IL HB1388

Creates new "habitual misdemeanant offender" designation for defendants with 3 or more pending charges for misdemeanor domestic battery, battery, violation of order of protection, or criminal damage to property involving family/household members.

Offenses from same transaction or committed simultaneously count as one offense; all three charges must occur sequentially and be proven at trial to establish habitual misdemeanant status.

Once adjudged a habitual misdemeanant offender, any subsequent domestic battery, battery, order of protection violation, or criminal damage to property charge becomes a Class 4 felony.

Habitual misdemeanant offenders sentenced to Class 4 felony receive 1-3 years imprisonment; court may deny pretrial release for such defendants.

Amends joinder rules to require all charges necessary to establish habitual misdemeanant status be tried together.