Lofgren Legal Blog

...if you are waiting for the state to automatically clean up your record, you may be leaving your future on hold for years longer than you need to.

As we move into May 2026, many Illinois drivers are discovering that their "suspended" status may have changed—for better or for worse. Significant legislative shifts that began in late 2025 have finally filtered through the Secretary of State’s database, creating a unique window for many to reclaim their driving rights. Here is what you need to know about your license status this week. The "Failure to Appear" Reform: Check Your Record Now The most significant change affectin

Losing your driving privileges in Illinois is more than an inconvenience—it is a disruption to your livelihood. Whether you are facing a temporary suspension or an indefinite revocation, the path to getting back behind the wheel depends on understanding the specific legal hurdles set by the Illinois Secretary of State . Understanding the nuances of the Illinois Vehicle Code is the first step toward restoration. Let’s dive into the critical differences between these penalties

Is an Algorithm Denying You a Job? New 2026 Illinois Laws Target AI Bias in Background Checks In 2024, the Employee Background Fairness Act changed the game by forcing employers to perform "individualized assessments" before denying someone a job due to a criminal record. But in 2026, a new player has entered the courtroom: Artificial Intelligence. Many Chicagoland employers now use AI "screening bots" to scan resumes and run background checks. If that bot automatically rej

In Illinois, your driver’s license is more than a convenience—it’s your livelihood. As of 2026, the Illinois Secretary of State (SOS) has implemented new transparency rules and stricter hearing protocols.

Since the legalization of recreational cannabis, Illinois has struggled with a fundamental question: How do you scientifically prove someone is "too high" to drive?