Sec. 17-35. Use of credit or debit card as security for debt. A person who, with intent to defraud either the issuer, or a person providing an item or items of value, or any other person, obtains control over a credit card or debit card as security for debt or transfers, conveys, or gives control over a credit card or debit card as security for debt is guilty of a Class 4 felony.
Under Illinois law, 720 ILCS 5/17-35 (Use of card as security for debt) is classified as a Class A Misdemeanor. Statutory sentencing scope: Up to 364 days county jail · Fine up to $2,500. Court appearance is not mandatory (pre-set bond or notice to appear), and pretrial release is presumptively release-eligible under the SAFE-T Act.
Up to 364 days county jail · Fine up to $2,500
Personal appearance is not mandatory under Rule 551 by default. The citation may be satisfied by written appearance, pre-set administrative payment, or mail-in notice unless aggravated circumstances apply.
Presumptive Pretrial Release: This offense is non-detainable under 725 ILCS 5/110-6.1. The defendant is entitled to release on personal recognizance with non-monetary conditions unless charged with a subsequent detainable violation.
No automatic driver's license suspension or mandatory revocation is triggered by this offense code alone upon citation.
| Offense Description | Class | Court Mandate | SAFE-T Act | Reporting Code | Official ILGA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Use of card as security for debt Official ILGA · 720 ILCS 5/17-35 -> | Class A Misdemeanor | Release on Notice | Release Eligible | — | ILGA.gov -> |
(Source: P.A. 96-1551, eff. 7-1-11.)
Under Illinois law, 720 ILCS 5/17-35 (Use of card as security for debt) is classified as a Class A Misdemeanor.
Sentencing Scope: Up to 364 days county jail · Fine up to $2,500
No Mandatory Court Appearance (Pre-Set Bond / Notice to Appear): Personal appearance is not mandatory under Rule 551 by default. The citation may be satisfied by written appearance, pre-set administrative payment, or mail-in notice unless aggravated circumstances apply.
Presumptive Pretrial Release: Presumptive Pretrial Release: This offense is non-detainable under 725 ILCS 5/110-6.1. The defendant is entitled to release on personal recognizance with non-monetary conditions unless charged with a subsequent detainable violation.
Standard Administrative Protocol: No automatic driver's license suspension or mandatory revocation is triggered by this offense code alone upon citation.
Standardized legal citations for briefs, court pleadings, law enforcement documentation, and academic research.
720 ILCS 5/17-35 (West 2026)
720 Ill. Comp. Stat. 5/17-35 (2026)
https://ilcsindex.com/statutes/720-ilcs-5-17-35