This is the next post in my series on dealing with misdemeanor charges in Peoria and other Illinois areas. My last article discussed defending against Class “A” misdemeanor allegations. It is important to understand that, in addition to the potential of a year in jail and fines, the defendant can be burdened with a permanent criminal record. This can have lifelong consequences which include disqualification from employment or housing. Retaining an experienced criminal defense attorney can be an important step towards ensuring that your interests remain protected. In this article I will discuss defending against Class “B” charges, which can be quite serious. If you are in need of assistance, then contact my office to speak with a lawyer.
Illinois Class “B” misdemeanors can result in up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,500
Illinois’ penalties for a Class B misdemeanor can include a defendant spending up to six months in jail as well as having to pay a fine of up to $1,500. A defendant, again, can receive a permanent mark on their record which will show up during a background check. This record can make an individual less desirable to landlords as well as employers. Typical offenses within this class of crime can include trespassing, conduct which interferes with the workings of the legal system (such as simulating a legal process or interfering with a process server), and the harassment of others. These are typically offenses in which a defendant is acting with a more blatant disregard for the law than those charged with lesser Class “C” crimes.
It is important to understand that the type of conduct just described will typically go beyond “simple” defiance of the law. One charged with a Class B misdemeanor for trespassing, for example, is likely not someone who has simply wandered onto a property with a “no trespassing sign.” Instead, such charges likely arise out of a situation where someone is on land or property which they have already been trespassed from and are well aware of the fact that they are not to be there. In this type of situation, an individual may also find themselves facing charges for harassment or some other crime. Likewise, the other offenses which can lead to Class B charges will typically involve conduct where the defendant is behaving more flagrantly. Judges take such matters very seriously and it is important to retain an experienced attorney.
Illinois defendants can receive probation for a Class B misdemeanor
While Class B misdemeanors carry serious potential consequences, a defendant should be aware that they may receive probation for such offenses. Whether or not a judge is inclined to grant probation will depend on the other charges (if any) that a defendant faced, the nature of the conduct, and the accused individual’s prior criminal record. Moreover, the extent to which an individual accepts responsibility for their actions, and shows remorse, will be considered by the Judge. How the Court will rule on any given matter is always going to depend on the specific facts of the case.
If you or a family member have been charged with a crime, then contact my office today to speak with a Peoria misdemeanor lawyer. I am a former prosecutor who devotes his practice to protecting the rights of the accused. I understand that your current situation can have a serious impact on your future and my office will give your case the attention it deserves. Contact us online or by telephone today. We look forward to speaking with you. My office also represents clients in Bloomington, Decatur, Eureka, Galesburg, Morton, Normal, Pekin, Springfield, and Washington. We also serve the counties of Fulton, Knox, LaSalle, Marshall, Mason, McLean, Putnam, Rock Island, Schuyler, Stark, Tazewell, and Woodford.