Chicago Felony Lawyer

Felonies are the most serious charges and therefore carry the harshest sentences. If you are facing felony charges in Illinois, experienced Chicago felony lawyer Michael A. Johnson can inform you of your rights and the legal remedies available to you.

In Illinois Felonies encompass of a variety of offenses, including drug offenses, weapons charges, violent crimes such as Sexual Assault and Aggravated Battery, property crimes, and even some crimes that can be charged as a Misdemeanor but upgraded to a Felony.

Contact a Chicago Felony Lawyer from the Law Office of Michael A. Johnson today!

All felonies carry a potential penitentiary sentence, however, some convictions can lead to a sentence of probation. A felony conviction cannot be expunged (erased) from your criminal history and can be used to upgrade subsequent convictions to a higher  grade felony.

In Illinois we have determinate sentencing which gives the sentencing judge some discretion in handing down his sentence, but many crimes do not allow the judge to sentence a defendant to probation, even for first offenders. Additionally, if there are aggravating circumstances to a crime, a judge can sentence the accused to a longer sentence. This is known as an extended term. Aggravating circumstances can include a prior criminal conviction, evidence of a hate crime or if the victim was over the age of 60.

Penalties for Felony Offenses in Illinois

Felonies in the state of Illinois are designated by class. Class 4 felonies are the least serious, and Class X felonies are the most.

Class 4 Felonies 

Class 4 felonies are punishable by one to three years in prison. An extended term can result in three to six years in prison.

Class 3 Felonies

Class 3 felonies are punishable by two to five years’ imprisonment. An extended term class 3 felony is punishable by five to ten years in prison.

Class 2 Felonies

Class 2 felonies are punishable by a prison term of three to seven years. An extended term can result in seven to 14 years in prison. (730 Ill. Comp. Stat. § 5/5-4.5-35.)

Class 1 Felonies

Class 1 felonies are punishable by four to 15 years in prison. An extended term is punishable by 15 to 30 years. (730 Ill. Comp. Stat. § 5/5-4.5-30.) 

Class X Felonies

Class X felonies are punishable by six to 30 years’ imprisonment. An extended term is punishable by 30 to 60 years in prison. (730 Ill. Comp. Stat. § 5/5-4.5-25.)

Experienced Felony Defense Attorney in Chicago

Michael A. Johnson has successfully represented thousands of individuals charged with felonies in Illinois and other states throughout the country. If you or a loved one has been accused of a Felony, contact Michael A. Johnson at 312-222-0660.