Felonies are the most serious category for criminal charges and they also carry the most severe criminal penalties. The extent of the consequences will be determined based on the class of felony. Felonies in Illinois range from the most serious offense, a Class X felony, to the least serious, a Class 4 felony.
Under Illinois law, Class 3 felony convictions provide for a prison sentence of 5 to 10 years. Class 3 felony convictions can also see the imposition of fines of up to $25,000. Even after serving a prison sentence, a felony conviction can result in years of parole conditions and restrictions on your rights.
It is important to note that all convictions, whether felony or misdemeanor, will remain on your criminal record unless you get the charge expunged.
The DuPage/Chicago Criminal Lawyers at Dolci & Weiland provide dedicated, aggressive legal representation. Dolci & Weiland lawyers are former prosecutors, and their combined experience of over 50 years trying criminal cases is critical in preparing your defense.
Certain types of criminal offenses tend to be classified as Class 3 felonies by Illinois courts. Some of the most common examples are outlined below.
Drug Crimes
Based on the amount of drugs in your possession, the type of drug, and whether they are intended for use or sale, several drug crimes can be considered Class 3 felonies. Examples include:
- Calculated criminal cannabis conspiracy
- Possession of Cannabis (500 - 2000 grams)
- Knowingly manufacture, distribute, advertise, or possess with intent to manufacture or distribute a look-alike substance
- Possession of methamphetamine (less than 5 grams)
Child Pornography-Related Offenses
Typically, possession of child pornography is charged as a class 3 felony, which carries a minimum fine of $1,000, 2-5 years in Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) and a requirement of registering as a sex offender on the Illinois Sex Offender Registry for a period of natural life. These penalties are among the many consequences of being convicted of an Illinois sex crime.
Aggravated Battery
A person commits aggravated battery when, in committing a battery, other than by the discharge of a firearm, he or she knowingly causes great bodily harm or permanent disability or disfigurement to another person. It is also considered to be aggravated battery when committing an offense based on injury to a child or person with an intellectual disability. Other types of people protected by Illinois aggravated battery law include those over 60 years old, pregnant women, the physically disabled and certain types of workers, namely policemen, teachers, public transit workers, and nurses.
When the battery takes place in a public space, ranging from a sports venue or amusement park to a domestic violence shelter, it could also be considered to be aggravated battery.
Strangling another individual is also considered to be a form of aggravated battery. There are also situations involving firearms that could be considered aggravated battery.
If you are arrested for any of the above-mentioned offenses and need legal representation, you can contact us at (630) 261-9098 to speak with a top Illinois defense lawyer and get a free consultation.