HB5285 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB103 37363 RLC 67484 b

103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2023 and 2024
HB5285

Introduced 2/9/2024, by Rep. Kevin John Olickal

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

720 ILCS 5/2-5	from Ch. 38, par. 2-5
720 ILCS 550/10	from Ch. 56 1/2, par. 710
720 ILCS 570/410	from Ch. 56 1/2, par. 1410
720 ILCS 646/70
730 ILCS 5/5-6-3.4
730 ILCS 5/5-6-3.6

Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. In the definition of "conviction" provides that "conviction" means a judgment of conviction and sentence entered upon a plea of guilty or upon a verdict or finding of guilty of an offense, rendered by a legally constituted jury or by a court of competent jurisdiction authorized to try the case without a jury (rather than a judgment of conviction or sentence). Provides that if judgment is withheld, the plea, verdict, or finding of guilty is not a conviction under Illinois law unless and until judgment is entered. Amends the Cannabis Control Act, the Illinois Controlled Substances Act, and the Methamphetamine Control and Community Protection Act. Provides that for the first-time offender provisions of those Acts, a sentence under those provisions shall not be considered a conviction under Illinois law unless and until judgment is entered for a violation of the terms of the probation. Provides that a sentence (rather than discharge and dismissal) is not a conviction for purposes of disqualification or disabilities imposed by law upon conviction of a crime unless and until judgment is entered. Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Makes the same changes with respect to the Second Chance Probation Program and the First Time Weapon Offense Program.

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning criminal law.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The Criminal Code of 2012 is amended by changing Section 2-5 as follows:

(720 ILCS 5/2-5) (from Ch. 38, par. 2-5)

Sec. 2-5. "Conviction". "Conviction" means a judgment of conviction and or sentence entered upon a plea of guilty or upon a verdict or finding of guilty of an offense, rendered by a legally constituted jury or by a court of competent jurisdiction authorized to try the case without a jury. If judgment is withheld, the plea, verdict, or finding of guilty is not a conviction under Illinois law unless and until judgment is entered.

(Source: Laws 1961, p. 1983.)

Section 10. The Cannabis Control Act is amended by changing Section 10 as follows:

(720 ILCS 550/10) (from Ch. 56 1/2, par. 710)

Sec. 10. (a) Whenever any person who has not previously been convicted of any felony offense under this Act or any law of the United States or of any State relating to cannabis, or controlled substances as defined in the Illinois Controlled Substances Act, pleads guilty to or is found guilty of violating Sections 4(a), 4(b), 4(c), 5(a), 5(b), 5(c) or 8 of this Act, the court may, without entering a judgment and with the consent of such person, sentence him to probation. A sentence under this Section shall not be considered a conviction under Illinois law unless and until judgment is entered under subsection (e) of this Section.

(b) When a person is placed on probation, the court shall enter an order specifying a period of probation of 24 months, and shall defer further proceedings in the case until the conclusion of the period or until the filing of a petition alleging violation of a term or condition of probation.

(c) The conditions of probation shall be that the person: (1) not violate any criminal statute of any jurisdiction; (2) refrain from possession of a firearm or other dangerous weapon; (3) submit to periodic drug testing at a time and in a manner as ordered by the court, but no less than 3 times during the period of the probation, with the cost of the testing to be paid by the probationer; and (4) perform no less than 30 hours of community service, provided community service is available in the jurisdiction and is funded and approved by the county board. The court may give credit toward the fulfillment of community service hours for participation in activities and treatment as determined by court services.

(d) The court may, in addition to other conditions, require that the person:

(1) make a report to and appear in person before or participate with the court or such courts, person, or social service agency as directed by the court in the order of probation;

(2) pay a fine and costs;

(3) work or pursue a course of study or vocational training;

(4) undergo medical or psychiatric treatment; or treatment for drug addiction or alcoholism;

(5) attend or reside in a facility established for the instruction or residence of defendants on probation;

(6) support his dependents;

(7) refrain from possessing a firearm or other dangerous weapon;

(7-5) refrain from having in his or her body the presence of any illicit drug prohibited by the Cannabis Control Act, the Illinois Controlled Substances Act, or the Methamphetamine Control and Community Protection Act, unless prescribed by a physician, and submit samples of his or her blood or urine or both for tests to determine the presence of any illicit drug;

(8) and in addition, if a minor:

(i) reside with his parents or in a foster home;

(ii) attend school;

(iii) attend a non-residential program for youth;

(iv) provide nonfinancial contributions to his own support at home or in a foster home.

(e) Upon violation of a term or condition of probation, the court may enter a judgment on its original finding of guilt and proceed as otherwise provided.

(f) Upon fulfillment of the terms and conditions of probation, the court shall discharge such person and dismiss the proceedings against him.

(g) A disposition of probation is considered to be a conviction for the purposes of imposing the conditions of probation and for appeal, however, a sentence discharge and dismissal under this Section is not a conviction for purposes of disqualification or disabilities imposed by law upon conviction of a crime (including the additional penalty imposed for subsequent offenses under Section 4(c), 4(d), 5(c) or 5(d) of this Act) unless and until judgment is entered.

(h) A person may not have more than one discharge and dismissal under this Section within a 4-year period.

(i) If a person is convicted of an offense under this Act, the Illinois Controlled Substances Act, or the Methamphetamine Control and Community Protection Act within 5 years subsequent to a discharge and dismissal under this Section, the discharge and dismissal under this Section shall be admissible in the sentencing proceeding for that conviction as a factor in aggravation.

(j) Notwithstanding subsection (a), before a person is sentenced to probation under this Section, the court may refer the person to the drug court established in that judicial circuit pursuant to Section 15 of the Drug Court Treatment Act. The drug court team shall evaluate the person's likelihood of successfully completing a sentence of probation under this Section and shall report the results of its evaluation to the court. If the drug court team finds that the person suffers from a substance abuse problem that makes him or her substantially unlikely to successfully complete a sentence of probation under this Section, then the drug court shall set forth its findings in the form of a written order, and the person shall not be sentenced to probation under this Section, but shall be considered for the drug court program.

(k) Fines and assessments, such as fees or administrative costs, authorized under this Section shall not be ordered or imposed against a minor subject to Article III, IV, or V of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987, or a minor under the age of 18 transferred to adult court or excluded from juvenile court jurisdiction under Article V of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987, or the minor's parent, guardian, or legal custodian.

(Source: P.A. 103-379, eff. 7-28-23.)

Section 15. The Illinois Controlled Substances Act is amended by changing Section 410 as follows:

(720 ILCS 570/410) (from Ch. 56 1/2, par. 1410)

Sec. 410. (a) Whenever any person who has not previously been convicted of any felony offense under this Act or any law of the United States or of any State relating to cannabis or controlled substances, pleads guilty to or is found guilty of possession of a controlled or counterfeit substance under subsection (c) of Section 402 or of unauthorized possession of prescription form under Section 406.2, the court, without entering a judgment and with the consent of such person, may sentence him or her to probation. A sentence under this Section shall not be considered a conviction under Illinois law unless and until judgment is entered under subsection (e) of this Section.

(b) When a person is placed on probation, the court shall enter an order specifying a period of probation of 24 months and shall defer further proceedings in the case until the conclusion of the period or until the filing of a petition alleging violation of a term or condition of probation.

(c) The conditions of probation shall be that the person: (1) not violate any criminal statute of any jurisdiction; (2) refrain from possessing a firearm or other dangerous weapon; (3) submit to periodic drug testing at a time and in a manner as ordered by the court, but no less than 3 times during the period of the probation, with the cost of the testing to be paid by the probationer; and (4) perform no less than 30 hours of community service, provided community service is available in the jurisdiction and is funded and approved by the county board. The court may give credit toward the fulfillment of community service hours for participation in activities and treatment as determined by court services.

(d) The court may, in addition to other conditions, require that the person:

(1) make a report to and appear in person before or participate with the court or such courts, person, or social service agency as directed by the court in the order of probation;

(2) pay a fine and costs;

(3) work or pursue a course of study or vocational training;

(4) undergo medical or psychiatric treatment; or treatment or rehabilitation approved by the Illinois Department of Human Services;

(5) attend or reside in a facility established for the instruction or residence of defendants on probation;

(6) support his or her dependents;

(6-5) refrain from having in his or her body the presence of any illicit drug prohibited by the Cannabis Control Act, the Illinois Controlled Substances Act, or the Methamphetamine Control and Community Protection Act, unless prescribed by a physician, and submit samples of his or her blood or urine or both for tests to determine the presence of any illicit drug;

(7) and in addition, if a minor:

(i) reside with his or her parents or in a foster home;

(ii) attend school;

(iii) attend a non-residential program for youth;

(iv) contribute to his or her own support at home or in a foster home.

(e) Upon violation of a term or condition of probation, the court may enter a judgment on its original finding of guilt and proceed as otherwise provided.

(f) Upon fulfillment of the terms and conditions of probation, the court shall discharge the person and dismiss the proceedings against him or her.

(g) A disposition of probation is considered to be a conviction for the purposes of imposing the conditions of probation and for appeal, however, a sentence discharge and dismissal under this Section is not a conviction for purposes of this Act or for purposes of disqualifications or disabilities imposed by law upon conviction of a crime unless and until judgment is entered.

(h) A person may not have more than one discharge and dismissal under this Section within a 4-year period.

(i) If a person is convicted of an offense under this Act, the Cannabis Control Act, or the Methamphetamine Control and Community Protection Act within 5 years subsequent to a discharge and dismissal under this Section, the discharge and dismissal under this Section shall be admissible in the sentencing proceeding for that conviction as evidence in aggravation.

(j) Notwithstanding subsection (a), before a person is sentenced to probation under this Section, the court may refer the person to the drug court established in that judicial circuit pursuant to Section 15 of the Drug Court Treatment Act. The drug court team shall evaluate the person's likelihood of successfully completing a sentence of probation under this Section and shall report the results of its evaluation to the court. If the drug court team finds that the person suffers from a substance abuse problem that makes him or her substantially unlikely to successfully complete a sentence of probation under this Section, then the drug court shall set forth its findings in the form of a written order, and the person shall not be sentenced to probation under this Section, but shall be considered for the drug court program.

(Source: P.A. 99-480, eff. 9-9-15; 100-3, eff. 1-1-18; 100-575, eff. 1-8-18.)

Section 20. The Methamphetamine Control and Community Protection Act is amended by changing Section 70 as follows:

(720 ILCS 646/70)

Sec. 70. Probation.

(a) Whenever any person who has not previously been convicted of any felony offense under this Act, the Illinois Controlled Substances Act, the Cannabis Control Act, or any law of the United States or of any state relating to cannabis or controlled substances, pleads guilty to or is found guilty of possession of less than 15 grams of methamphetamine under paragraph (1) or (2) of subsection (b) of Section 60 of this Act, the court, without entering a judgment and with the consent of the person, may sentence him or her to probation. A sentence under this Section shall not be considered a conviction under Illinois law unless and until judgment is entered under subsection (e) of this Section.

(b) When a person is placed on probation, the court shall enter an order specifying a period of probation of 24 months and shall defer further proceedings in the case until the conclusion of the period or until the filing of a petition alleging violation of a term or condition of probation.

(c) The conditions of probation shall be that the person:

(1) not violate any criminal statute of any jurisdiction;

(2) refrain from possessing a firearm or other dangerous weapon;

(3) submit to periodic drug testing at a time and in a manner as ordered by the court, but no less than 3 times during the period of the probation, with the cost of the testing to be paid by the probationer; and

(4) perform no less than 30 hours of community service, if community service is available in the jurisdiction and is funded and approved by the county board. The court may give credit toward the fulfillment of community service hours for participation in activities and treatment as determined by court services.

(d) The court may, in addition to other conditions, require that the person take one or more of the following actions:

(1) make a report to and appear in person before or participate with the court or such courts, person, or social service agency as directed by the court in the order of probation;

(2) pay a fine and costs;

(3) work or pursue a course of study or vocational training;

(4) undergo medical or psychiatric treatment; or treatment or rehabilitation approved by the Illinois Department of Human Services;

(5) attend or reside in a facility established for the instruction or residence of defendants on probation;

(6) support his or her dependents;

(7) refrain from having in his or her body the presence of any illicit drug prohibited by this Act, the Cannabis Control Act, or the Illinois Controlled Substances Act, unless prescribed by a physician, and submit samples of his or her blood or urine or both for tests to determine the presence of any illicit drug; or

(8) if a minor:

(i) reside with his or her parents or in a foster home;

(ii) attend school;

(iii) attend a non-residential program for youth; or

(iv) contribute to his or her own support at home or in a foster home.

(e) Upon violation of a term or condition of probation, the court may enter a judgment on its original finding of guilt and proceed as otherwise provided.

(f) Upon fulfillment of the terms and conditions of probation, the court shall discharge the person and dismiss the proceedings against the person.

(g) A disposition of probation is considered to be a conviction for the purposes of imposing the conditions of probation and for appeal, however, a sentence discharge and dismissal under this Section is not a conviction for purposes of this Act or for purposes of disqualifications or disabilities imposed by law upon conviction of a crime unless and until judgment is entered.

(h) A person may not have more than one discharge and dismissal under this Section within a 4-year period.

(i) If a person is convicted of an offense under this Act, the Cannabis Control Act, or the Illinois Controlled Substances Act within 5 years subsequent to a discharge and dismissal under this Section, the discharge and dismissal under this Section are admissible in the sentencing proceeding for that conviction as evidence in aggravation.

(j) Notwithstanding subsection (a), before a person is sentenced to probation under this Section, the court may refer the person to the drug court established in that judicial circuit pursuant to Section 15 of the Drug Court Treatment Act. The drug court team shall evaluate the person's likelihood of successfully completing a sentence of probation under this Section and shall report the results of its evaluation to the court. If the drug court team finds that the person suffers from a substance abuse problem that makes him or her substantially unlikely to successfully complete a sentence of probation under this Section, then the drug court shall set forth its findings in the form of a written order, and the person shall not be sentenced to probation under this Section, but shall be considered for the drug court program.

(Source: P.A. 99-480, eff. 9-9-15; 100-3, eff. 1-1-18; 100-575, eff. 1-8-18.)

Section 25. The Unified Code of Corrections is amended by changing Sections 5-6-3.4 and 5-6-3.6 as follows:

(730 ILCS 5/5-6-3.4)

Sec. 5-6-3.4. Second Chance Probation.

(a) Whenever any person who has not previously been convicted of any felony offense under the laws of this State, the laws of any other state, or the laws of the United States, and pleads guilty to, or is found guilty of, possession of less than 15 grams of a controlled substance; possession of less than 15 grams of methamphetamine; or a probationable felony offense of possession of cannabis, theft, retail theft, forgery, deceptive practices, possession of a stolen motor vehicle, burglary, possession of burglary tools, disorderly conduct, criminal damage or trespass to property under Article 21 of the Criminal Code of 2012, criminal trespass to a residence, an offense involving fraudulent identification, or obstructing justice; or possession of cannabis, the court, with the consent of the defendant and the State's Attorney, may, without entering a judgment, sentence the defendant to probation under this Section. A sentence under this Section shall not be considered a conviction under Illinois law unless and until judgment is entered under subsection (e) of this Section.

(a-1) Exemptions. A defendant is not eligible for this probation if the offense he or she pleads guilty to, or is found guilty of, is a violent offense, or he or she has previously been convicted of a violent offense. For purposes of this probation, a "violent offense" is any offense where bodily harm was inflicted or where force was used against any person or threatened against any person, any offense involving sexual conduct, sexual penetration, or sexual exploitation, any offense of domestic violence, domestic battery, violation of an order of protection, stalking, hate crime, and any offense involving the possession of a firearm or dangerous weapon. A defendant shall not be eligible for this probation if he or she has previously been adjudicated a delinquent minor for the commission of a violent offense as defined in this subsection.

(b) When a defendant is placed on probation, the court shall enter an order specifying a period of probation of not less than 24 months and shall defer further proceedings in the case until the conclusion of the period or until the filing of a petition alleging violation of a term or condition of probation.

(c) The conditions of probation shall be that the defendant:

(1) not violate any criminal statute of this State or any other jurisdiction;

(2) refrain from possessing a firearm or other dangerous weapon;

(3) make full restitution to the victim or property owner under Section 5-5-6 of this Code;

(4) obtain or attempt to obtain employment;

(5) pay fines and costs;

(6) attend educational courses designed to prepare the defendant for obtaining a high school diploma or to work toward passing high school equivalency testing or to work toward completing a vocational training program;

(7) submit to periodic drug testing at a time and in a manner as ordered by the court, but no less than 3 times during the period of probation, with the cost of the testing to be paid by the defendant; and

(8) perform a minimum of 30 hours of community service. The court may give credit toward the fulfillment of community service hours for participation in activities and treatment as determined by court services.

(d) The court may, in addition to other conditions, require that the defendant:

(1) make a report to and appear in person before or participate with the court or such courts, person, or social service agency as directed by the court in the order of probation;

(2) undergo medical or psychiatric treatment, or treatment or rehabilitation approved by the Illinois Department of Human Services;

(3) attend or reside in a facility established for the instruction or residence of defendants on probation;

(4) support his or her dependents; or

(5) refrain from having in his or her body the presence of any illicit drug prohibited by the Methamphetamine Control and Community Protection Act, the Cannabis Control Act, or the Illinois Controlled Substances Act, unless prescribed by a physician, and submit samples of his or her blood or urine or both for tests to determine the presence of any illicit drug.

(e) Upon violation of a term or condition of probation, the court may enter a judgment on its original finding of guilt and proceed as otherwise provided by law.

(f) Upon fulfillment of the terms and conditions of probation, the court shall discharge the person and dismiss the proceedings against the person.

(g) A disposition of probation is considered to be a conviction for the purposes of imposing the conditions of probation and for appeal; however, a sentence discharge and dismissal under this Section is not a conviction for purposes of this Code or for purposes of disqualifications or disabilities imposed by law upon conviction of a crime unless and until judgment is entered.

(h) A person may only have one discharge and dismissal under this Section within a 4-year period.

(i) If a person is convicted of any offense which occurred within 5 years subsequent to a discharge and dismissal under this Section, the discharge and dismissal under this Section shall be admissible in the sentencing proceeding for that conviction as evidence in aggravation.

(j) Notwithstanding subsection (a), if the court finds that the defendant suffers from a substance abuse problem, then before the person is placed on probation under this Section, the court may refer the person to the drug court established in that judicial circuit pursuant to Section 15 of the Drug Court Treatment Act. The drug court team shall evaluate the person's likelihood of successfully fulfilling the terms and conditions of probation under this Section and shall report the results of its evaluation to the court. If the drug court team finds that the person suffers from a substance abuse problem that makes him or her substantially unlikely to successfully fulfill the terms and conditions of probation under this Section, then the drug court shall set forth its findings in the form of a written order, and the person shall be ineligible to be placed on probation under this Section, but shall be considered for the drug court program.

(Source: P.A. 99-480, eff. 9-9-15; 100-3, eff. 1-1-18; 100-575, eff. 1-8-18.)

(730 ILCS 5/5-6-3.6)

Sec. 5-6-3.6. First Time Weapon Offense Program.

(a) The General Assembly has sought to promote public safety, reduce recidivism, and conserve valuable resources of the criminal justice system through the creation of diversion programs for non-violent offenders. This amendatory Act of the 103rd General Assembly establishes a program for first-time, non-violent offenders charged with certain weapons possession offenses. The General Assembly recognizes some persons, particularly in areas of high crime or poverty, may have experienced trauma that contributes to poor decision making skills, and the creation of a diversionary program poses a greater benefit to the community and the person than incarceration. Under this program, a court, with the consent of the defendant and the State's Attorney, may sentence a defendant charged with an unlawful use of weapons offense under Section 24-1 of the Criminal Code of 2012 or aggravated unlawful use of a weapon offense under Section 24-1.6 of the Criminal Code of 2012, if punishable as a Class 4 felony or lower, to a First Time Weapon Offense Program.

(b) A defendant is not eligible for this Program if:

(1) the offense was committed during the commission of a violent offense as defined in subsection (h) of this Section;

(2) he or she has previously been convicted or placed on probation or conditional discharge for any violent offense under the laws of this State, the laws of any other state, or the laws of the United States;

(3) he or she had a prior successful completion of the First Time Weapon Offense Program under this Section;

(4) he or she has previously been adjudicated a delinquent minor for the commission of a violent offense;

(5) (blank); or

(6) he or she has an existing order of protection issued against him or her.

(b-5) In considering whether a defendant shall be sentenced to the First Time Weapon Offense Program, the court shall consider the following:

(1) the age, immaturity, or limited mental capacity of the defendant;

(2) the nature and circumstances of the offense;

(3) whether participation in the Program is in the interest of the defendant's rehabilitation, including any employment or involvement in community, educational, training, or vocational programs;

(4) whether the defendant suffers from trauma, as supported by documentation or evaluation by a licensed professional; and

(5) the potential risk to public safety.

(c) For an offense committed on or after January 1, 2018 (the effective date of Public Act 100-3) whenever an eligible person pleads guilty to an unlawful use of weapons offense under Section 24-1 of the Criminal Code of 2012 or aggravated unlawful use of a weapon offense under Section 24-1.6 of the Criminal Code of 2012, which is punishable as a Class 4 felony or lower, the court, with the consent of the defendant and the State's Attorney, may, without entering a judgment, sentence the defendant to complete the First Time Weapon Offense Program. When a defendant is placed in the Program, the court shall defer further proceedings in the case until the conclusion of the period or until the filing of a petition alleging violation of a term or condition of the Program. A disposition of probation is considered to be a conviction for the purposes of imposing the conditions of probation and for appeal, however, a sentence under this Section is not a conviction for purposes of this Act or for purposes of disqualifications or disabilities imposed by law upon conviction of a crime unless and until judgment is entered. Upon violation of a term or condition of the Program, the court may enter a judgment on its original finding of guilt and proceed as otherwise provided by law. Upon fulfillment of the terms and conditions of the Program, the court shall discharge the person and dismiss the proceedings against the person.

(d) The Program shall be at least 6 months and not to exceed 24 months, as determined by the court at the recommendation of the Program administrator and the State's Attorney. The Program administrator may be appointed by the Chief Judge of each Judicial Circuit.

(e) The conditions of the Program shall be that the defendant:

(1) not violate any criminal statute of this State or any other jurisdiction;

(2) refrain from possessing a firearm or other dangerous weapon;

(3) (blank);

(4) (blank);

(5) (blank);

(6) (blank);

(7) attend and participate in any Program activities deemed required by the Program administrator, such as: counseling sessions, in-person and over the phone check-ins, and educational classes; and

(8) (blank).

(f) The Program may, in addition to other conditions, require that the defendant:

(1) obtain or attempt to obtain employment;

(2) attend educational courses designed to prepare the defendant for obtaining a high school diploma or to work toward passing high school equivalency testing or to work toward completing a vocational training program;

(3) refrain from having in his or her body the presence of any illicit drug prohibited by the Methamphetamine Control and Community Protection Act or the Illinois Controlled Substances Act, unless prescribed by a physician, and submit samples of his or her blood or urine or both for tests to determine the presence of any illicit drug;

(4) perform community service;

(5) pay all fines, assessments, fees, and costs; and

(6) comply with such other reasonable conditions as the court may impose.

(g) There may be only one discharge and dismissal under this Section. If a person is convicted of any offense which occurred within 5 years subsequent to a discharge and dismissal under this Section, the discharge and dismissal under this Section shall be admissible in the sentencing proceeding for that conviction as evidence in aggravation.

(h) For purposes of this Section, "violent offense" means any offense in which bodily harm was inflicted or force was used against any person or threatened against any person; any offense involving the possession of a firearm or dangerous weapon; any offense involving sexual conduct, sexual penetration, or sexual exploitation; violation of an order of protection, stalking, hate crime, domestic battery, or any offense of domestic violence.

(i) (Blank).

(Source: P.A. 102-245, eff. 8-3-21; 102-1109, eff. 12-21-22; 103-370, eff. 7-28-23.)