Illinois Criminal Classifications
The Illinois Criminal Code divides crimes into separate categories: misdemeanors and felonies. Misdemeanors are far less serious than felonies as they involve less than a year in county jail time as a maximum possible consequence. Felony offenses involve more than a year imprisonment in an Illinois Department of Corrections prison. The following is a breakdown of misdemeanor and felony classifications in Illinois.
Misdemeanors:
Class A Misdemeanor
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Maximum penalty of up to 364 days in county jail, and a fine of up to $2,500
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Examples of a Class A misdemeanor include assault, battery, DUI, leaving the scene of an accident, cannabis possession (10-30 grams), driving while license suspended or revoked, speeding 35 miles per hour over the speed limit.
Class B Misdemeanor
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Maximum penalty of up to 180 days in county jail, and a fine of up to $1,500
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Examples of a Class B misdemeanor include speeding between 26-34 miles per hour over the speed limit, possession of cannabis (2.5-10 grams), driving without a valid license.
Class C Misdemeanor
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Maximum penalty of up to 30 days in county jail, and a fine of up to $1,500
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Examples of a Class C misdemeanor include possession of cannabis (under 2.5 grams), assault, disorderly conduct.
Felonies:
Class X Felony
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A Class X felony can carry a prison sentence in the Illinois Department of Corrections of 6 to 30 years. There can also be a fine of up to $25,000.
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Attempted murder and aggravated criminal sexual assault are examples of Class X felonies.
Class 1 Felony
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A Class 1 felony can carry a prison sentence in the Illinois Department of Corrections of 4 to 15 years. There can also be a fine of up to $25,000.
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Criminal sexual assault, residential burglary, and possession of heroin or cocaine are examples of Class 1 felonies.
Class 2 Felony
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A Class 2 felony can carry a prison sentence in the Illinois Department of Corrections of 3 to 7 years.
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Arson would be an example of a Class 2 felony.
Class 3 Felony
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A Class 3 felony can carry a prison sentence in the Illinois Department of Corrections of 2 to 5 years. There can also be a fine of up to $25,000.
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Theft of a value of $300 to $2,000 and aggravated battery are examples of a Class 3 felony.
Class 4 Felony
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A Class 4 felony can carry a prison sentence in the Illinois Department of Corrections of 1 to 3 years. There can also be a fine of up to $25,000.
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Aggravated DUI is an example of a Class 4 felony. You can also be charged with a Class 4 felony if you have a Monitoring Device Driving Permit and are caught driving without a BAIID device.
No matter the charge, being charged with a crime has the potential for severe consequences. If you are charged with a criminal offense, call Bloomington Law Group to set up a free consultation to discuss your case.