This is the next article in my series on the handling of Class 2 felony cases in Peoria and other Illinois areas. My last article provided an overview of topics which this series will be addressing. It also stressed the need to speak with an attorney as soon as possible if you or a loved one have been charged with an offense. It is important that you speak with counsel sooner, and not later, as a conviction can result in a prison sentence and other serious consequences. In this article I will be addressing the frequently asked question of “what is a Class 2 Illinois felony?” If you need assistance then contact my office today to speak with a criminal defense lawyer.
Illinois Class 2 felonies generally are probationable offenses which can result in a prison term
There are a number of offenses which are categorized as Class 2 felonies in our state. Examples of such offenses include attempting to illegally purchase a gun, aggravated domestic violence, the harassment of a witness, kidnapping, and more. The consequences for such a charge can be quite severe. First offenses can typically result in a prison sentence of three to seven years. The Judge may impose a sentence of seven to fourteen years if the case is eligible for an “extended term.” Some offenses will be probationable, but as I have previously discussed, whether to grant probation is within a judge’s discretion. Other consequences of a conviction include difficulty with passing a background check and being forever barred from possessing a firearm.
It should be understood that Class 2 felony charges are often brought in conjunction with additional counts of criminal conduct. In other words, a defendant may be charged with several crimes for what seems as if it is one course of conduct. Consider the following example. Joe Defendant enters a gun store to attempt to purchase a firearm. He reaches an agreement with the gun store owner to sell him the firearm without the necessary background checks or paperwork. Both men are arrested. Joe can be charged with a Class 2 felony as he has attempted to illegally purchase a gun. He can also be charged with burglary, as he entered the store with the intention of committing a crime while inside. Moreover, Joe can likely be charged for the criminal conspiracy he was engaging in with the store owner. It is possible that Joe could be convicted for each of these offenses at trial.
Contact a Peoria criminal defense lawyer immediately if you face felony charges
If you have been charged with a felony then it is crucial that you speak with an attorney as soon as possible. Prosecutors aggressively pursue such charges and the possibility of a prison sentence is quite real. Counsel will explore the possibility of narrowing the prosecution’s case through Motion practice as well as the possibility of defending the case outright. Even if a dismissal is not possible, your representative will make every effort to reach the best possible resolution on your behalf. It is vital that you have representation to ensure that your rights are protected throughout the process.
I am a Peoria criminal defense lawyer and a former prosecutor. I am familiar with the workings of our local court system and I take pride in the level of service which I provide to my clients. I understand that this is a serious time in your life and my office will give your case the attention it deserves. Contact us online or by telephone today to schedule an initial consultation. We look forward to speaking with you. 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.