Illinois has three different levels of misdemeanor offenses. These levels are identified by the first three letters of the alphabet: A, B, and C.
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Class A Misdemeanors
Class A misdemeanors are punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a fine of up to $2500. With any misdemeanor, including the Class A misdemeanor, the sentence a defendant receives can include other terms such as probation, substance-abuse treatment, and community service work. Common Class A misdemeanors include Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Illegal Consumption of Alcohol by a Minor, Battery, Theft, and Possession of Cannabis (over 10 grams but not over 30 grams).
At a defendant's first court appearance, the judge presiding over the defendant's case will inform the defendant of the level of misdemeanor he or she has been charged with.
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Class B Misdemeanors
Class B misdemeanors are punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1500. Common Class B misdemeanors include Criminal Trespass to Real Property, Possession of Cannabis (over 2.5 grams but not over 10 grams), and certain kinds of Harassment by Telephone.
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Class C Misdemeanors
Class C misdemeanors are punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a fine of up to $1500. Common Class C misdemeanors include Possession of Cannabis (up to 2.5 grams) and a type of Disorderly Conduct.
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