Felonies
The United States has two main classifications of criminal acts: felonies and misdemeanors. The general definition for these actions is used nationwide. Misdemeanors are considered to be lesser criminal acts, and they are defined as illegal actions that are punishable by a year or less in prison. Felonies, on the other hand, are more serious crimes. They are defined as illicit acts that are punishable by more than one year in prison.
Common Felonies
Felonies are crimes that cause harm to another person, cause harm to another’s property or that violate the federal drug and gun laws. Some common felonies include the following acts:
- Homicide
- Rape
- Battery and Assault
- Kidnapping
- Hate Crimes
- Illegal Drug Sales
- Grand Theft
- Robbery
- Arson
Tens of thousands of felony cases occur every year in Illinois.
Felony Punishment
The punishment for felonies varies depending on the severity of the crime committed. In the state of Illinois, felonies may be placed into one of five different categories:
- Class X: 6-30 year prison sentence and a fine of up to $25,000
- Class 1: 4-15 year prison sentence and a fine of up to $25,000
- Class 2: 3-7 year prison sentence and a fine of up to $25,000
- Class 3: 2-5 year prison sentence and a fine of up to $25,000
- Class 4 1-3 year prison sentence and a fine of up to $25,000
Class X is the highest level of felony one can commit, and acts such as murder and aggravated criminal sexual assault fall into this category. Class 4 is the lowest level, and it includes acts on par with stalking.
Contact Us
If you have been arrested and charged with committing a felony, then you will need a strong criminal defense attorney to protect you. Contact the Urbana-Champaign criminal defense lawyers of Bruno Law Offices today at 217-328-6000 to get the qualified legal help you need.
