Chicago Criminal
Helping Clients Overcome Life’s Most Difficult Challenges
When Brandon Brown Attorney at Law founded his law firm, he did so with the goal of helping his fellow Chicagoans through life’s most difficult moments. Today, he has a reputation for doing just that by building strong criminal defense strategies tailored to our clients’ individuals needs.
If you live in the Chicago area and face a criminal charge, you can count on Brandon Brown Attorney at Law for representation. Not only will Mr. Brown fight diligently to protect your rights, but he will also provide the support you will need as you face criminal proceedings.
If you would like to discuss your charge with Mr. Brown, you can do so by calling 24/7 at 773-624-8366 or emailing us to schedule a free initial consultation at our South Side law office. If you cannot come to us, you can arrange a time to meet with at the courthouse, at home or in jail.
Felony vs. Misdemeanors in Illinois
Generally, a conviction on a felony charge carries a jail sentence of more than 1 year. For the most serious violent felonies, the sentences are significantly more, and many offenses have mandatory minimum jail sentences.
Misdemeanor criminal charges are those that have a maximum sentence of 1 year in jail or less, usually with no mandatory minimum jail time for most charges. But you are still at significant risk for a jail sentence for many misdemeanor offenses in Illinois, particularly on a second or greater offense. Felony crimes fall into 5 categories while misdemeanors are broken into 3 classes.
Felony Penalties in Illinois
The 5 classes of Illinois felonies are as follows:
Class X Felony
- Between 6 and 30 years in State Penitentiary; and/or
- Fine of up to $25,000
- Examples: Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault
Class 1 Felony
- Between 4 and 15 years in State Penitentiary; and/or
- Fine of up to $25,000
- Examples: Criminal Sexual Assault, Possession of Heroin, Cocaine, LSD
Class 2 Felony
- Between 3 and 7 years in State Penitentiary; and/or
- Fine of up to $25,000
- Examples: Arson
Class 3 Felony
- Between 2 and 5 years in State Penitentiary; and/or
- Fine of up to $25,000
- Examples: Aggravated Battery
Class 4 Felony
- Between 1 and 3 years in State Penitentiary; and/or
- Fine of up to $25,000
Examples: Aggravated Assault
**Murder convictions differ from other felony class sentences.
Illinois Misdemeanors Penalties
There are 3 classes of Misdemeanor charges and penalties in Illinois:
Class A Misdemeanor
- Up to 1 year in Jail; and/or
- Fine of up to $2,500
- Examples: Battery, DUI, Possession of Marijuana (10-30 grams), Possession of Firearms, Reckless Driving
Class B Misdemeanor
- Up to 6 months in Jail; and/or
- Fine of up to $1,500
- Examples: Possession of Marijuana (2.5-10 grams),
Class C Misdemeanor
- Up to 30 days in Jail; and/or
- Fine of up to $1,500.
- Examples: Assault, Possession of Marijuana (under 2.5 grams)
We all make mistakes. If you are charged with a misdemeanor or felony you need a Criminal Defense Attorney in Illinois who will fight for your freedom. Call Brandon Brown Attorney at Law at 773-624-8366.