Charged with a misdemeanor in Bloomington, IL? Don’t let an unfair charge get the best of your future. At JP Law Office, we will take a thorough look at your legal situation and build a personalized defense strategy to argue for reduced or even dismissed charges. As a former prosecutor, Attorney Jennifer Patton has seen both sides of the law and can consequently anticipate what the state might bring against you. This will prove uniquely advantageous as you prepare for and negotiate your case.
Call (309) 808-0562 or contact JP Law Office online for a free consultation to learn more.
CLASS A-C MISDEMEANORS
Misdemeanors are classified into three classes in order of seriousness – Class A, Class B, and Class C. Class A misdemeanors are generally punishable by:
- less than 1 year in jail or periodic imprisonment;
- up to 2 years of probation or conditional discharge; and/or
- a fine of $75-$2,500.
Some examples of Class A misdemeanors include:
- theft, shoplifting of property worth up to $500;
- simple battery; and
- violating a domestic violence protective order or an anti-stalking no-contact order.
Conviction of a Class B misdemeanor can result in a sentence of:
- up to 6 months in jail or periodic imprisonment;
- up to 2 years of probation; and/or
- a fine of between $75-$1,500.
Common Class B misdemeanor crimes are:
- possession of 10-30 grams of cannabis;
- using electronic communications to harass someone (cyberbullying); and
- dumping garbage on someone else's property without consent.
The least serious misdemeanors in Illinois, Class C misdemeanors, will involve the following penalties:
- up to 30 days in jail or periodic imprisonment;
- up to 2 years of probation; and/or
- a fine of $75-$1,500.
Crimes that are considered Class C misdemeanors include:
- simple assault;
- illegal storage of a gun where the owner knows that a child under the age of 14 is likely to obtain it; and
- disorderly conduct.
If you are facing misdemeanor charges in Illinois, reach out to JP Law Office for legal guidance on your next steps. Note that under the state’s statute of limitations, prosecutors may not file misdemeanor charges after 18 months from the date of the alleged crime. Attorney Jennifer Patton can take a look at your specific situation, whether you are facing Class A misdemeanor charges or Class C misdemeanor charges. We will do our best to argue for mitigated or dismissed charges in your defense and protect your rights in the criminal justice system.
Schedule a free consultation online or at (309) 808-0562 to discuss your best legal strategy with JP Law Office.
Misdemeanor Penalties in Illinois
In Illinois, misdemeanors are generally crimes punished by less than 1 year in a local or county jail. For certain misdemeanor crimes, judges may impose the following in addition to or instead of a jail sentence:
- probation or conditional discharge;
- some amount in fines;
- periodic imprisonment (90 days or less) which involves release from jail for periods of time to allow the defendant to do things like work, look for a job, attend school, take care of family needs, or live at home with an electronic monitoring device; and
- an order to pay restitution.
Any misdemeanor jail sentence must be a determinate sentence for a set period of time and must include a period of mandatory supervised release after release.
Be aware that some misdemeanor crimes may become felonies, such as:
- when the defendant had a previous conviction for the same crime; or
- if the crime was committed in a certain place (e.g., theft of $500 or less at a place of worship or a school).
Frequently Asked Questions About Misdemeanors
What are the penalties for a misdemeanor in Illinois?
- Jail time of up to one year
- Periodic imprisonment (shorter sentences that allow limited release)
- Probation or conditional discharge for up to two years
- Fines ranging from $75 to $2,500
- Restitution to victims
- Mandatory supervised release after serving jail time
Can a misdemeanor affect my job or background check in Illinois?
Yes. Even though misdemeanors are less serious than felonies, they can still appear on background checks and may affect employment opportunities, professional licenses or certifications, and even housing applications.
What is a Class A Misdemeanor in Illinois?
In Illinois, a Class A misdemeanor is the most serious type of misdemeanor offense. It carries penalties of up to one year in county jail, fines up to $2,500, and possibly up to two years of probation or conditional discharge. Common Class A misdemeanors include theft of property under $500, simple battery, and violations of protective or no-contact orders.
What is a Class B Misdemeanor in Illinois?
Class B misdemeanors are less severe but still serious, with punishments that may include up to six months in jail, up to two years of probation, and fines as high as $1,500. Examples include possession of small amounts of cannabis, cyber harassment, and illegal dumping.
What is a Class C Misdemeanor in Illinois?
Class C misdemeanors are the least serious and often involve minor offenses. They can result in up to 30 days in jail, up to two years of probation, and fines up to $1,500. Typical examples include simple assault, disorderly conduct, and improper firearm storage accessible to children.
Will a misdemeanor stay on my record forever?
A misdemeanor conviction can stay on your record permanently unless it’s expunged or sealed. In Illinois, certain misdemeanor cases, especially those resulting in court supervision or dismissal, may qualify for expungement.
Other cases may be eligible for record sealing after a waiting period. Having your record cleared can make a major difference when applying for jobs, housing, or professional licenses.
What’s the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in Illinois?
Misdemeanors are less serious offenses, generally punishable by up to one year in county jail, while felonies are more serious and can result in prison sentences longer than one year. Misdemeanors in Illinois are classified into three levels: Class A, B, and C, with Class A being the most serious.
Felonies can include serious crimes like robbery or manslaughter and often lead to harsher penalties such as longer imprisonment and loss of certain rights like voting or firearm ownership.
