Chicago Class B Misdemeanor Defense Attorney
Are you facing criminal charges for a Class B Misdemeanor in Chicago? If so, it is important to understand the consequences of a conviction for this crime.
While misdemeanors are generally less serious crimes than felonies, a conviction can still have harsh and life-changing consequences. You will be more likely to secure a reduction or dismissal of the charges in your case when you hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer to handle your case.
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Class B Misdemeanor Offenses in Chicago
There are three tiers of misdemeanor offenses in Illinois. Crimes that are charged as a Class B Misdemeanors are generally considered to be significant violations of the law. Some of these offenses are explicitly stated as Class B Misdemeanor offenses by law., while other less serious offenses can be increased to a Class B Misdemeanor if certain aggravating factors are present. Crimes that can be charged as a Class B Misdemeanor in Chicago include:
- Possession of less than 10 grams of marijuana;
- Telephone harassment;
- Aggravated speeding;
- Falsely reporting a crime; and
- Criminal trespass.
Criminal Sentence for a Class B Misdemeanor
Imprisonment and Fines
In Chicago, a Class B Misdemeanor is punishable by a maximum of six months in a Cook County jail and/or fines of up to $1,500. While courts may impose a sentence that is less severe, they are legally required to warn you that this is the maximum sentence that can be imposed if you are convicted of a Class B Misdemeanor.
Alternative Sentencing Options
Many times, a court will impose alternative sentencing options when you have been convicted of a Class B Misdemeanor. These alternative sentencing options can be imposed in addition to, or instead of, imprisonment and fines. These alternative options are often imposed to reduce the severity of the punishment you face and to encourage rehabilitation. Courts will be more likely to impose alternative sentencing options if you have no prior criminal record, you are openly remorseful for your actions, and no one was seriously harmed because of your criminal act. Alternative sentencing options that may be imposed include:
- Probation;
- Supervision;
- Conditional discharge;
- Restitution to victims;
- Community service;
- Periodic imprisonment; and
- Electronic home monitoring.
Supervision in Class B Misdemeanor Cases
Supervision is essentially the same as probation, except that you are not convicted of a crime. A court can impose supervision in your case if they believe that convicting you of a crime would do more harm than good. When supervision is imposed as a sanction in your case you will be required to follow certain court-imposed rules and regulations (under the supervision of the court) for a specified period of time. For Class B Misdemeanors, this period of time is usually for one year or less.
Once you have successfully completed the terms of your supervision the court will dismiss the charges against you. This is a great way to avoid the criminal and collateral consequences of a conviction. Our attorneys will aggressively fight to secure supervision in your Class B Misdemeanor case.
Have you been arrested for a Class B Misdemeanor in Chicago? Contact the Kostopoulos Law Group today for immediate legal assistance. While the criminal penalties associated with a Class B Misdemeanor may not be particularly harsh, a conviction will burden you with a criminal record. This will make it tough to get a job, sign a lease, and can even affect your child custody rights. Our experienced attorneys can help minimize the consequences of your Class B Misdemeanor arrest. Early intervention in a criminal case is important to a successful outcome, so it is important to act quickly.
