This is the next post in my series on the handling of Class “3” felony charges in Peoria and other Illinois areas. My last article provided an overview of the topics which this series will be discussing. It also stressed the need to speak with an attorney as soon as possible if you or a loved one have been arrested. It is important that you speak with counsel sooner, rather than later, as a conviction would result in serious consequences. This article will address the common question of “what is a Class 3 felony?” If you are in need of assistance then contact my office today to speak with a criminal defense lawyer.
Illinois class “3” felony charges can result in a sentence of at least two to five years
Illinois punishes class “3” felony charges with a sentence of at least two to five years in prison. The maximum sentence can be increased, however, if aggravating factors were present during the commission of the offense. Examples of “aggravating factors” can include the age of the alleged victim, whether the offense resulted in serious injury, whether the offense occurred near a school, and more. In addition to a term of incarceration, a defendant also faces the possibility of having a felony on their record. This can make it highly difficult to pass a background check. This difficulty, in turn, can result in an individual not being able to be approved for housing, to secure employment, or to gain a government security clearance. Also any individual who has been convicted of a felony will be prohibited from owning a firearm under both state and federal law.
It is important to understand that a class “3” charge may be one of several counts which a defendant faces due to a single course of conduct. Consider the following example. An individual is charged with stealing merchandise in excess of $300, a class “3” felony. The evidence also shows that the theft occurred at a store and that the individual entered the store with the intent of committing the theft. Furthermore, the person smashed a glass case to take the merchandise before fleeing the store. The theft itself will result in a class “3” charge. The person will also likely face burglary charges as they entered the property with the intent of committing the crime. Finally, they will likely face additional charges for the smashing of the glass case. This is just one example of how a defendant may face a lengthy criminal complaint.
Peoria residents may receive probation for a Class “3” felony
Class “3” felony charges are generally probationable in the state of Illinois. This means that a defendant may not necessarily receive a prison sentence if they are convicted. If an individual receives probation then the Court will issue a sentence but that sentence will not be immediately imposed. Instead, the defendant will be able to continue life outside of prison under the supervision of a probation officer. If the defendant violates the terms of their supervision then they will be required to serve the sentence that was originally ordered by the judge. If the violation of supervision involves criminal conduct, then the defendant may face additional charges as well. Whether or not the Court will grant probation will depend on the nature of the charges, the defendant’s prior history, and more.
If you have been charged with a class “3” felony then it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible. I am a Peoria criminal defense lawyer who began his career by working as a prosecutor. I understand the serious impact that such charges can have on one’s life. I also believe that everyone is entitled to both aggressive representation and respect. Contact us online or by telephone today to schedule an initial consultation. 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.