Chicago Felony Defense Attorney
Crimes can be referred to as a misdemeanor or a felony. A misdemeanor indicates a less serious or minor charge, whereas a felony specifies a more serious charge. Misdemeanors have jail sentences of less than a year and can include fines of up to $2,500. In Illinois, felonies are considered more serious charges and include higher fines and prison sentences. There are several classes of felonies. The severity of the class of felony depends on the circumstances of the crime. For example, while most convictions for driving under the influence (DUI) will be a Class A misdemeanor, a fifth DUI will result in a Class 1 Felony conviction. The same applies to drug possession. The severity of the charge will depend on the type and amount of drug in possession. In addition to prison sentences and fines, restitution may also be required.
Felony Charges in Illinois
Class 4 Felony
A class 4 felony can be punished with possible imprisonment of 1-3 years and fines of up to $25,000. Examples of class 4 felonies in Illinois include Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and possession of between 30.1 – 500.0 gm of marijuana.
Class 3 Felony
A class 3 felony can be punished with possible imprisonment of 2-5 years and fines of up to $25,000. Examples of class 3 felonies in Illinois include aggravated DUI and possession of 500.1 – 2,000.0 gm of marijuana.
Class 2 Felony
A class 2 felony can be punished with possible imprisonment of 3-7 years and fines of up to $25,000. Examples of class 2 felonies in Illinois include white collar crimes like bribery, theft, arson and drug possession.
Class 1 Felony
A class 1 felony can be punished with possible imprisonment of 4-15 years and fines of up to $25,000. Examples of class 1 felonies in Illinois include kidnapping, sexual assault and drug possession of cocaine, heroin, or methamphetamine.
Class X Felony
A class X felony can be punished with possible imprisonment of 6-30 years and fines of up to $25,000. Examples of class X felonies in Illinois include battery with a firearm.
Federal Felony Charges
Class E Felony
A class E felony can be punished with possible imprisonment of 1-5 years and fines of up to $250,000.
Class D Felony
A class D felony can be punished with possible imprisonment of 5-10 years and fines of up to $250,000.
Class C Felony
A class C felony can be punished with possible imprisonment of 10-25 years and fines of up to $250,000.
Class B Felony
A class B felony can be punished with possible imprisonment of 25 years or more and fines of up to $250,000.
Class A Felony
A class A felony can be punished with possible life imprisonment and fines of up to $250,000.
Hire a Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney
Felony convictions have serious consequences. In addition to lengthy prison sentences and severe fines, felony convictions can have devastating collateral damage to employment opportunities. A felony conviction will make it more difficult to find a good job and obtain certain professional licenses. Don’t wait! If you have been charged with a felony, talk with an experienced Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney. Michael P. Chomiak, criminal defense attorney, has the experience to advise you on the legal process and help you protect your rights. Call his office today.
