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Misdemeanor Offenses In Illinois

A misdemeanor is a criminal offense that is punishable by up to 1 year in jail under Illinois state law. These offenses are less serious than felony criminal charges, though the potential consequences can still be sever, limiting personal freedom and damaging reputations, as well as requiring significant fines, probation, mandatory community service and more.

Types of Misdemeanors in Illinois

The level of misdemeanor offense charged in Chicago area courts varies depending on the crime alleged, as well as the presence of any aggravating factors, which can include a prior criminal record, or a victim with a special or protected status. Misdemeanor crimes are categorized as follows under the Illinois criminal code:

Class A Misdemeanor

  • Including offenses like:
    • Assault
    • Battery
    • DUI (Driving under the influence)
    • Possession of Cannabis
    • Domestic Battery
    • Retail Theft
    • Unlawful Consumption of Alcohol by a Minor
    • Aggravated speeding
    • Reckless Driving
    • Disorderly Conduct
    • UUW
  • Possible punishment may include:
    • Up to $2,500 in fines plus court costs
    • Up to 364 days in county jail
    • Supervision, Conditional Discharge or Probation, conditions of which may include:
      • Alcohol, Mental Health, or Substance abuse counseling
      • Anger management
      • Community service, Public Service Employment or SWAP
      • Any conditions the Court believes are appropriate and permissible

Class B Misdemeanor

  • Includes such crimes as:
    • Possession of Cannabis
    • Aggravated Speeding
  • Possible punishments may include:
    • As much as $1,500 in fines
    • Incarceration in county jail up to 6 months
    • Supervision, Conditional Discharge or Probation, conditions of which may include:
      • Alcohol, Mental Health, or Substance abuse counseling
      • Anger managementCommunity service, Public Service Employment or SWAP
      • Any conditions the Court believes are appropriate and permissible

Class C Misdemeanor

  • Includes offenses like:
    • Possession of Cannabis
    • Disorderly Conduct
  • Possible punishments may include:
    • As much as $1,500 in fines
    • Incarceration in county jail up to 30 days
    • Supervision, Conditional Discharge or Probation, conditions of which may include:
    • Alcohol, Mental Health, or Substance abuse counseling
    • Anger management
    • Community service, Public Service Employment or SWAPAny conditions the Court believes are appropriate and permissible

Are you facing misdemeanor charges in Chicago?

Take action now and consult with the best Chicago criminal lawyers available, right here at Fagan, Fagan & Davis. It's one of the most important steps you can take towards a successful resolution of misdemeanor criminal charges in the Chicago area.

You deserve aggressive but thoughtful representation, but if you do not take full and immediate advantage of your right to an attorney, you are giving up the opportunities for the best possible outcome.

Call us now or submit the form on this page for a free consultation if your case will be heard in Cook county, DuPage county or Lake county Illinois.

Where do we appear in court?

We regularly appear for Illinois Criminal defense, DUI defense and Traffic violations throughout the Chicago area including Cook, Lake, DuPage, Kane and Will county courts, Skokie, Rolling Meadows, Bridgeview, Markham, Maywood, Waukegan, Wheaton, Naperville, Elgin, St. Charles and more.

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