Rock Island Illinois Misdemeanor Defense Attorney
In Illinois, crimes are divided into two broad categories: misdemeanors and felonies. Misdemeanor charges are less serious than felony charges, but can still carry serious consequences. If you’ve been charged with a misdemeanor in or around Rock Island, you should speak with an experienced local criminal defense lawyer right away.
What is a Misdemeanor?
In Illinois, any crime that carries a maximum period of incarceration of 12 months or less is a misdemeanor. This does not include petty offenses, such as most traffic tickets, that do not carry the possibility of jail time.
There are three classes of misdemeanor, each with its own sentencing range.
Class A misdemeanors are the most serious. A class A misdemeanor in Illinois carries a possible sentence of up to 12 months in jail, and a fine of up to $2,500.
Class B misdemeanors are punishable by up to 6 months in jail, and a fine of up to $1,500.
Class C misdemeanors are the least serious, with a maximum possible penalty of 30 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,500.
Misdemeanor Convictions May Carry Other Consequences
While state law sets forth the maximum jail time and fines for each class of crime, there may be other direct and indirect consequences of a misdemeanor conviction. For example, someone who is convicted of a misdemeanor may have all or part of their sentence suspended and be placed on probation. That’s better than jail time, but conditions of probation can be tough. Depending on the crime and other factors, someone placed on probation in Illinois may be required to comply with terms such as:
- Reporting regularly to a probation officer
- Attending substance abuse programs or counseling
- Submitting to drug and/or alcohol testing
- Paying restitution
- Refraining from possessing weapons
- Performing community service
- Refraining from contacting the victim
Specific crimes may also carry other direct consequences. For example, some driving-related misdemeanor convictions will result in a driver’s license suspension. Criminal sexual abuse is a misdemeanor, but requires sex offender registration. These are just two examples of serious additional consequences of certain misdemeanor convictions.
A misdemeanor conviction can also have indirect consequences. Depending on the nature of the conviction and other factors, these could range from increased automobile insurance rates to disqualification from certain types of employment. In short, you may be surprised by the ways even a misdemeanor conviction can affect other areas of your life.
You Don’t Have to Face Rock Island Misdemeanor Charges Alone
Your best resource when you’ve been charged with an Illinois misdemeanor crime is an experienced local criminal defense attorney. When you handle your own criminal defense, the prosecution has to provide you with certain information. But, they don’t have to tell you what it means for you. It’s up to you to recognize that there may not have been probable cause for a traffic stop, or that there was a problem with a search warrant or the chemical testing procedure.
They also don’t have to tell you about those indirect consequences of a conviction. That means a plea agreement offer that sounds great because it involves little or no jail time may have a much more serious impact on your life than you expect.
Misdemeanor Attorney Clark A. Miljush is Here to Help
I’ve been fighting for people charged with crimes in and around Rock Island since __________, and before that I interned in the prosecutor’s office. I know from experience that criminal defendants who don’t have full knowledge of substantive law and procedural requirements face a lot of pitfalls. Sometimes, that means a guilty plea or conviction that could have been avoided.
I offer free consultations to ensure that people who have been charged with crimes have access to the information they need to make good decisions about their next steps. To learn more, fill out our contact form or call 309-752-8500 right now.
