Chicago City Wire

Business offenses led to 10 arrests in Chicago in the first quarter of 2024, making them the least common reason for arrests, according to the City of Chicago Data Portal. Data shows that these charges made up 0.1% of total arrests during this period.

The most recurrent charge was class A misdemeanors, with 5,158 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 12,322 arrests in the first quarter of 2024, a 17.7% increase from the previous quarter's 10,465. Data also shows that this marks an increase of 19.3% over the same period in 2023, when there were 10,328 cases.

Unclassified charges that don't lead to longer imprisonment are classified either as petty or business offenses. Business offenses are typically addressed through fines of at least $75, but may lead to short terms in jails in extreme cases. They include tax evasion, licensing and permit violations, and intellectual property infringement.

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 business offenses and other offenses, have inevitably been affected.

Charge type	Q1 2024	Q4 2023	% change
Class A misdemeanors	5,158	4,500	14.6%
Class 4 felonies	1,796	1,535	17%
Other offenses	1,583	1,323	19.7%
Class B misdemeanors	953	780	22.2%
Local ordinance violations	877	608	44.2%
Class 3 felonies	564	474	19%
Class 2 felonies	555	474	17.1%
Class X felonies	345	312	10.6%
Class 1 felonies	193	169	14.2%
Class C misdemeanors	190	194	-2.1%
Class M felonies	68	58	17.2%
Petty offenses	30	27	11.1%
Business offenses	10	11	-9.1%