Under Illinois’ accountability theory, you can be charged with and convicted of a crime you did not plan, agree to, participate in, or intend to commit.

People convicted by accountability receive long sentences. Someone convicted of first-degree murder under accountability faces 20-60 years, and in some cases, life. Accountability Theory:

• Criminalizes survivors of gender-based violence and holds them responsible for the actions of their abusive partners, even when they face threats.

• Disproportionately affects youth because they are more likely to act in groups and are more susceptible to peer pressure.

• Is impossible to quantify because Illinois does not identify or track when a person is charged using accountability (not possible to determine numeric impact of legislation).

SB 2067/HB 2324 would ensure people convicted under accountability are charged and sentenced based on their actual involvement.