Being charged with a felony carries several different consequences. Felonies, in contrast with misdemeanors, include the most serious crimes and therefore carry the most severe sentences. The specific sentences for a felony offense will be determined based on the class of felony. Felonies range from the most serious offense, a Class X felony, to the least serious, a Class 4 felony.
In Illinois, the third most serious classification of a felony -- and therefore the third most serious type of offense -- is a Class 2 felony. More specifically, Illinois law provides the following consequences for a Class 2 felony:
- 3 to 7 years in prison
- The imposition of fines of up to $25,000.
It is important to note that all convictions, whether felony or misdemeanor, will remain on your criminal record unless you are pardoned or get the charge expunged.
The DuPage/Chicago Criminal Lawyers at Dolci & Weiland provide dedicated, aggressive legal representation. Dolci & Weiland lawyers are former prosecutors with 50 years of experience trying criminal cases.
Class 2 Felony Crimes in Illinois
Certain types of criminal offenses tend to be classified as Class 2 felonies by Illinois courts. Some of the most common examples are outlined below.
Drug Crimes
Certain drug crimes are classified as Class 2 felonies. This includes trafficking in marijuana or possession of methamphetamines. The following are Class 2 felony drug crimes in Illinois:
- Cannabis trafficking (2000 - 5000 grams)
- Possession of methamphetamine (5-15 grams)
Child Pornography-Related Offenses
Possession of child pornography can be charged as a class 2 felony if the pornography involves a person under the age of 13. A conviction could result in a prison sentence of 3-7 years, and a requirement of registering on the Illinois Sex Offender Registry for a period of natural life.
Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse
In Illinois, aggravated criminal sexual abuse is charged as a Class 2 Felony. In addition to the sentence of 3-7 years in prison, an aggravated criminal sexual abuse conviction may only include the possibility of parole depending on the circumstances of the case. Individuals convicted of aggravated criminal sexual abuse are also required to register in the Illinois Sex Offender Registry for life.
Aggravated Domestic Battery
Illinois law states that a person commits aggravated domestic battery when they knowingly cause great bodily harm or permanent disability or disfigurement to another. A person who, in committing a domestic battery, strangles another individual commits aggravated domestic battery.
Possession of a Stolen Firearm
A person commits possession of a stolen firearm when he or she, not being entitled to the possession of a firearm, possesses the firearm, knowing it to have been stolen or converted. At trial, it can be inferred that a person who possesses a firearm with knowledge that its serial number has been removed or altered has knowledge that the firearm is stolen or converted.
Contact Experienced DuPage County Felony Defense Attorneys
If you have been arrested and/or charged with any Illinois felony, your future is at stake. Felony crimes come with a serious threat of prison time and a severe criminal record which can cause you to lose out on countless future opportunities. If you or a loved one are facing a felony case, it's of the utmost importance to speak with an aggressive and seasoned felony defense attorney.
Schedule your free criminal defense legal consultation today to speak with an attorney about your legal options. Contact our law office at (630) 261-9098 to speak with a top Illinois defense lawyer and schedule your consultation, today.