wooden gavel with justice scaleThis is the first post in a series of articles which will discuss defending against Class “3” felony charges in Peoria and other areas of Illinois. I am writing on this issue due to the fact that most individuals do not know how to proceed after they have been charged with a crime. This is especially true if it is the person’s first interaction with the criminal justice system. The goal of my coming articles is to provide information which will help people to better understand their options. It is also my goal to provide information which will assist with the selection of an attorney. If you or a family member have been arrested then contact my office today to speak with a criminal defense lawyer.

I will address several topics over my coming articles. Issues which I will be discussing include:

  • The question of “what is a Class 3 felony?”
  • The possibility of going to prison for a first offense
  • Examples of Class “3” charges
  • Defenses against such charges
  • What to expect after having been charged

There are several reasons why I have chosen to address these particular topics. First, it is important to understand the potential consequences of an arrest as well as the possibility of how such charges may be paired with other counts. Second, many people wonder about the possibility of incarceration. A Class “3” charge carries a potential prison sentence of two to five years in prison. Third, understanding the types of conduct which fall into this category of offense, as well as potential defenses, can help an accused person to understand their options. Finally, knowing what to expect from the process can help to ensure that the matter proceeds as smoothly as possible.

If you or a loved one have been arrested then contact my office today to speak with a Peoria criminal defense lawyer. I am a former prosecutor who is experienced in the handling of felony cases. I believe that all individuals are entitled to both quality representation and respect. Contact us online or by telephone to schedule an initial consultation. We look forward to speaking with you. I also serve the cities of Bloomington, Eureka, Galesburg, Morton, Normal, Pekin, Springfield, and Washington. I serve the counties of Fulton, Knox, LaSalle, Marshall, Mason, McLean, Putnam, Rock Island, Shuyler, Stark, Tazewell and Woodford. I also handle federal cases in Urbana.