What are the consequences for a notary public who impersonates a notary without being commissioned in Illinois?

Impersonating a notary public without being commissioned in Illinois results in serious legal ramifications, specifically classified as a Class A misdemeanor. This designation underscores the severity of the offense, reflecting the potential for significant consequences, including fines and possible jail time. The classification of a Class A misdemeanor generally indicates that the offense is considered more serious than lesser misdemeanors but does not rise to the level of a felony.

In the context of notarial duties, the law emphasizes the importance of the integrity and trustworthiness of notaries. Unauthorized individuals impersonating a notary undermine public confidence in the notarization process, which can have far-reaching consequences on legal documents and agreements. As a result, the law imposes strict penalties to deter such fraudulent activities and protect the sanctity of the notarial profession.

The other listed options do not reflect the legal framework established for this type of offense, as they either represent lesser misdemeanors or administrative actions that do not adequately address the seriousness of impersonation.