720 ILCS 5/12-7.6 – Cross Burning
This law makes it illegal to burn a cross to scare or threaten someone.
This Illinois law says that burning a cross on purpose to frighten or intimidate a person or group is a crime. The first time it happens, it’s a Class A misdemeanor, and if it happens again, it becomes a Class 4 felony.
(a) A person breaks this law if they burn or help burn a cross to try to scare or threaten someone or a group of people.
(b) Sentence. The punishment for cross burning is a Class A misdemeanor the first time. If the person does it again, it becomes a Class 4 felony, which is more serious.
(c) In this law, “intent to intimidate” means the person meant to make someone afraid of getting hurt or having their property damaged.
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