Bill > SB0290

This bill amends the Criminal Code of 2012 by increasing the penalties for violating an order of protection. Specifically, the bill changes the classification of violation of an order of protection from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class 4 felony for a first offense. For subsequent offenses or if the defendant has prior convictions for certain serious crimes (such as domestic battery, murder, aggravated battery, stalking, sexual assault, kidnapping, and others) against a family or household member, the offense is elevated to a Class 3 felony. The bill maintains provisions that allow courts to impose a minimum of 24 hours imprisonment for second or subsequent violations, unless the court finds such a penalty would be manifestly unjust. Additionally, the bill allows courts to impose fines and order restitution to the victim. The legislation also clarifies that a person who directs a third party to violate an order of protection can be held accountable as if they personally committed the violation. These changes aim to strengthen protections for individuals covered by orders of protection and provide more significant legal consequences for those who violate such orders.

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=290&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&SessionID=114&GA=104