Being investigated by the police and being arrested is a terrifying, traumatic event. When that charge is a felony, the stakes become higher. Felony convictions have substantially higher penalties than misdemeanors. Furthermore, being convicted of a felony carries more long-term legal and social implications such as limiting your job opportunities, the potential for the loss of some civil rights, and limiting the availability of some government services. The penalty for felonies in Illinois depends on the category of the felony.
If you have been charged with a felony, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible to begin investigating your felony case and to develop a strong legal strategy for your defense. Contact Pioletti Pioletti & Nichols at 309-938-4838 to schedule a consultation with one of our felony defense attorneys. Your future is at stake – do not waste time dealing with a law firm with little to no experience handling felonies in Illinois. Hire an experienced criminal defense attorney to protect your legal rights.
Classes of Felonies in Illinois
Felonies in Illinois are divided into classes depending on the type of crime committed. The penalties include minimum prison sentences and fines. All classes of felonies in Illinois carry a fine up to $25,000 in addition to the prison sentence.
The length of the prison term for felonies in Illinois is defined as:
- Class 4 Felony
A Class 4 felony has a minimum prison sentence of one year and a maximum prison sentence of three years. Examples of Class 4 felonies in Illinois include aggravated assault, retail theft under $300, stalking, and possession of less than one pound of marijuana.
- Class 3 Felony
A Class 3 felony has a minimum prison sentence of 2 years and a maximum prison sentence of five years. Examples of Class 3 felonies in Illinois include theft of property with a value between $300 and $2,000 and aggravated battery.
- Class 2 Felony
A Class 2 felony has a minimum prison sentence of three years and a maximum prison sentence of seven years. Examples of Class 2 felonies in Illinois include theft of property with a value between $2,000 and $10,000, aggravated DUI, and possession of 4.5 to 11 pounds of marijuana.
- Class 1 Felony
A Class 1 felony has a minimum prison sentence of five years and a maximum prison sentence of fifteen years. Examples of Class 1 felonies in Illinois include theft of property valued over $10,000 and criminal sexual assault.
- Class X Felony
A Class X felony has a minimum prison sentence of six years and a maximum prison sentence of thirty years. Examples of Class X felonies in Illinois include aggravated criminal sexual assault and battery with a deadly weapon.
Regardless of the class of felony you are facing, it is imperative you have an experienced criminal defense attorney represent you in court. Our attorneys aggressively advocate on your behalf to minimize the damage to your future from a felony conviction.
Contact Our Office for a Consultation with an
Experienced Illinois Criminal Lawyer
The criminal defense attorneys of Pioletti Pioletti & Nichols represent individuals who have been charged with a crime or who are being investigated by the police. We assist clients throughout McLean, Woodford, Tazewell, and Peoria counties by providing compassionate, competent legal defense services.
Contact our office at 309-938-4838 to schedule your free consultation. When you need the assistance of an experienced criminal defense attorney in central Illinois, call Pioletti Pioletti & Nichols.