Class X Felonies

An explanation of Illinois sex crimes

March 5, 2012
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The accusation of sexual misconduct can be devastating for a defendant. First, the person is tried in the court of public opinion, and almost always found guilty when his or her mug shot appears in the news. Second, regardless of any sentence imposed in a criminal case, the defendant will be required to register as [...]

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Statistics show increase in felony charges across state of Illinois

May 29, 2011
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The Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority has been tracking felony and misdemeanor filings in state courts throughout Illinois over the years, and their findings may surprise you. The findings come as no surprise, however, to attorneys and judges handling these caseloads. The studies prove that, on average, prosecutors are seeking stiffer penalties more than ever.
Across [...]

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Illinois felonies result in conviction despite fact that offender has no criminal background

May 24, 2011
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A person with no experience in the criminal justice system will see that the courts make a distinction between felony and misdemeanor cases. In almost every courthouse in Illinois, felony cases are heard by a judge who hears only felony matters. The judge presiding over felony cases is usually a Circuit Judge. These judges are [...]

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Illinois law on felony probation sentences, generally

May 20, 2011
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The principal rule in regards to felony sentencing in Illinois courts is that the judge is not allowed to sentence the defendant to a conviction only. Rather, the law requires that the judge must sentence the defendant to a conviction combined with some other terms.
Usually in felony cases, the judge has discretion to sentence the [...]

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Summary of felony prison sentences

April 9, 2011
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Illinois law provides that a felony is any offense for which the penalty is one year of imprisonment or more. A misdemeanor, by comparison, is punishable by less than one year imprisonment.
Among the various felony offenses, the law distinguishes them in the following way:

Class X felony: Mandatory sentence of 6-30 years in the Illinois Department [...]

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Conviction for felony offense involving a motor vehicle will suspend your Illinois driver’s license

October 5, 2010
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An arrest for a felony offense in Illinois has consequences beyond sentencing in court. In addition to the possibility of a prison sentence in the Illinois Department of Corrections, a defendant may lose his driver’s license.
The Secretary of State in Illinois has authority to suspend, cancel, and even revoke a person’s driving privileges for a [...]

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What is the law in Illinois on possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver?

May 1, 2010
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Illinois courts regard possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver as a very serious offense. The issue in almost every case is whether the defendant is willing to risk going to trial or accept a probation offer.
Possession of a controlled substance is a felony offense under state law. Most lawyers and judges [...]

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What are the penalties in Illinois for being charged with possession of cannabis with intent to deliver?

March 5, 2010
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The law that makes it a criminal offense in the state of Illinois to possess cannabis (e.g., marijuana) with intent to deliver is the Illinois Cannabis Control Act, found at 720 ILCS 550/1 et seq.
Section 550/5 provides that it is illegal to manufacture, deliver, or possess with intent to deliver cannabis. To manufacture is to [...]

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What is a Class X felony in Illinois?

February 22, 2010
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The Class X felony is, short of first degree murder, the most serious felony offense on the books in Illinois. Upon a finding of guilt, the court cannot sentence the defendant to probation. The offense has a mandatory minimum sentence of 6-30 years in the Department of Corrections. The judge must sentence the defendant to [...]

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