llinois Department of Natural Resources is responsible for enforcing the various laws and regulations surrounding hunting and trapping in Illinois. For the most up-to-date information please click here. Listed below, you will find the most common offenses and the number points assessed upon a finding of guilt for each offense. This information came from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website regarding state regulations that went into effect August 14, 2007. This listing is only intended as a guide as the regulations are subject to change on an annual basis.

POINT SYSTEM

Each time a person is found guilty by a circuit court of the State of Illinois (including supervision or conditional discharge) or by a U.S. District Court in an Illinois District, the specific number of points assigned to such violation shall be charged against that person. The point system itself applies to revocations or suspensions authorized under the following conservation laws:

• Fish and Aquatic Life Code (515 ILCS 5)
• Wildlife Code (520 ILCS 5)
• Endangered Species Protection Act (520 ILCS 10)
• Timber Buyers Licensing Act (225 ILCS 735)
• Ginseng Harvesting Act (525 ILCS 20)

GROUPS

Type I Offenses: Those offenses related to commercial/business activities covered under the Timber Buyer, Taxidermist, Aquaculture, Aquatic Life Dealer, Minnow Dealer, Mussel Dealer, Commercial Roe Dealer, Commercial Fisherman, Commercial Musselor, Commercial Roe Harvester, Game and Game Bird Breeder, Wild Game Food Dealer, Fur Bearing Animal Breeder, Fur Tanner or Migratory Waterfowl Hunting Area licenses and permits Type II Offenses: All other offenses related to activities covered under licenses and permits. (Example: hunting, trapping, fishing, etc.)

HOW SUSPENSION PERIOD IS COMPUTED

For Type I Offenses, any person who, within an 18 month period, accumulates 13 or more points in a single group shall have all licenses, permits and stamps relevant to those types of activities revoked, and the person’s privilege to engage in Type I activities shall be suspended for a period of time that equals one month for each point accumulated. All accumulated points shall remain in effect for 18 months from the date of arrest that resulted in the point accumulation and shall not be removed or reduced by a period of suspension. Any second or subsequent suspension imposed shall be served consecutively to any earlier suspension.

For Type II Offenses, any person who, within a 36 month period, accumulates 13 or more points in a single group shall have all licenses, permits and stamps relevant to that type and group revoked, and the person’s privilege to engage in the activity covered by the type and group shall be suspended for a period of time that equals one month for each point accumulated. All accumulated points shall remain in effect for 36 months from the date of arrest that resulted in the point accumulation and shall not be removed or reduced by a period of suspension. Any second or subsequent suspension imposed shall be served consecutively to any earlier suspension.

SINGLE INCIDENT RULE

In the event that multiple findings of guilt are entered against an individual arising out of a single incident or act, full points shall be assessed only for the finding of guilt with the highest point level with additional points being assessed for the remaining findings of guilt as follows:

• Petty Offense = 1 point
• Class C Misdemeanor = 2 points
• Class B Misdemeanor = 3 points

The Single Incident Rule shall not be applied in any cases where the highest level violation is a Class A Misdemeanor or higher (12 points or greater) or in cases where violations occurred while the individual was suspended.

CONTACT THE DEFENSE ATTORNEYS AT LAWLER BROWN

The State of Illinois treats all hunting violations as very serious matters. At Lawler Brown we understand that our legal representation must tailor to your specific life situation. You should feel confident in knowing you hired the right Defense Attorney to best represent your specific needs. No attorney can guarantee the outcome of a case. But rest assured, I will fight to ensure the best possible resolution in your case. Contact our office today for a FREE consultation.

Lawler Brown has offices in Williamson County and Gallatin County to better serve ALL of southern Illinois.

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