Both felony and misdemeanor convictions can carry criminal consequences that have a life-changing impact. Felony crimes, however, are more severe and typically have more serious consequences. At the Law Offices of Glenn & West, LLC, our experienced felony attorneys serve clients in Nokomis, Litchfield, and the surrounding areas of Illinois.
If you have been charged with a felony crime, do not hesitate to call our law firm for a consultation and the support you need.
Classes of Felony Crimes
There are five classes of felony crimes in Illinois, beginning with Class 4 (the least severe) and working up to Class X (the most severe):
- Class 4 felonies. Class 4 felony crimes are the least serious type of felony crimes, including crimes like drug possession (in small quantities) and aggravated assault. Class 4 felonies are punishable by 1-3 years in prison.
- Class 3 felonies. These types of felonies include crimes like aggravated battery and theft of up to $2,000. Class 3 felonies are punishable by 2-5 years in prison.
- Class 2 felonies. Class 2 felonies are very serious, and the consequences can be severe. Examples of Class 2 felony crimes include kidnapping, theft of over $2,000, arson, and burglary. Class 2 felonies are punishable by 3-7 years in prison.
- Class 1 felonies. If you are convicted of a Class 1 felony, you are likely looking at years behind bars. Certain drug possession crimes, theft of assets valued over $10,000, criminal sexual assault, and second-degree murder are all Class 1 felony crimes. Class 1 felonies are punishable by 4-15 years in prison.
- Class X felonies. Class X felonies are the most serious felony crimes. Class X felonies include aggravated arson, aggravated battery of a child, armed robbery, aggravated kidnapping, drug-induced homicide, making a terrorist threat, and more. Class 4 felonies are punishable by 6-30 years in prison.
Consequences of a Felony Conviction
If a person is convicted of a felony crime, they will almost surely face prison time and a large fine. More than that, though, felony crimes may also result in:
- A permanent mark on one’s criminal record
- The loss of voting privileges
- Potential bar on where someone can live or work (depending on the crime)
- Potential requirement to register as a sex offender (depending on the crime)
- Potential loss of child custody
- The loss of a Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) card and the right to carry a concealed weapon
- Difficulty securing housing, employment, and other opportunities in the future
- Potential probation or parole
- Potential court-ordered community service, rehabilitation, or education
- And other consequences
How Can an Attorney Help?
Being charged with a felony crime is serious and demands immediate action on the part of the defendant. The first thing that a person facing felony charges should do is call an experienced felony attorney.
A knowledgeable attorney like Trent West can help you by:
- Explaining the charges you are facing and the potential consequences
- Reviewing the prosecution’s evidence against you and making a recommendation for your case strategy
- Building your case or negotiating a plea deal with the prosecution
- Working to ensure that your Constitutional rights are protected throughout the entire process
- And more
Get Legal Help Today
At the Law Offices of Glenn & West, LLC, we are passionate about the work we do and the clients we represent. If you are facing felony charges, contact us today to request a consultation and get the legal help you need.
