This is the next article in my series on the handling of Class 4 felony charges in Peoria and other parts of Illinois. My last article provided an overview of topics which this series will be addressing. It also stressed the need to speak with an attorney if you or a loved one have been arrested. It is important to speak with counsel as soon as possible as, in addition to incarceration, a conviction can carry serious lifelong consequences. In this article I will be discussing the type of conduct which can typically result in charges. If you are in need of assistance then contact my office today to speak with a criminal defense lawyer.
There are several types of conduct which fall within this range of offense. Examples can include:
- Identity theft involving less than $300
- Certain credit or debit card fraud
- Selling stolen property, of less than $300, online
- Altering prescription forms
The penalties for such offenses will typically range from one to three years in prison. These cases will typically be probationable. Potential penalties can be elevated, however, due to aggravating factors or the presence of other additional criminal charges. In addition to the potential of a prison sentence, a conviction can also result in a permanent record which will show on background checks. Additionally, one will be forever barred from possessing a firearm, anywhere in the United States, under 18 USC 922(g).
As I discussed in my article on why Class 2 felony defendants may face multiple charges, one who is charged with a Class 4 felony may well face additional counts. If convicted on all counts, a defendant may face a lengthy prison sentence and in some situations the penalties may be run consecutively. Even if one does receive probation, they will have an underlying prison sentence “hanging over their head.” This means that they will have to adhere to all requirements of probation or else they may be forced to serve the underlying sentence.
Some who commit the types of offenses listed above are sometimes surprised to learn that they face felony charges. This is especially true if it is one’s first offense. Due to expecting the charges to be more minor, some may not take the case as seriously as they should once they are initially charged. It is important to understand, however, that both judges and prosecutors will take the case quite seriously. One should, therefore, begin to mount a defense as soon 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 familiar with the workings of our local court system and my office will give your case the attention it both needs and deserves. I understand that this is an important time in your life. We look forward to being of assistance. We also serve clients in Bloomington, Decatur, Eureka, Galesburg, Morton, Normal, Pekin, Springfield, and Washington and the counties of Fulton, Knox, LaSalle, Marshall, Mason, McLean, Putnam, Rock Island, Schuyler, Stark, Tazewell, and Woodford. Additional areas where we handle federal cases include Benton, Chicago, East St. Louis, Springfield, and Urbana.