Under Section 720 Illinois Compiled Statute 5/12-6, intimidation happens when one intends to cause another to perform or omit from performing an act by communicating directly or indirectly a threat without lawful authority. The threat may involve physical harm, physical confinement or restraint, committing a felony or Class A misdemeanor, accusations, exposure to hatred, ridicule or contempt or rallying a strike, boycott or other collective action. Intimidation is a Class 3 felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison.
Defining aggravated intimidation
Under Section 720 ILCS 5/12-6.2, aggravated intimidation is described as intimidation in furtherance of organized gang activities or any intimidation designed to prevent someone from becoming a community policing volunteer. Aggravated intimidation may also apply if the accused knew the victim was a civilian with information for a law enforcement agency concerning a forcible felony, or a peace officer, fireman, correctional employee or volunteer community policing volunteer.
Understanding aggravated intimidation
The aggravated intimidation happens once the victim is engaged while executing their official duties, if the intent was to prevent the victim from fulfilling official duties or if the act was in retaliation for the victim’s performance of official duties. Targeting community policing volunteers or anyone reporting information about a forcible felony to a law enforcement agency may also qualify as aggravated intimidation. In Illinois, aggravated intimidation involving organized gang activity is a Class 1 felony while other circumstances qualify as Class 2 felonies.
Threatening the safety of others may be enough to be charged with intimidation in Illinois, even if no action is ever taken. Aggravated intimidation charges may be filed if the situation involves organized gang activity or interfering with a public safety servant. In Illinois, people convicted of aggravated intimation may be imprisoned for no less than three years and no more than 14 years.