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Illinois Crimes: Laws and Penalties

If you or someone you know has been charged with a crime in Illinois, you'll want as much information as possible about the crime and its consequences. What does the prosecutor have to prove in order to get a conviction? What's the sentence; is it a range, and what factors might affect a judge's decision to impose a lower or higher sentence? Most importantly, are there any legally recognized defenses to this charge?

The articles on this page give you this information for specified Illinois crimes. If you want to read the laws themselves, you'll find citations to them (see "Looking Up the Law," below, for tips on how to find the law online). But most of the time, our summaries will give you   what you need.

Be sure to understand that no legal article is a substitute for a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney, who regularly practices in your area. The "letter of the law" is only your strating point. Working with your attorney, you should come to understand how the amount and quality of the evidence in your case will affect your options, which may range from attempting to get the case dismissed, to negotiating a plea, to going to trial.

Illinois' Classification of Crimes and Statute of Limitations

Illinois' Classification of Crimes and Statute of Limitations

  • 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.

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DUI, Driving & Alcohol Related Crimes

DUI, Driving & Alcohol Related Crimes

Theft-Related Crimes

Theft-Related Crimes

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Drug Possession and Sale

Drug Possession and Sale

Harassment, Bullying and Violent Crimes

Harassment, Bullying and Violent Crimes

  • Battery Laws and Penalties in Illinois

    A battery conviction in Illinois can land you a few days in jail or a few decades in prison. Learn how the state defines battery and aggravated battery.

  • Cyberbullying Laws and Penalties in Illinois

    In Illinois, acts of cyberbullying may be punished as cyberstalking or harassment, which both carry the possibility of felony charges.

  • Illinois Domestic Violence Laws

    Learn how Illinois defines domestic battery crimes, when it becomes a felony, and what other penalties a defendant convicted of domestic violence may face.

  • Assault Laws and Penalties in Illinois

    Learn what constitutes assault, aggravated assault, and assault with a deadly weapon in Illinois, along with the possible misdemeanor and felony penalties.

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Sex Crimes

Sex Crimes

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