Driving under the influence is a serious matter in Illinois. With the average cost of a DUI conviction in Illinois costing over $18,000, an offender may have to pay a steep fine and face losing certain civil rights.

Penalties for a DUI can vary based on whether the driver was transporting children, if the driver had any prior offenses if your blood alcohol content is excessively elevated, and if anybody was injured.

Aggravating factors can result in your DUI being charged as a felony, also increasing jail time and potential fines. If you are facing aggravated DUI charges, you need to speak with an Arlington Heights DUI defense lawyer as soon as possible.

Protecting ourselves is a basic human instinct. Without this innate trait, the human race would have become extinct thousands of years ago.

In Illinois, a person commits assault if the individual physically threatens another. If you are facing assault charges, you may be able to negate criminal liability by proving that you acted in self-defense. 

Impaired driving remains a major concern in Illinois, and arrests happen daily. While the police only need to have probable cause to arrest you for a DUI, a prosecutor must have sufficient evidence to convict you.

If you have been charged with a DUI, you need the experience that can only be found in an Arlington Heights DUI defense lawyer.

Although a misdemeanor is punished less harshly than a felony, you could still face serious penalties. If you are charged with a misdemeanor in Illinois, there is a chance that you could spend up to one year in jail.

If you have been convicted of a misdemeanor, reach out to an Arlington Heights criminal defense lawyer today. 

What is a Misdemeanor?

Crimes are categorized as either misdemeanors or felonies. A misdemeanor is a less serious crime that usually penalizes the wrongdoer with fines, community service, probation, and at most one year in prison.

Criminal offenses are categorized as either felonies or misdemeanors. Although a misdemeanor carries less severe penalties than a felony, you should still hire an attorney to represent your interests.

If you have been charged with a misdemeanor in Illinois, keep reading to learn about the possible penalties you may be facing and the reasons you should hire an Arlington Heights criminal defense lawyer.

What are Considered Misdemeanor Crimes in Illinois?

According to Illinois law, misdemeanors are classified as either Class A, Class B, or Class C. A Class A misdemeanor is the most serious type of misdemeanor, with a Class C being the least serious.