 29, 2016, the possession of certain small amounts of cannabis and drug paraphernalia are no longer criminal offenses.  The bill that was signed into law by Governor Bruce Rauner on July…

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New Laws for Law Enforcement Agencies in 2016

Officer-Involved Deaths, Body Cameras, Terry Stops, Towing of Vehicles, and More By Kateah M. McMasters kateah.mcmasters@mhtlaw.com On January 1, 2016 several new laws regulating law enforcement agencies and their activities went into effect.  A brief summary of each law is provided below. Public Act 99-352 Law Enforcement Officer-Worn Body Camera Act:  The Act provides that…

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