{"id":373077,"date":"2016-03-31T21:35:14","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:35:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/illinois-law\/illinois-criminal-laws.html"},"modified":"2024-11-15T12:41:34","modified_gmt":"2024-11-15T17:41:34","slug":"illinois-criminal-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/illinois-law\/illinois-criminal-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Illinois Criminal Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\n \n Illinois Criminal Laws\n <\/h1>\n \n Learn about your state’s laws by using the links below.\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Created by FindLaw’s team<\/a> of legal writers and editors<\/i><\/p>\n\n | Last updated\n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Illinois state laws about crime and criminal offenses resemble most other states. In 2012, Illinois’ criminal code was updated and streamlined to remove duplicate and unconstitutional statutes. The current codes are easier to understand and contain plain-language definitions and defenses for most criminal acts.<\/p>\r\n

The state of Illinois continues to add offenses as necessary. For instance, ILCS \u00a7 542\/5<\/a>, the "Bath Salts Prohibition Act," was added after the sudden rise of synthetic cathinone, an illegal controlled substance and Schedule I narcotic. In 2013, Illinois became the first non-Pacific state to ban the sale or use of shark fins (515 ILCS 5\/5-30<\/a>).<\/p>\r\n

Illinois Criminal Laws<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Illinois criminal statutes divide crimes broadly into crimes against people, against property, and against public health or safety. Within each division, crimes may be felonies, misdemeanors, or infractions.<\/p>\r\n

Crimes Against People<\/b><\/h3>\r\n

When we think about "crime," we think of violent crimes. Many of these are Class 1 and Class 2 felonies, with lengthy prison sentences.<\/p>\r\n