Chicago City Wire

Class 2 felonies led to 555 arrests in Chicago in the third quarter of 2023, making them the fourth most frequent reason for arrests, according to the City of Chicago Data Portal. Data shows that these charges made up 5.1% of total arrests during this period.

The most recurrent charge was class A misdemeanors, with 4,764 arrests.

Minor offenses like shoplifting (under $500), simple battery, and violating domestic violence protective orders fall under Class A misdemeanors in Illinois. Punishments range from up to a year in jail, probation, and fines of $75 to $2,500.

In total, the police department registered 10,831 arrests in the third quarter of 2023, a 7.6% increase from the previous quarter's 10,070. Data also shows that this marks an increase of 15.1% over the same period in 2022, when there were 9,411 cases.

Under Illinois law, Class 2 felonies represent the third most severe offense category, punishable by potential incarceration of 3-7 years (or 7-14 years for extended terms) and significant financial penalties up to $25,000. These offenses may involve acts like arson, burglary, kidnapping, robbery, stolen firearm possession, aggravated sex offenses, and theft exceeding $500. While severe, these offenses typically involve a lower degree of premeditation or physical harm compared to Class 1 felonies.

Chicago's crime rate has skyrocketed since 2021, according to a Chicago Police Department report. Crime complaints have increased by a staggering 75% in the first three quarters of 2023, compared to the same period in 2021.

The city's police force has also shrunk dramatically since Mayor Lori Lightfoot took office in 2019. The number of police officers has decreased by 19%, despite her pledge to increase police numbers. As the police department grapples with fewer officers, the nature and efficacy of crime response, including arrests for class 2 felonies and other offenses, have inevitably been affected.

Charge type	Q3 2023	Q2 2023	% change
Class A misdemeanors	4,764	4,410	8%
Class 4 felonies	1,704	1,437	18.6%
Other offenses	1,571	1,579	-0.5%
Class 2 felonies	555	516	7.6%
Class B misdemeanors	483	337	43.3%
Local ordinance violations	482	484	-0.4%
Class 3 felonies	477	466	2.4%
Class X felonies	333	339	-1.8%
Class C misdemeanors	210	225	-6.7%
Class 1 felonies	173	192	-9.9%
Class M felonies	57	70	-18.6%
Petty offenses	16	11	45.5%
Business offenses	6	4	50%