Which of the following offenses is NOT bailable before conviction?

In discussing offenses that are not bailable before conviction, it's important to understand the legal frameworks surrounding bail eligibility in Illinois. The correct answer, pertaining to capital offenses, reflects the serious nature of these crimes.

Capital offenses are those that can result in the death penalty or life imprisonment if the defendant is convicted. The severity of the potential penalties and the nature of the crime itself justify the lack of bail in these cases. The law treats such offenses with heightened scrutiny due to the grave implications for public safety and the legal system's integrity. This makes it clear why individuals accused of capital offenses may be denied bail pending trial.

In contrast, while unlawful use of a weapon and reckless driving are serious charges, they do not carry the same potential for extreme penalties as capital offenses do. Similarly, making terrorist threats, although a serious crime, still allows for bail to be set based on circumstances such as the specifics of the threat and the individual's background. These distinctions highlight the rationale behind the bail eligibility of different offenses, particularly emphasizing the extraordinary nature of capital offenses that justifies their exclusion from the bail process prior to a conviction.