CHAPTER 720, ILCS 670/ - SALE OF IMMORAL PUBLICATIONS TO CHILDREN ACT
720 ILCS 670/1
Sec. 1. It shall be unlawful for any person to sell, lend, give away or show, or have in his possession with intent to sell or give away, or to show or advertise, or otherwise offer for loan, gift or distribution to any minor child any book, pamphlet, magazine, newspaper, story paper or other printed paper devoted to the publication, or principally made up of criminal news, police reports, or accounts of criminal deeds, or pictures and stories of deeds of bloodshed, lust or crime.
Illinois Compiled Statute
720 ILCS 670/1
Offense Description
Sale of certain publications to minors prohibited
Offense Classification
Class A Misdemeanor
Statutory Penalties & Sentencing Scope
Up to 364 days county jail · Fine up to $2,500
Supreme Court Rule 551 Mandatory Court Appearance
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.
Secretary of State Driver's License Action
Standard Administrative Protocol: No automatic driver's license suspension or mandatory revocation is triggered by this offense code alone upon citation.
Under Illinois law, 720 ILCS 670/1 (Sale of certain publications to minors prohibited) 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.
Offense Class & Sentencing ScopeClass A Misdemeanor
Up to 364 days county jail · Fine up to $2,500
Court Appearance MandateRelease on Notice (No Mandate)
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.
Secretary of State License SanctionStandard Administrative Protocol
No automatic driver's license suspension or mandatory revocation is triggered by this offense code alone upon citation.
Sec. 1. It shall be unlawful for any person to sell, lend, give away or show, or have in his possession with intent to sell or give away, or to show or advertise, or otherwise offer for loan, gift or distribution to any minor child any book, pamphlet, magazine, newspaper, story paper or other printed paper devoted to the publication, or principally made up of criminal news, police reports, or accounts of criminal deeds, or pictures and stories of deeds of bloodshed, lust or crime.
(Source: Laws 1889, p. 114.)
Frequently Asked Questions & Legal Analysis
Authoritative Statutory Guidance
What is the statutory penalty and sentencing range for 720 ILCS 670/1 in Illinois?
Under Illinois law, 720 ILCS 670/1 (Sale of certain publications to minors prohibited) is classified as a Class A Misdemeanor.
Sentencing Scope: Up to 364 days county jail · Fine up to $2,500
Is a court appearance mandatory for 720 ILCS 670/1 under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 551?
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.
Is an individual accused of 720 ILCS 670/1 detainable before trial under the SAFE-T Act?
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.
What Secretary of State driver's license sanctions apply to 720 ILCS 670/1?
Standard Administrative Protocol: No automatic driver's license suspension or mandatory revocation is triggered by this offense code alone upon citation.
Official Legal Citation Formats
Legal & Academic Reference
Standardized legal citations for briefs, court pleadings, law enforcement documentation, and academic research.
Illinois Supreme Court Citation720 ILCS 670/1 (West 2026)
The Bluebook Style (21st ed.)720 Ill. Comp. Stat. 670/1 (2026)
Canonical Web Referencehttps://ilcsindex.com/statutes/720-ilcs-670-1