This is the next post in my series on common issues and questions which arise in regard to Peoria, Illinois felony charges. My last article discussed dealing with a Class “4” felony in our state. It is important to remember that while Class “4” charges are the least severe form of a felony, they should still be taken very seriously. A defendant that is convicted of a Class “4” felony can receive a prison sentence of one to three years, as well as a fine of up to $25,000. If you have been charged with any crime, it is crucial that you retain counsel as soon as possible. The sooner you retain a lawyer, the sooner they can begin building a case on your behalf. In this article I will discuss defending against a Class “3” felony in our state. If you require assistance then contact my office today to speak with a lawyer.
Under Illinois law, Class “3” felony convictions generally could result in a two to five year prison sentence
Illinois’ penalties for a Class “3” felony can include a prison sentence of two to five years and a fine of up to $25,000. A sentence can be extended to up to ten years based on one’s criminal history. Felony convictions can also have serious consequences on your future. This includes the potential of receiving years of parole conditions and restrictions on your rights. For example, receiving a felony conviction can cause you to lose your ability to vote, sit on a jury, or serve as a notary public. They can also affect your personal development and relationships. Oftentimes, individuals with felony convictions on their records have difficulty finding employment and housing. As a result, these charges should not be taken lightly.
Types of Class “3” felonies include aggravated battery in certain places, such as in places of worship, or against certain victims, like pregnant women. Other types include theft of property worth between $500 and $10,000 and possession of less than five grams of methamphetamine. Moreover, most child pornography-related offenses are considered Class “3” felonies. It is important to remember that felony convictions will likely remain on your criminal record unless you are able to get them expunged. These matters are more serious than Class “4” misdemeanors and tend to be more difficult to defend, so it is important to retain an experienced attorney to assist you.
Illinois defendants can receive probation for Class “3” felony convictions
While Class “3” felonies may carry extreme consequences, it is possible to only receive probation. If the offense is less serious but still constitutes a Class “3” felony, it is not unreasonable for a judge to offer probation in place of jail time. This will of course depend on the circumstances of the situation and will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. Factors the judge will consider when making such decisions include whether the defendant faced other criminal charges, the nature of the conduct, and any prior criminal record. Judges also tend to look at whether the individual accepts responsibility for their actions and shows remorse. However, these cases are incredibly tricky and should be handled by an attorney with experience defending felony charges. The outcome of any given matter will always depend on the specific facts of the situation.
If you or a family member have been charged with a crime then contact my office today to speak with a Peoria felony lawyer. I am a former prosecutor who devotes his practice to protecting the rights of the accused. I understand that your current situation can have a serious impact on your future and my office will give your case the attention it deserves. Contact my office today to speak with a lawyer. I also service 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, Schuyler, Stark, Tazewell, and Woodford. I also handle federal cases in Urbana.