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Illinois Criminal Laws

Learn about your state’s laws by using the links below.

Created by FindLaw’s team of legal writers and editors

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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.

The state of Illinois continues to add offenses as necessary. For instance, ILCS § 542/5, 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).

Illinois Criminal Laws

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.

Crimes Against People

When we think about "crime," we think of violent crimes. Many of these are Class 1 and Class 2 felonies, with lengthy prison sentences.

  • First- and second-degree murder
  • Robbery
  • Burglary
  • Sex offenses, including prostitution

Crimes of armed violence, such as armed robbery, aggravated arson, and drug trafficking (as opposed to drug possession), are Class X felonies and get terms of up to 30 years in prison.

Crimes Against Property

Property crimes involve real property and personal items. They may include private properties as well as government and business property.

  • Retail theft
  • Fraud
  • Forgery
  • Identity theft and related offenses
  • Arson

Crimes Against Public Safety

These kinds of crimes may affect one person, but the nature of the offense could affect everyone. Police handle these cases even if they are not as serious as other crimes.

  • Disorderly conduct
  • Harassing communications
  • Illegal gambling
  • DUI/OWI

Crimes Against Children

Illinois has several laws protecting minors. Most fall under "Offenses Directed Against Persons" Article 12C Harms to Children. The remainder fall under sex crimes directed at minor children. They include:

Get Legal Advice from an Illinois Criminal Defense Attorney

If you’re facing criminal charges in Illinois, you need advice you can trust. Contact an experienced Illinois criminal defense attorney for help with your legal issues.

Learn About Illinois Criminal Laws

  • Illinois Child Abuse Laws

    A summary of child abuse laws in Illinois. These include excessive corporal punishment, giving a child access to illicit drugs, and the infliction of physical and emotional harm.

  • Illinois Marijuana Laws

    An overview of marijuana laws under the Illinois Controlled Substances Act, which decriminalizes possession of small amounts of cannabis and allows the limited use of medical marijuana.

  • Illinois Protective Order Laws

    A brief description and list of provisions underlying Illinois protective order laws and domestic violence stay-away orders.

  • Illinois Credit Card Fraud Laws

    The basic provisions of Illinois credit card fraud laws. Fraud includes committing false statements to get a credit card and using forged or expired cards.

  • Illinois Extortion Laws

    The basics of Illinois extortion laws, which ban the use or threat of force with the intention of causing another person to perform (or refrain from performing) a certain act.

  • Illinois Theft Laws

    An overview of Illinois theft laws, which criminalize the unauthorized taking of another person’s property.

Illinois Criminal Law Articles

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