Legal Question in Criminal Law in Illinois

criminal destruction of private property

I foolishly and drunkenly tried to break into the office of my landlords office. The police caught me and arrested me before I got in and was charged with criminal destruction of private property. I was released the same night and now await a court date. It's my first offense here in Cook Cnty. Illinois. Will it be a misdemeanor or a felony offense?


Asked on 10/14/08, 8:25 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
David Shestokas Shestokas, & Associates

Re: criminal destruction of private property

It may be either, depending upon the amount of damage. If you were released the same night, it is likely that you were charged with a misdemeanor. If there had been felony charges considered you would have been held for a judge to set a bond. To learn the felony process, see

http://www.shestokas.com/Felony.html

It is more likely that you were charged with a Class A misdemeanor, which while less serious, still has a possible penalty of up to a year in jail and fines of up to $2500. You should have a lawyer.

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Answered on 10/14/08, 8:39 pm
Michael Rosenblat Michael C. Rosenblat., P.C.

Re: criminal destruction of private property

If you have already been charged you can usually tell yourself, the clerk of the court or a lawyer should be able to tell you if the state is seeking a felony charge. Call if you have questions.

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Answered on 10/15/08, 12:12 pm


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