Illegal Law and Legal Definition
Illegal is a description for something that is in violation of statute, regulation or ordinance. Illegal does not necessarily mean criminal. Something may be illegal under a statute that doesn't require criminal intent, and is therefore a civil vilation subject to civil penalites such as a fine. Illegal acts that are civil violations include driving too fast, failure to register a business, etc.
Other statutes require criminal intent in order to declare something illegal, and such crimes are puishable by fines and/or imprisonment. Illegal acts that are criminal include bribery, rape, murder, theft, etc.
