by Attorney Eric D. PuryearThe crime of Criminal Disposal of Hazardous Waste in Illinois is defined by 415 ILCS 5/44 as follows:
(c) Criminal Disposal of Hazardous Waste.
(1) A person commits the offense of Criminal Disposal of Hazardous Waste when, without lawful justification, he knowingly disposes of hazardous waste.
(2) Criminal Disposal of Hazardous Waste is a Class 3 felony. In addition to any other penalties prescribed by law, a person convicted of the offense of Criminal Disposal of Hazardous Waste is subject to a fine not to exceed $250,000 for each day of such offense.
A conviction for Criminal Disposal of Hazardous Waste under Illinois law is a Class 3 Felony, which carries a prison sentence of 2-5 years. Unlike most Class 3 Felonies, which are punishable by a fine of up to $25,000, Criminal Disposal of Hazardous Waste can result in a fine of $250,000 per day.