WHAT EACH CHARGE CARRIES
30 charges people actually meet, each with the section it comes from, what it requires the state to show, and the most it can carry. Illinois grades offenses by class: three misdemeanor classes, A, B and C, and five felony classes, 4, 3, 2, 1 and X. Each level here gives its class's sentencing range from the Unified Code of Corrections.
30 charges
Driving under the influence
A MISD to F2 · up to 3 to 7 years
Also searched as DUI, drunk driving, driving high
Driving or being in actual physical control of a vehicle with an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more, or under the influence of alcohol, drugs or intoxicating compounds, as the section describes.
| Class | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| A MISDClass A misdemeanor | Less than one year$2,500 fine | WhenA first or second violation |
| F4Class 4 felony | One to 3 years$25,000 fine | WhenAggravated DUI, unless the section sets a higher class |
| F2Class 2 felony | 3 to 7 years$25,000 fine | WhenA third violation, or a fourth, for which probation may not be imposed |
Driving while suspended or revoked
A MISD to F4 · up to one to 3 years
Also searched as DWLS, driving on a revoked license
Driving or being in actual physical control of a vehicle on a highway while the license or privilege to drive is suspended or revoked, outside what a permit allows.
| Class | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| A MISDClass A misdemeanor | Less than one year$2,500 fine | WhenA violation |
| F4Class 4 felony | One to 3 years$25,000 fine | WhenA second or later violation that is the proximate cause of a crash injuring or killing another |
Fleeing or attempting to elude a peace officer
A MISD · up to less than one year
Also searched as eluding, not pulling over
Willfully failing to stop when signaled by a uniformed officer, or speeding up, turning off the lights or otherwise fleeing.
| Class | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| A MISDClass A misdemeanor | Less than one year$2,500 fine | WhenA violation |
Driving 26 or more miles per hour over the limit
B MISD to A MISD · up to less than one year
Also searched as criminal speeding, excessive speed
Driving 26 miles per hour or more over the applicable maximum speed limit.
| Class | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| B MISDClass B misdemeanor | Up to 6 months$1,500 fine | When26 or more but less than 35 over |
| A MISDClass A misdemeanor | Less than one year$2,500 fine | When35 or more over |
Leaving the scene of a crash involving injury or death
F4 to F1 · up to 4 to 15 years
Also searched as hit and run
Failing to stop and remain at the scene of a crash that injured or killed someone until the information and aid duties are met.
| Class | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| F4Class 4 felony | One to 3 years$25,000 fine | WhenFailing to stop and remain |
| F2Class 2 felony | 3 to 7 years$25,000 fine | WhenFailing to report within one-half hour after leaving, where no one died |
| F1Class 1 felony | 4 to 15 years$25,000 fine | WhenFailing to report within one-half hour after leaving, where someone died |
Cannabis in a vehicle outside a sealed container
A MISD · up to less than one year
Also searched as smoking in the car, open cannabis
A driver using cannabis in the passenger area, or a driver or passenger possessing it outside a secured, sealed, odor proof, child resistant container that is inaccessible.
| Class | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| A MISDClass A misdemeanor | Less than one year$2,500 fine | WhenKnowingly breaking the rule |
Operating an uninsured motor vehicle
A MISD to OWN TERMS · up to as its section sets
Also searched as no insurance, driving without insurance
Operating a motor vehicle without the liability insurance policy the vehicle code requires for it.
| Class | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| OWN TERMSOffense with terms set by its own section | As its section setsMore than $500, up to $1,000 fine | WhenA petty offense |
| A MISDClass A misdemeanor | Less than one year$2,500 fine | WhenDriving uninsured and, as a proximate result, causing bodily harm to another person |
Failing to slow down and move over for a stopped emergency vehicle
OWN TERMS · up to as its section sets
Also searched as move over law, passing a stopped police car
Approaching a stationary emergency vehicle with its lights flashing without slowing, changing lanes where safe, and proceeding with due caution, as the section requires.
| Class | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| OWN TERMSOffense with terms set by its own section | As its section sets$250 to $10,000 fine | WhenA business offense, a first violation |
| OWN TERMSOffense with terms set by its own section | As its section sets$750 to $10,000 fine | WhenA second or later violation |
Assault
C MISD · up to 30 days
Also searched as threatening someone, simple assault
Knowingly, without lawful authority, engaging in conduct that places another in reasonable apprehension of receiving a battery.
| Class | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| C MISDClass C misdemeanor | Up to 30 days$1,500 fine | WhenAn assault, with 30 to 120 hours of community service where the county funds it |
Battery
A MISD · up to less than one year
Also searched as simple battery, hitting someone
Knowingly, without legal justification, causing bodily harm to someone or making physical contact of an insulting or provoking nature with them.
| Class | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| A MISDClass A misdemeanor | Less than one year$2,500 fine | WhenA battery |
Aggravated battery
F3 to X · up to 6 to 30 years
Also searched as agg battery, battery causing great bodily harm
A battery made aggravated by the harm it causes, where it happens, who the victim is, or the weapon used, as the section lists.
| Class | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| F3Class 3 felony | 2 to 5 years$25,000 fine | WhenUnless the section sets another class |
| XClass X felony | 6 to 30 years$25,000 fine | WhenDischarging a firearm and causing any injury to another person |
Domestic battery
A MISD to F4 · up to one to 3 years
Also searched as domestic violence, DV battery
Knowingly, without legal justification, causing bodily harm to a family or household member, or making insulting or provoking physical contact with one.
| Class | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| A MISDClass A misdemeanor | Less than one year$2,500 fine | WhenA domestic battery |
| F4Class 4 felony | One to 3 years$25,000 fine | WhenWith a prior conviction for violating an order of protection, among the priors the section lists |
Stalking
F4 to F3 · up to 2 to 5 years
Also searched as following someone, being stalked
Knowingly engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person, knowing it would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety or suffer emotional distress.
| Class | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| F4Class 4 felony | One to 3 years$25,000 fine | WhenA first conviction |
| F3Class 3 felony | 2 to 5 years$25,000 fine | WhenA second or later conviction |
Resisting or obstructing a peace officer
A MISD to F4 · up to one to 3 years
Also searched as resisting arrest, obstruction
Knowingly resisting arrest, or obstructing someone known to be a peace officer, firefighter or correctional employee in an authorized act.
| Class | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| A MISDClass A misdemeanor | Less than one year$2,500 fine | WhenA violation, with at least 48 consecutive hours in jail or 100 hours of community service |
| F4Class 4 felony | One to 3 years$25,000 fine | WhenWhere the violation was the proximate cause of an injury to the officer, firefighter or employee |
Obstructing identification
A MISD · up to less than one year
Also searched as giving a false name, fake name to police
Intentionally or knowingly giving a false name, address or date of birth to an officer who has lawfully arrested or detained the person, or asked a witness.
| Class | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| A MISDClass A misdemeanor | Less than one year$2,500 fine | WhenA violation |
Disorderly conduct
C MISD to F3 · up to 2 to 5 years
Also searched as breach of the peace, false 911 call, false report
Knowingly acting in an unreasonable manner that alarms or disturbs another and provokes a breach of the peace, or making a false alarm or report the section lists.
| Class | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| C MISDClass C misdemeanor | Up to 30 days$1,500 fine | WhenAn act that alarms or disturbs another and provokes a breach of the peace |
| F4Class 4 felony | One to 3 years$25,000 fine | WhenA false fire alarm, a false report of an offense, or a threat against a school |
| F3Class 3 felony | 2 to 5 years$25,000 fine | WhenA false bomb or poison gas alarm, with an added fine of $3,000 to $10,000 |
Criminal trespass to real property
B MISD to A MISD · up to less than one year
Also searched as trespassing, refusing to leave
Knowingly entering or staying in a building without lawful authority, or entering or staying on another's land after notice forbidding it.
| Class | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| B MISDClass B misdemeanor | Up to 6 months$1,500 fine | WhenEntering or staying after notice, or in a building without authority |
| A MISDClass A misdemeanor | Less than one year$2,500 fine | WhenEntering a crop field, livestock area or orchard in a motor vehicle after notice |
Theft
A MISD to X · up to 6 to 30 years
Also searched as stealing, taking property
Knowingly obtaining or exerting unauthorized control over the owner's property, or obtaining it by deception or threat, intending to deprive the owner of it permanently.
| Class | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| A MISDClass A misdemeanor | Less than one year$2,500 fine | WhenNot from the person, $500 or less |
| F3Class 3 felony | 2 to 5 years$25,000 fine | WhenFrom the person up to $500, or over $500 up to $10,000 |
| F2Class 2 felony | 3 to 7 years$25,000 fine | WhenOver $10,000 up to $100,000 |
| F1Class 1 felony | 4 to 15 years$25,000 fine | WhenOver $100,000 up to $500,000 |
| XClass X felony | 6 to 30 years$25,000 fine | WhenOver $1,000,000 |
Retail theft
A MISD to F4 · up to one to 3 years
Also searched as shoplifting
Knowingly taking merchandise offered for sale in a store, intending to keep it or deprive the merchant of it, without paying the full retail value.
| Class | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| A MISDClass A misdemeanor | Less than one year$2,500 fine | WhenMerchandise of $300 or less, or motor fuel of $150 or less |
| F4Class 4 felony | One to 3 years$25,000 fine | WhenLeaving by an emergency exit with property of $300 or less |
Criminal damage to property
B MISD to F2 · up to 3 to 7 years
Also searched as vandalism, property damage
Knowingly damaging another's property, recklessly damaging it by fire or explosive, or another of the acts the section lists.
| Class | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| B MISDClass B misdemeanor | Up to 6 months$1,500 fine | WhenDamaging a fire hydrant or fire fighting equipment, or opening a hydrant without authorization |
| A MISDClass A misdemeanor | Less than one year$2,500 fine | WhenDamage of $500 or less |
| F4Class 4 felony | One to 3 years$25,000 fine | WhenOver $500 up to $10,000 |
| F3Class 3 felony | 2 to 5 years$25,000 fine | WhenOver $10,000 up to $100,000 |
| F2Class 2 felony | 3 to 7 years$25,000 fine | WhenOver $100,000 |
Possession of cannabis outside the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act
B MISD to F4 · up to one to 3 years
Also searched as weed possession, marijuana possession, over the limit
Knowingly possessing cannabis other than as the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act and the hemp laws allow, graded by the weight of the substance.
| Class | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| OWN TERMSOffense with terms set by its own section | As its section sets$100 to $200 fine | WhenNot more than 10 grams, a civil law violation |
| B MISDClass B misdemeanor | Up to 6 months$1,500 fine | WhenMore than 10 grams up to 60 grams |
| A MISDClass A misdemeanor | Less than one year$2,500 fine | WhenMore than 60 grams up to 100 grams |
| F4Class 4 felony | One to 3 years$25,000 fine | WhenMore than 100 grams up to 500 grams |
Larger amounts are graded higher still, up to a Class 1 felony over 5,000 grams.
Possession of a controlled substance
C MISD to F1 · up to 4 to 15 years
Also searched as drug possession, PCS
Knowingly possessing a controlled or counterfeit substance, or a controlled substance analog, other than as the Act authorizes.
| Class | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| C MISDClass C misdemeanor | Up to 30 days$1,500 fine | WhenAny amount of an anabolic steroid, a first offense |
| F4Class 4 felony | One to 3 years$25,000 fine | WhenAn amount the section does not list for a higher penalty |
| F1Class 1 felony | 4 to 15 years$25,000 fine | When15 grams or more but less than 100 grams of a substance containing heroin, among the amounts the section lists |
Purchase, possession or consumption of alcohol under 21
A MISD · up to less than one year
Also searched as minor in possession, MIP, underage drinking, fake ID
A person under 21 buying, accepting or possessing alcohol, or drinking it, or anyone misusing or carrying a false identification card.
| Class | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| A MISDClass A misdemeanor | Less than one year$2,500 fine | WhenA violation of any provision of the section |
Aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon
F4 to F2 · up to 3 to 7 years
Also searched as AUUW, carrying without a license, loaded gun in the car
Knowingly carrying or possessing a firearm in the circumstances the section lists, such as a loaded, uncased and immediately accessible handgun without a concealed carry license.
| Class | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| F4Class 4 felony | One to 3 years$25,000 fine | WhenA first offense |
| F2Class 2 felony | 3 to 7 years$25,000 fine | WhenA second or later offense, with not less than 3 years and not more than 7 years in prison |
Unlawful possession of weapons
A MISD · up to less than one year
Also searched as switchblade, brass knuckles, carrying a dangerous weapon
Possessing or carrying a switchblade, metal knuckles, a throwing star or another listed weapon, or carrying a dangerous weapon with intent to use it unlawfully.
| Class | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| A MISDClass A misdemeanor | Less than one year$2,500 fine | WhenA violation of those provisions |
Possession of drug paraphernalia
A MISD · up to less than one year
Also searched as paraphernalia, a pipe, a bong
Knowingly possessing drug paraphernalia with the intent to use it to take a controlled substance into the body or to prepare one for that.
| Class | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| A MISDClass A misdemeanor | Less than one year$2,500 fine | WhenA violation, with a minimum fine of $750 on top of any other penalty |
Hazing
A MISD to F4 · up to one to 3 years
Also searched as initiation, pledging
Knowingly requiring a student to perform an unauthorized act for admission into a group connected with an educational institution, where the act results in bodily harm.
| Class | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| A MISDClass A misdemeanor | Less than one year$2,500 fine | WhenHazing that results in bodily harm |
| F4Class 4 felony | One to 3 years$25,000 fine | WhenHazing that results in death or great bodily harm |
Identity theft
F4 to F2 · up to 3 to 7 years
Also searched as using someone's identity, stolen identity
Knowingly using another person's identifying information or identification document to fraudulently obtain credit, money, goods, services or property, or another use the section lists.
| Class | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| F4Class 4 felony | One to 3 years$25,000 fine | WhenNot exceeding $300 |
| F3Class 3 felony | 2 to 5 years$25,000 fine | WhenOver $300 up to $2,000 |
| F2Class 2 felony | 3 to 7 years$25,000 fine | WhenOver $2,000 up to $10,000 |
Larger amounts, and aggravated identity theft, are graded higher.
Harassment by telephone or through electronic communications
B MISD to F4 · up to one to 3 years
Also searched as harassing calls, harassing texts, threatening messages
Calling, texting or otherwise communicating electronically with intent to abuse, threaten or harass, or repeatedly to harass, as the sections describe.
| Class | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| B MISDClass B misdemeanor | Up to 6 months$1,500 fine | WhenA first violation |
| A MISDClass A misdemeanor | Less than one year$2,500 fine | WhenA second or later violation, with at least 14 days in jail or 240 hours of community service |
| F4Class 4 felony | One to 3 years$25,000 fine | WhenWith 3 or more prior violations in the last 10 years, among the circumstances the section lists |
Reckless driving
A MISD to F4 · up to one to 3 years
Also searched as driving recklessly, aggravated reckless driving
Driving with a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property, or knowingly using an incline to make the vehicle airborne.
| Class | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| A MISDClass A misdemeanor | Less than one year$2,500 fine | WhenReckless driving |
| F4Class 4 felony | One to 3 years$25,000 fine | WhenCausing great bodily harm or permanent disability or disfigurement, or bodily harm to a child or school crossing guard |
Every level on this page, for reference
Felony ranges are the ordinary terms, before any extended term. Each felony fine is up to $25,000 or the amount the offense specifies, whichever is greater.
- C MISDClass C misdemeanorUp to 30 days$1,500
- B MISDClass B misdemeanorUp to 6 months$1,500
- A MISDClass A misdemeanorLess than one year$2,500
- OWN TERMSOffense with terms set by its own sectionAs its section sets
- F4Class 4 felonyOne to 3 years$25,000
- F3Class 3 felony2 to 5 years$25,000
- F2Class 2 felony3 to 7 years$25,000
- F1Class 1 felony4 to 15 years$25,000
- XClass X felony6 to 30 years$25,000
Words on a charging document
Terms with a legal meaning that is narrower than the everyday one. Each links to the definition and the authority behind it.
- Class A misdemeanorThe most serious misdemeanor class, with a jail term of less than one year and a fine of up to $2,500.
- Class X felonyThe highest of the five felony classes, with a prison term of not less than 6 years and not more than 30 years.
- ExpungementA court order to erase the records of an arrest or charge that ended without a conviction, or in supervision or qualified probation successfully completed.
- Pretrial releaseRelease before trial, which every person charged is eligible for. Cash bail was abolished on January 1, 2023, and release on personal recognizance is presumed.
About this guide — maximums, not predictions. What a specific case carries turns on priors, the facts, and the court, and only a licensed Illinois attorney can tell you what yours is. Current as of October 2026.