Illinois Crimes: Laws & Penalties

Illinois Criminal Statute of Limitations

Illinois sets forth a "deadline" for criminal cases. If the state tries to bring an action against someone after the applicable time period has passed, the person charged can have the case dismissed.

Illinois Felony Crimes by Class and Sentences

Learn how Illinois defines and classifies felonies, the kinds of sentences judges may give for different classes of felonies, and when defendants may have to serve extra time in prison.

Illinois Misdemeanor Crimes by Class and Sentences

Learn which crimes are considered misdemeanors in Illinois, the possible sentences for each class of misdemeanor, and alternative sentencing for these less-serious crimes.

Driving on a Suspended License in Illinois

Speeding tickets, delinquent child support payments, and alcohol-related offenses are just some of the reasons that Illinois residents may find their driver’s licenses suspended or revoked. In general, a suspension means the state has temporarily withdrawn your privilege to drive. A revocation often means your license has been terminated. If you drive while your license is suspended or revoked, you risk being charged with a serious crime.

Illinois Minor in Possession of Alcohol Charges and Penalties

The State of Illinois has strict laws regarding minors who possess or consume alcohol. If you are charged with violating the minor in possession (MIP) laws, you may face criminal charges and the suspension of your driver’s license, even if you were not drinking and driving at the time.

Auto Theft Laws in Illinois

Illinois law prohibits a broad range of conduct relating to motor vehicle theft. In addition to the general theft provisions, Illinois prohibits criminal trespass to vehicles (joyriding), selling or disposing of stolen vehicles, vehicle hijacking (carjacking), vehicle invasion (breaking into a vehicle), and failure to return a rental vehicle.

Burglary and Home Invasions in Illinois

Felony penalties apply to the crimes of burglary, residential burglary, and home invasion in Illinois.

Illinois Laws on Theft and Shoplifting

Theft penalties in Illinois range from a misdemeanor to a Class X felony. Learn more about the penalties for theft and shoplifting in Illinois.

Possession of a Controlled Substance in Illinois

Possession of illegal drugs in Illinois can mean jail or prison time, depending on the amount possessed, the type of drug, and a person's criminal record. All states regulate and control the possession of drugs or controlled substances, though each differs in its exact definition and the penalties for

Illinois Sale of a Controlled Substance Laws

All states regulate and control the sale and distribution of controlled dangerous substances (CDS), though each differs in its exact definition of CDS and the penalties for their possession. Illinois considers not only well-known drugs like LSD, heroin, and cocaine to be controlled substances, but also the compounds used to manufacture them.

Illinois Marijuana Laws on Sale and Possession

While Illinois is one of the states to legalize some recreational use of marijuana, restrictions still exist. Penalties for illegal possession or sale of marijuana range from a civil infraction to a felony.

Assault and Battery Laws in Illinois

Assault in Illinois is intentional conduct that reasonably causes a person to feel afraid of impending violence. Battery in consists of insulting or provoking physical contact, such as pushing another person, or intentionally causing bodily harm to another, such as hitting and injuring someone with an object.

Cyberbullying Laws in Illinois

Someone who harasses another through electronic communications may be guilty of a crime in Illinois. And every school district in Illinois must develop and maintain a policy prohibiting and addressing student-on-student bullying and cyberbullying.

Assault & Battery with a Deadly Weapon in Illinois

Assault with a deadly weapon in the state of Illinois can fall under several different charges depending upon circumstances and severity. For purposes of federal records, assault with a deadly weapon is part of the aggravated assault statistics.

Illinois Domestic Violence Laws

In Illinois, certain violent actions are classified as domestic violence crimes when committed against family or household members. A conviction for a domestic violence crime may result in prison time and a fine for the defendant. Furthermore, a victim of a domestic violence crime may obtain a protective order that substantially affects the offender’s rights.

Illinois Aggravated Assault & Battery Laws

Assault in Illinois is any intentional conduct that reasonably causes a person to feel afraid of impending violence. Words alone are not an assault in Illinois, but threatening to hit someone, when said in a menacing or angry manner and accompanied by conduct consistent with the threat, is an assault if the words and conduct cause the victim to reasonably believe that he is about to be struck or injured.

Illinois Sexting Laws for Teens and Minors

Illinois has addressed teen sexting by punishing certain behavior under the juvenile supervision laws, which avoids a delinquency record and sex offender registration. But the wording of the law is very narrow, and prosecutors can still prosecute sexting by minors under harsher laws.

Transmitting an STD in Illinois

In Illinois, it is a crime to engage in some types of activity if you know you are HIV-positive. Unlike many other states, Illinois criminalizes risky behaviors only if a person has HIV, and not other STDs.

Revenge Porn in Illinois

Illinois has criminalized revenge porn – posting or distributing intimate photographs, images, or videos of another person on the internet without the person’s consent and in order to harass or upset that person.

Illinois Statutory Rape Laws

In Illinois, people who engage in consensual sexual activity with children younger than 17 can be convicted of statutory rape offenses.

Prostitution, Pimping, and Pandering Laws in Illinois

Prostitution and a variety of acts related to it are crimes under Illinois law. In addition to criminal penalties, some prostitution-related crimes require the defendant to register as a sex offender and carry other consequences. Prostitution In Illinois, prostitution consists of performing, or offering