SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (IRN) – It will soon be a felony to attack those who serve court papers. Homeowners are currently charged with misdemeanors for attacking a process server on private property.

Bill Clutter of the Illinois Association of Professional Process Servers says a new law signed by the governor brings penalties against those who attack process servers in line with those who attack meter readers, police officers and EMT’s.

“If it was a meter reader, it was a felony,” he says. “We’re having the same level of protection of other individuals who enter private property for the purpose of their vocation.”

Clutter says Illinois is the first state to take this action, and the law will likely serve as a guide for other states. Illinois’ law takes effect Jan. 1, 2012.

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