Class C Misdemeanors

What is a Class B misdemeanor in Illinois?

May 25, 2021
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NOTE: This page includes adjusted content to reflect the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act (Illinois House Bill 1438), which became effective on January 1, 2020. Since that time, it is no longer an offense to possess cannabis within certain limits for in-state residents and out-of-state visitors. Under Illinois law, a criminal offense is generally classified […]

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What is a Class C misdemeanor in Illinois?

May 1, 2021
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NOTE: The content below was refreshed to account for changes to Illinois law on January 1, 2020, after the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act (Illinois House Bill 1438) became effective. After that date, Illinois residents and out-of-state visitors are allowed to possess and use cannabis for recreational purposes, subject to certain limitations. The Class C […]

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What is the Cannabis Law in Illinois?

March 17, 2016
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NOTE: The information below was modified to clarify the effect of the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act. After this Act became Illinois law on January 1, 2020, cannabis became legal for recreational possession and use, which also impacted various criminal offenses related to cannabis. Cannabis was formerly illegal to possess or use in the state […]

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Overview: Expunging Your Criminal Record in Illinois

February 27, 2016
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NOTE: This article was refreshed to account for Public Act 102-933, which became part of Illinois law on January 1, 2023. Since that date, Illinois modified the Criminal Identification Act to enable a person to request expungement, even after testing positive for cannabis. Expungement is the process where a criminal court disposition is removed from […]

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Criminal conviction can result in deportation, even for permanent residents

July 1, 2013
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NOTE: This page was refreshed to explain changes to Illinois law under the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act. When this Act became state law on January 1, 2020, Illinois officially legalized the recreational possession and use of cannabis as well as modified numerous cannabis-related crimes. The impact of a criminal conviction can be long-lasting and […]

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Summary of sentencing rules for misdemeanor offenders

December 5, 2011
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The potential penalties for a Class A misdemeanor offense include up to one year in the county jail and a maximum fine of $2500. Technically, a sentence of incarceration can last for only 364 days. A jail sentence of 365 days or more is only permissible for a felony offense. Additionally, any sentence lasting one […]

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What is the law in Illinois on assault?

March 28, 2010
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Assault is a criminal offense in Illinois that can result in imprisonment. The offense is codified at 720 ILCS 5/12-1 in Illinois criminal code. The statute provides that assault is a Class C misdemeanor offense. All Class C misdemeanor offenses in Illinois have a punishment of up to 30 days in jail and a fine […]

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What is the law in Illinois on possession of cannabis?

March 3, 2010
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Possession of cannabis, generally referred to a marijuana, is a criminal offense in Illinois. The criminal charge of possession of cannabis is set forth in 720 ILCS 550/1 et seq, the Illinois Cannabis Control Act. While other states have decriminalized cannabis, Illinois has not. To decriminalize possession of cannabis is to say that it is […]

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