Misdemeanors

Have You Been Charged With a Misdemeanor and Need Legal Counsel? Chicago Misdemeanor Lawyer Andrew M. Weisberg Can Help

Being charged with a misdemeanor offense in Chicago can be frightening and confusing, especially if you have never been in trouble with the law before. Many people assume that misdemeanors are “minor” offenses, but the reality is that a misdemeanor conviction can have serious and lasting consequences. Even a single misdemeanor conviction can result in jail time, substantial fines, and a permanent criminal record that can affect employment, housing opportunities, and professional licensing.

If you have been charged with a misdemeanor offense in Chicago or suburban Cook County, it is important to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Chicago misdemeanor lawyer Andrew M. Weisberg has decades of experience representing clients charged with misdemeanor offenses throughout Cook County. As a former Cook County prosecutor, he understands how misdemeanor cases are investigated and prosecuted and works aggressively to achieve the best possible outcome for his clients.

If you would like to reach Mr. Weisberg quickly and directly, please call his cell phone 24/7 at (773) 908-9811, or fill out the case review form on the website. The consultation is free.

This page provides an overview of the types of misdemeanor charges and offenses that a person in Chicago or Illinois may face when they go to court in Chicago or suburban Cook County. You are welcome to explore the site or call Mr. Weisberg directly to discuss your case.

What Is a Misdemeanor in Illinois?

A misdemeanor is a criminal offense punishable by a maximum sentence of 364 days in jail. The maximum fine for a misdemeanor offense in Illinois is $2,500 plus mandatory court costs.

While misdemeanors are less serious than felony offenses, they still carry the possibility of incarceration in the Cook County Jail or another local jail facility. Unlike felony convictions, misdemeanor convictions do not result in a sentence to the Illinois Department of Corrections. However, misdemeanor charges should never be taken lightly.

Many misdemeanor cases involve court appearances over several months and require careful legal representation to achieve the best possible outcome.

Classification of Misdemeanors in Illinois

Illinois law divides misdemeanor offenses into three classifications.

Class A Misdemeanor

A Class A misdemeanor is the most serious type of misdemeanor offense.

Maximum penalties include:

• Up to 364 days in jail
• Fines of up to $2,500
• Court supervision or probation
• Community service
• Counseling or treatment programs

Many of the most common criminal charges in Cook County are Class A misdemeanors.

Class B Misdemeanor

Class B misdemeanors carry a maximum penalty of:

• Up to 180 days in jail
• Fines of up to $1,500

Class C Misdemeanor

Class C misdemeanors are the least serious classification but still result in a criminal record if a conviction is entered.

Maximum penalties include:

• Up to 30 days in jail
• Fines of up to $1,500

Common Misdemeanor Charges in Chicago

Common examples of misdemeanor offenses in Chicago and Cook County include:

• Assault
• Battery
• Criminal damage to property
• Retail theft or shoplifting
• Criminal trespass
• Disorderly conduct
• Public indecency
• Resisting arrest
• Obstructing a peace officer
• Driving under the influence (DUI)
• Driving on a suspended or revoked license
• Violation of an order of protection
• Domestic battery

Although these offenses are classified as misdemeanors, they are treated very seriously by Cook County prosecutors and judges.

Consequences of a Misdemeanor Conviction

A misdemeanor conviction can have consequences far beyond fines or court appearances.

Potential consequences include:

• Jail time
• Probation or court supervision
• Fines and court costs
• Mandatory classes or counseling
• Community service
• Driver’s license consequences
• A permanent criminal record

Many employers conduct background checks, and even a misdemeanor conviction can prevent someone from obtaining employment.

Landlords and property managers frequently run background checks as well, and a criminal record can make it difficult to secure housing.

Professional licensing boards may also take disciplinary action against individuals with criminal convictions.

For many people, avoiding a permanent conviction is one of the most important goals in a misdemeanor case.

Court Supervision and Alternative Outcomes

One important advantage in many misdemeanor cases is the possibility of court supervision or other non-conviction outcomes.

Court supervision allows a case to be completed without a criminal conviction if the defendant successfully complies with court conditions.

Possible outcomes in misdemeanor cases may include:

• Dismissal of charges
• Deferred prosecution programs
• Court supervision
• Conditional discharge
• Not guilty findings after trial

An experienced defense attorney can often make a significant difference in achieving a favorable result.

Class A Misdemeanor Charges in Illinois

The following is a more extensive list of Class A misdemeanor charges and offenses in Chicago and Illinois:

Aggravated Assault – 720 ILCS 5/12-2
Battery – 720 ILCS 5/12-3
Domestic Battery – 720 ILCS 5/12-3.2
Criminal Damage To Property – 720 ILCS 5/21-1
Criminal Defacement to Property – 720 ILCS 5/21-1.3
Criminal Sexual Abuse – 720 ILCS 5/11-1.50 or 720 ILCS 5/12-15
Criminal Trespass to Residence – 720 ILCS 5/19-4
Criminal Trespass to Vehicles – 720 ILCS 5/21-2
Deceptive Practices – 720 ILCS 5/17-1
Endangering the Life or Health of a Child – 720 ILCS 5/12-21.6
Interfering With the Reporting of Domestic Violence – 720 ILCS 5/12-3.5 or 720 ILCS 5/12-6.3
Obscenity – 720 ILCS 5/11-20
Patronizing a Prostitute – 720 ILCS 5/11-18
Possession of Cannabis (more than 10 grams but not more than 30 grams) – 720 ILCS 550/4
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – 720 ILCS 600/3
Possession of Hypodermic Needles – 720 ILCS 635/4
Prostitution – 720 ILCS 5/11-14
Public Indecency – 720 ILCS 5/11-9
Reckless Conduct – 720 ILCS 5/12-5
Resisting or Obstructing a Police Officer – 720 ILCS 5/31-1
Retail Theft (Shoplifting) – 720 ILCS 5/16-25 or 720 ILCS 5/16A-3
Solicitation for a Prostitute – 720 ILCS 5/11-15
Theft – 720 ILCS 5/16-1, 720 ILCS 5/16-2, 720 ILCS 5/16-3
Violation of an Order of Protection – 720 ILCS 5/12-30

Class B Misdemeanor Charges

The following offenses are commonly charged as Class B misdemeanors:

Criminal Trespass to Property – 720 ILCS 5/21-3
Harassment by Telephone – 720 ILCS 135-1-1
Possession of Cannabis (more than 2.5 grams but not more than 10 grams) – 720 ILCS 550/4

Class C Misdemeanor Charges

Examples of Class C misdemeanor offenses include:

Assault – 720 ILCS 5/12-1
Disorderly Conduct – 720 ILCS 5/26-1
Possession of Cannabis (not more than 2.5 grams) – 720 ILCS 550/4

Why Hiring an Experienced Chicago Misdemeanor Lawyer Matters

Those accused of a misdemeanor offense in the Chicago area can improve their chances of a favorable outcome by hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney.

Andrew M. Weisberg has represented thousands of clients charged with misdemeanor offenses in Cook County courts. His experience allows him to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and pursue strategies that can lead to reduced charges or dismissals.

As a former Cook County prosecutor, Andrew understands how misdemeanor cases are evaluated by the State’s Attorney’s Office and how to negotiate effectively with prosecutors.

Mr. Weisberg’s goal is always to help his clients obtain the best possible outcome, whether that means dismissal of the charges, court supervision, or a not guilty finding after trial.

Cook County Courts Where Misdemeanor Cases Are Heard

Andrew M. Weisberg handles misdemeanor charges throughout Cook County, including:

• Chicago criminal courts and branch courts
• Skokie Courthouse
• Rolling Meadows Courthouse
• Maywood (Maybrook) Courthouse
• Bridgeview Courthouse
• Markham Courthouse

If you have been charged with a misdemeanor offense in Chicago or suburban Cook County, it is important to have a lawyer who regularly appears in these courthouses and understands local procedures.

Speak With a Chicago Misdemeanor Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one has been charged with a misdemeanor offense, you should contact an experienced Chicago criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.

Andrew M. Weisberg is committed to providing a strong and effective defense and believes that the best results come from building a personal relationship with each client.

If you would like to reach Mr. Weisberg quickly and directly, please call his cell phone 24/7 at (773) 908-9811, or fill out the case review form on the website. The consultation is free.