Know the Consequences of Misdemeanor Classes

Engage Team • September 24, 2019

Know the Consequences of Misdemeanor Classes

Are you familiar with the consequences of misdemeanor class crimes? If you are accused of or arrested for a misdemeanor, it’s important to know what your future might hold. You need to know how to proceed for personal defense and future planning.

Here’s a breakdown of misdemeanors in Illinois. For additional information, contact your experienced misdemeanor counsel in Rockford, IL.

Misdemeanor vs. federal crimes

When charged with a misdemeanor, the charges will be much less severe than Federal criminal charges. The maximum penalties are much lower. For a misdemeanor crime, you can serve a maximum of one year in jail. This sentence will be carried out in a county jail. Felonies come with a potential for longer sentences, which are served in state prison.

Misdemeanor classes

Misdemeanor crimes are broken into three classes:

Class A misdemeanor: This is the most common misdemeanor in Illinois. It is also the most serious. If convicted of a class A misdemeanor crime, you can pay up to $2,500 in fines and spend up to one year in county jail.
Class B misdemeanor: This class of crime results in a maximum fine of $1,500. For a Class B misdemeanor, you can spend up to six months in county jail.
Class C misdemeanor: This is the least common type of misdemeanor in Illinois, and is the lowest class. The maximum fine for this type of crime is $1,500, and it is penalized by up to 30 days in county jail.

Sentencing for misdemeanors

Of course, the consequences listed above are the maximum penalties. There are other possible sentences for misdemeanors, which are also very common. The four potential sentences are jail time, probation, conditional discharge and court supervision. The most common of these is court supervision. With this sentence, you do not serve any jail time. You would plead guilty to the charge and complete specific tasks required by the court to make amends, such as drug or mental health treatment. Once you complete these conditions, the charge is dropped.

Legal defense

The details of your case greatly affect the charges and potential consequences. It’s crucial to have quality misdemeanor counsel in Rockford, IL as you go through this process. Consult with an experienced defense attorney to ensure your rights are protected and you are able to obtain the best outcome possible for your situation. An attorney will keep you informed of your options and provide solid counsel to work through your misdemeanor charges. You don’t want to try to go through this alone. If you’re charged with a misdemeanor, contact an attorney as soon as possible.

Experience matters

When seeking legal help, experience matters. The Law Office of Brendan W. Caver DCFS, Juvenile and Criminal Defense Attorney focuses on felony and misdemeanor DUI cases, criminal defense, DCFS and juvenile litigation in Illinois courts, as well as federal white-collar and complex criminal defense in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Call the Law Office of Brendan W. Caver DCFS, Juvenile and Criminal Defense Attorney today to work directly with an experienced federal trial lawyer who has the experience and knowledge required to advocate for you.

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