Chicago Accident Lawyer - Can Illinois afford 3 years in prison?

I thought I would post this interesting law story: This Chicago Criminal Defense lawyer is not shocked, but believes you must tell your peers that a relatively small amount of money could land you in jail. The Chicago lawyer accused Vega by indictment  with multiple offenses, including damage to government property over $500 in relation with damage that he caused to a police vehicle. At trial, an officer testified that he determined that the wreckage was approximately $502.  A business who estimates suggested that the total estimate was $501.90.  The estimator stated that the actual bill in some cases could be more or less than the estimate, but since the vehicle here needed only one part, the bill would be the same as the estimate.  He was not asked whether sales tax was included in the estimate.  The written estimate was entered into evidence.  It shows that $32.85 of the estimate was sales tax on parts and materials.  The Chicago attorney provided no evidence regarding whether the tax was appropriate or whether the amount of the estimate or the tax was actually paid.  The jury found Vega guilty.