Exploring Felony Charges in the State of Illinois
All criminal charges in Illinois can have severe consequences, but felonies carry much more severe penalties. Depending on the felony, you could go to jail for decades or the rest of your life.
Illinois groups felony charges into six different classes, depending on the severity of the offense. Here’s a breakdown of the different classes:
First-Degree Murder
First-degree murder is its own category of felony in Illinois. A first-degree murder conviction carries a minimum of 20 years in prison in Illinois, though a life sentence is possible in some cases. Offenders convicted of first-degree murder will also face large fines and other penalties.
Class X Felonies
Other than first-degree murder, Class X felonies are the most severe charges you can face in Illinois. Some crimes classified as Class X felonies include armed robbery, aggravated sexual assault, and some drug trafficking offenses. A conviction for a Class X felony could send you to jail for six to 30 years in most cases, though a sentence of up to 60 years in prison is possible.
Class 1 Felonies
Just below Class X felonies are Class 1 felonies. Some examples of Class 1 felonies in Illinois include certain drug offenses, sexual assault, and theft crimes involving large sums or high-value items. The usual prison term for a Class 1 felony is four to 15 years, though it can go as high as 30 years.
Class 2 Felonies
Class 2 felonies are less severe than Class 1 or Class X charges while carrying significant penalties. Examples of Class 2 felonies include arson, burglary, and some drug offenses. The usual sentence for a Class 2 felony is three to seven years in prison, though up to 14 years is possible if there are aggravating factors in a case.
Class 3 Felonies
Class 3 felonies are the second-lowest level of felony in Illinois but still carry significant penalties. Some examples of Class 3 felonies include forgery, aggravated battery, and some drug offenses. A conviction for a Class 3 felony usually carries a prison term of two to five years, though up to 10 years is possible, depending on the offense and facts of the case.
Class 4 Felonies
Class 4 felonies are the least severe level of felonies in Illinois. Some Class 4 felonies in Illinois include low-level drug possession, some DUI offenses, and minor theft offenses. The standard sentence for a Class 4 felony is one to three years in prison, but up to six years is possible.
Facing Felony Charges in Illinois? We Can Help
Hiring an experienced and dedicated Belleville, Illinois, criminal defense attorney is crucial if you face felony charges. Madelyn Daley & Associates can help by reviewing and explaining your charges, making an argument for bail so you don’t have to stay in police custody, negotiating a possible plea agreement with prosecutors, and investigating your case to build a robust defense strategy. We’ve spent decades defending the rights of Illinois defendants, and our results demonstrate our skill and attention to detail. Call us today or complete our contact form for a free consultation.