"Senate Bill 2488 will place tougher penalties on individuals who
attempt to assault a police officer with a deadly weapon," Bomke
said. "Currently a person is only charged with a misdemeanor if they
are arrested for aggravated assault of a police officer; this bill
would make the crime a Class 4 felony." DeJaynes was confronted
with an incident where he was attacked by a man wielding a meat
cleaver. After the officer got control of the situation, he realized
that he could only charge his would-be assailant with a Class A
misdemeanor.
"When talking to Officer DeJaynes, he expressed to me concern
over the fact that someone might be charged and released from jail
for attempted assault on a police officer before the paperwork even
becomes official," Bomke said. "SB 2488 makes the minimum penalty
for aggravated assault on a peace officer one year in prison and a
possible $25,000 fine."
If the legislation is signed into law, it would go into effect on
Jan. 1, 2011.
"I appreciate Officer DeJaynes bringing this issue forward,"
Bomke said. "The bill is about keeping our officers and public
safe."
[Text from file sent on behalf of
Sen.
Larry Bomke by Illinois
Senate Republican staff]
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