Stricter sentences can necessitate a strong criminal defense

After Illinois residents are charged with a crime they are given an opportunity to try their case in a criminal court. If they are successful in presenting their criminal defense strategy and persuading the court that they are not guilty of the crimes alleged against them, then they may be released from their charges. If, however, they are not able to provide a criminal defense or explanation for their charges, they may be found guilty of the allegations and sentenced to a punishment for their alleged criminal acts.

Some Illinois legislators want to make the sentencing punishments even harsher for individuals charged with and convicted of certain weapons crimes. Particularly, members of the Illinois House of Representatives recently voted to increase sentences for individuals convicted of illegally possessing firearms. The proposal would also reduce sentencing for some state drug crimes and look to use non-incarceration methods of rehabilitation for first-time criminal offenders.

The intent of the increased punishments is to deter gun violence in the state’s metropolitan areas, but some legislators fear that the change in sentencing will disproportionately harm members of the state’s minority community. As this matter is not yet Illinois law, our readers will have to follow this story to see if it becomes the standard practice across the state.

Although there is not always a way to reduce a sentence after a criminal conviction, many individuals are able to improve their legal positions prior to trial by preparing compelling criminal defense strategies. A criminal defense plan allows a person to explain the facts and circumstances of their case based upon their own terms, and it can be an effective way to reduce one’s charges before a decision on conviction is ever made.

Source: wgntv.com, “Illinois House OKs stricter gun crimes sentences,” May 29, 2017