Defining Felonies in Illinois

 Posted on July 02, 2012 in Assault & Battery

Illinois criminal code sets forth five classes of felony charges.  A felony charge carries much harsher penalties than misdemeanors.  Generally speaking, felony charges carry a minimum one year jail sentence and harsher penalties for repeat offenders.

Class 4 Felony:

An individual convicted of a Class 4 felony faces jail time of 1-3 years in the state penitentiary.  The crime also carries a fine of up to $25,000, if fines are assessed.  Examples of Class 4 felony crimes are aggravated assault and stalking.

Class 3 Felony:

If convicted of a Class 3 Felony, an individual faces jail time of 2-5 years in the state penitentiary.  If fines are levied, they can be up to $25,000.  Examples of Class 3 felony crimes are aggravated battery and aggravated criminal sexual abuse.

Class 2 Felony:

A Class 2 Felony carries a sentence of 3-7 years in the state penalty, and fines may be assessed of up to $25,000.  Class 2 felony crimes include arson and burglary.

Class 1 Felony:

If convicted of a Class 1 felony, an individual faces 4-15 years in the state penitentiary.  Fines for a Class 1 Felony crime can be as much as $25,000.  Examples of Class 1 offenses are possession of LSD, cocaine or heroine, or criminal sexual assault.

Class X Felony:

The highest class of felonies in Illinois are Class X felonies.  Class X Felonies carry a punishment of between 6 and 30 years in the state penitentiary.  If fines are assessed, they can be as much as $25,000.  Examples of Class X Felonies include armed robbery, aggravated vehicular hijacking, and aggravated criminal sexual assault.

These are general guidelines for the punishment you could face if you are charged with a felony in the state of Illinois.  The specific facts of your case will determine what punishment you may face if the court finds you guilty.  In order to get the defense that you deserve, contact a criminal defense attorney in Chicago as soon as possible.