As of January 1, 2011, the Illinois Legislature enacted higher fines and fees across several areas of law.

1. Company Logos on Work Trucks
Under 625 ILCS 5/12-713, every second division vehicle must display on its side the name of the employing company in letters at least 2 inches tall and ½ inch wide. Violations are a petty offense with a minimum fine of $500, up from the previous $100.

2. DUI Fees
Under 625 ILCS 5/11-501.01, a person convicted of DUI will be assessed a $750 fee:

• $350 goes to the arresting agency
• $400 goes to the State Treasurer for the General Revenue Fund

This is an increase from the former $500 fee, which was split 20% to the arresting agency and 80% to the General Revenue Fund.

For a second DUI offense, the fee rises to $1,000:

• $200 to the arresting agency
• $800 to the General Revenue Fund

3. Failure to Appear Fees
If a person misses court for most offenses and a warrant is issued, a $75 fee is imposed in addition to any bond amount. Of this:

• $70 goes to the law enforcement agency that made the arrest
• $5 goes to the Circuit Clerk

4. Aggravated DUI Sentencing (Great Bodily Harm)
For aggravated DUI convictions involving great bodily harm, offenders now receive no more than 4.5 days of good conduct credit per month served.

Law enforcement agencies benefit the most from these changes, as they now receive direct funding through these fines and fees.

Stay tuned—more legislative updates are on the way!

The post New Laws -2011- part 2- Sentencing, Fees and Fines appeared first on Harter & Schottland.