Have you or a loved one been charged with a Class C Misdemeanor in Chicago? We understand that navigating a criminal charge can be a confusing process. Perhaps you have questions about the negative consequences if you are convicted. How will this incident affect your criminal record? What are your legal options for fighting these charges? Is it really that big of a deal?
A criminal defense attorney can answer any questions you may have about your specific case. If you are worried about your future quality of life, it is best to seek legal representation for any criminal charges case. Call today to reach one of our criminal defense lawyers in Chicago.
Types of Crimes That Are Class C Misdemeanors
There are many different classifications of crimes in the state of Illinois. Specifically, there are three categories of misdemeanor crimes: Class A, Class B, and Class C. Class C is the least serious type of criminal offense. A Class C type of misdemeanor is one step above an ordinance violation, a petty offense, or a business offense. You may be thinking that means this class of misdemeanors is not that serious. However, the conviction of a Class C Misdemeanor can lead to fines, jail time, and a criminal record. The most common types of misdemeanor charges for Class C in Chicago are:
Disorderly Conduct
Disorderly conduct can be applied to a wide variety of situations that put public safety at risk. Any instance in which a person knowingly behaves in a way that intimidates or provokes another person or disrupts the peace can be considered disorderly conduct. This includes going into public under the influence of alcohol or other illicit substances at a level that endangers another body or causes property damage, public indecency refusal to obey the orders of a peace officer, or any threat of imminent violence. The law is intentionally broad and vague when it comes to describing disorderly conduct, so a wide range of threatening or insubordinate actions may be covered under this type of criminal offense.
Assault
Many people think of assault as a violent domestic battery or physical altercation, but assault charges also include unwanted physical contact. It can also include the threat or attempt to inflict bodily harm on another. These are examples of simple assault. In more serious cases, such as aggravated assault, an assault offense can carry a felony charge.
Illegal Storage of a Firearm / Child Endangerment
Gun violations and possession of firearm offenses can hold severe consequences under Chicago law. Most firearm offenses carry hefty consequences like serious fines and months in jail. Leaving a firearm in a place where a minor child under the age of 14 (without a carry license) could access the weapon without supervision is considered a Class C Misdemeanor. An unattended gun in the presence of a minor child is a form of child endangerment.
Illegal Possession of Marijuana
Though the laws surrounding the unlawful possession of cannabis are changing and can vary by case, in some instances the possession of a small amount of marijuana (under 2.5 grams) can fall under a Class C Misdemeanor offense. Multiple possession offenses change the way the crime is treated and the possible penalties.
Penalties For Class C Misdemeanors
Though these are less serious crimes and therefore carry less severe consequences than many other crimes, the effects on your future should not be underestimated. In the state of Illinois Class C Misdemeanors carry the risk of the following criminal penalties:
- Up to 30 days of jail time in county jail
- Up to two years of probation period
- Fines up to $1500
The most serious and life-altering penalty of a Class C Misdemeanor conviction is a permanent mark on your criminal record. Having a conviction on your criminal record can affect your future, especially employment opportunities. When an employer runs a criminal background check, they can not tell what category of misdemeanor you committed, only that you have been convicted of a criminal offense.
If you are facing more than one type of charge or this is not your first offense, you may be facing more serious punishments and a more complicated legal process. It's important to enlist the services of legal representation.
Related Content: Contact an Experienced Misdemeanor DUI Lawyer Here!
How an Attorney Can Help With Misdemeanor Charges
A criminal defense lawyer will be able to review your case and develop an aggressive defense to lessen the severity of your charges, negotiate a plea bargain, avoid trial or possibly have the charges completely dropped. In the case of conviction, a misdemeanor attorney will advocate for lesser punishments like community service hours or probation to avoid the maximum jail sentence. If you have prior offenses, you may be looking at more severe punishment.
An experienced trial attorney can save you money, and jail time, and protect your quality of life. Contact a criminal defense lawyer at Chicago DUI Defense today to help guide and represent you through the entire legal process.
