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Chicago Misdemeanor Lawyer

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What is a misdemeanor?

Misdemeanor offenses are considered less serious offenses. As a result the penalties are lower than that of more serious felony offenses. A misdemeanor offense will result in less than one year in jail and fines of less than $2,500. Although they may be less serious offenses than felonies, they can still cause considerable harm if convicted. Any jail sentence can result in serious harm to job or family. Arrests for misdemeanor offenses become a part of your permanent criminal record, and can have a long lasting impact on job prospects. If you are charged with a misdemeanor offense, it is important to contact a criminal defense lawyer immediately.

What are misdemeanor offenses in Illinois?

There are a wide variety of misdemeanor offenses in Illinois. Many times a first offense will be a misdemeanor, whereas subsequent offenses will result in felony charges. More understanding is given to first time offenders. Multiple offenses of the same crime will result in increased jail time and higher fines. Misdemeanor crimes in Illinois include, but are not limited to:

  • Violent Crimes
    • Assault. Class C Misdemeanor.
    • Aggravated Assault. Class A Misdemeanor.
    • Battery. Class A Misdemeanor.
    • Battery of an unborn child. Class A Misdemeanor.
    • Domestic battery. Class A Misdemeanor.
    • Mob Action. Class A Misdemeanor (two or more persons assembled to commit violence & failing to withdraw when commanded by police). Class C Misdemeanor (two or more persons assembled to commit violence, a misdemeanor or a felony).
    • Reckless conduct. Class A Misdemeanor.
    • Tattooing body of a minor. Class A Misdemeanor.
    • Piercing body of a minor. Class A Misdemeanor.
    • Education intimidation. Class C Misdemeanor (threatening a child believed to have an infectious disease to attend school).
    • Cruel to animals. Class C Misdemeanor.
    • Killing or injuring an animal. Class A Misdemeanor.
    • Animals for entertainment. Class A Misdemeanor (animals other than dogs).
  • Weapons Violations
    • Unlawful use of a weapon. Class A Misdemeanor (weapons other than firearms).
    • Unlawful possession of firearm and ammunition. Class A Misdemeanor (firearms other than a handgun).
    • Firearms child protection. Class C Misdemeanor (firearm left on premise where a child under 14 may gain access).
  • Sexual crimes
    • Prostitution. Class A Misdemeanor.
    • Solicitation of a sexual act. Class A Misdemeanor.
    • Obscenity. Class A Misdemeanor.
    • Disorderly conduct Voyeurism/Peeping Tom. Class A Misdemeanor.
  • Drug Crimes
    • Possession of under 30 grams of Cannabis. Class C Misdemeanor (under 2.5 grams), Class B Misdemeanor (2.5 to 10 grams), Class A Misdemeanor (10 to 30 grams).
    • Possession of drug paraphernalia. Class A Misdemeanor.
    • Sale, manufacture, possession with the intent to traffic drugs. Class B Misdemeanor (less than 2.5 grams), Class A Misdemeanor (2.5 to 10 grams).
  • Theft and property crimes
    • Theft of property under $300. Class A Misdemeanor.
    • Receiving stolen property under $300. Class A Misdemeanor.
    • Retail theft less than $150. Class A Misdemeanor.
    • Theft of labor or services or use of property. Class A Misdemeanor.
    • Theft from coin operated machine. Class A Misdemeanor.
    • Theft of wireless service (cellphone) under $300. Class A Misdemeanor.
    • Library theft over $50 and under $300. Class A Misdemeanor.
    • Criminal mutilation or damage of library materials under $300. Class A Misdemeanor.
    • Financial identity theft under $300. Class A Misdemeanor.
    • Criminal trespass to real property. Class A Misdemeanor.
    • Computer tampering. Class A Misdemeanor.
    • Odometer fraud. Class A Misdemeanor.
  • Alcohol, tobacco and traffic related crimes
    • Driving under the influence (DUI). Class A Misdemeanor.
    • Sale or gift of alcohol under 21. Class A Misdemeanor.
    • Minor falsely represents himself as 21 to obtain alcohol. Class A Misdemeanor.
    • Unlawful use of license. Class A Misdemeanor.
    • Attempting to elude a police officer. Class A Misdemeanor.
    • Driving with a revoked driver’s license. Class A Misdemeanor.
    • Reckless driving. Class A Misdemeanor.
    • Exceeding the speed limit by over 40 mph. Class A Misdemeanor.
    • Sale of cigarettes to minors. Class C Misdemeanor.
  • Crimes against children
    • Contributing to neglect of children. Class A Misdemeanor.
  • Other crimes
    • Attempting to assist suicide. Class A Misdemeanor.
    • Abuse of 911 number. Class A Misdemeanor.
    • Gambling. Class A Misdemeanor.
    • Resisting arrest. Class A Misdemeanor.
    • Telephone harassment. Class B Misdemeanor.
    • Hitchhiking. Class A Misdemeanor.

What are the penalties of a misdemeanor?

There are three classes of misdemeanor. The class of misdemeanor is determined by the seriousness of the offense. Less serious offenses are Class C Misdemeanors, and more serious offenses are Class A Misdemeanors. Possible penalties for the various classes are:

  • Class A Misdemeanor
    • up to one year in jail
    • up to two years of probation (formal supervision)
    • a fine of up to $2,500
  • Class B Misdemeanor
    • up to six months in jail
    • up to two years of probation
      a fine of up to $1,500
  • Class C Misdemeanor
    • up to 30 days in jail
    • up to two years of probation
    • a fine of up to $1,500

Cook County Misdemeanor Attorney

Though the penalties for misdemeanor offenses are less than felony offenses, any jail sentence can have detrimental impact on your life. If you are arrested for a misdemeanor offense, contact a Cook County criminal defense attorney immediately. Dennis Dwyer is an experienced criminal offense attorney that will work hard to defend against your misdemeanor charges. Give his office a call today.

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