A Chicago criminal defense lawyer can fight to reduce or eliminate the potential sentence from a court if you have been charged with a felony crime in Illinois. Goldman & Associates’ team of criminal defense lawyers can help mount a personalized defense for your case.
Types of Crime Classified as Class 3 Felonies
Crimes considered Class 3 felonies include many types of crimes, ranging in seriousness. The following crimes, found in the Illinois Criminal Code, are examples of Class 3 felonies:
- Aggravated battery;
- Theft between $300 and $2,000;
- Threatening public officials;
- Reckless discharge of a firearm; and
- Criminal sexual assault.
This is not meant to be an exhaustive list, but merely represents some common Class 3 felonies. If you are not sure if a charge brought against you would count as a Class 3 felony, check with a defense attorney with experience handling felony cases.
Sentences for Class 3 Felony Convictions
Under Illinois sentencing law, Class 3 felonies carry sentences of between 2 and 5 years in prison. In addition, a Class 3 felony with an extended term sentence will result in 5 to 10 years in prison. Extended terms can be imposed if aggravating factors exist, such as prior criminal convictions, the nature of the alleged crime as a hate crime, or the presence of a victim over age 60 (730 Ill. Comp. Stat. § 5/5-4.5-40.)
Class 3 felony convictions generally allow you to be eligible for some alternative sentencing options, including periodic imprisonment, impact incarceration, probation, and conditional discharge. However, there are some exceptions that cannot qualify for probation. Check with an experienced felony defense attorney to find out if your case could result in probation instead of incarceration.
On top of prison time, large fines for Class 3 felonies can be imposed, and you can be made to reimburse alleged victims for any financial losses that they may have suffered.
Seek Defense Counsel Now
Being charged with a crime can be extremely stressful. An experienced Chicago defense lawyer will answer any questions that you may have, and can work to address concerns that you have about the criminal trial process. A dedicated felony defense attorney will craft an aggressive defense strategy to help keep your sentence as low as possible. Contact Goldman & Associates today for a free consultation on your criminal case.
