A number of new laws take effect January 1st. One such law affects young people who are convicted of crimes. Illinois minors will no longer face mandatory life sentences without parole.
Lifelong prison sentences can still happen for serious crimes, but judges will be allowed more discretion. HB3718 the law stops automatic transfers to adult court for juveniles who are 15 and younger. It also limits the transfer of 16 and 17 year olds, for only the most serious crimes.
The new legislation ensures minors have their cases heard before a juvenile court judge. The judge can consider factors like previous criminal history and mental capacity of a minor before deciding whether the case should be transferred to adult court. Rockford Representative Litesa Wallace is one of the sponsors of the bill.