A Felony Charge Can Put Your Future in Jeopardy
Felony defense means defending your freedom now and your happiness in the future. Even the most minor felony charge can result in three years in prison, and more severe felonies face seven, 15, 30 years, or even the rest of your life behind bars. You need a felony defense lawyer you can trust.A felony conviction can be a burden for the rest of your life. It will affect your reputation and relationships. It could prevent you from getting a job or hurt your ability to find housing. A felony is for life.
Every case deserves thorough investigation because a felony charge can mean that your future is in jeopardy, and the Law Office of Paul M. Marriett will aggressively represent you in a felony defense trial.
The Law Office of Paul M. Marriett is committed to providing the compassion and understanding to all who need felony defense services. Everyone deserves an aggressive representation from a lawyer at an affordable price. Our firm gives clients a thorough explanation of their criminal charge, describe each stage in their defense and analyzes all trial defense options. The Law Office of Paul M. Marriett takes the time to answer clients’ questions and educate them on the criminal law regarding their case. By informing our clients, we ensure they have the information needed to make the right choices.
What is the Punishment for a Felony?
Crimes are classified according to severity level and the intent with which they are carried out.
In the state of Illinois, felonies typically involve violent crime resulting in bodily, psychological or financial injury. They are sorted by a numbering system, from the least-severe Class 4 to the more severe Class 1 felony. There are several special classes of Class X felonies and murder, which is its own class. All Illinois felonies have a minimum of at least 1 year in prison and significant fines.
As your criminal defense lawyer, Paul M. Marriett will evaluate and explain the legal options available to best represent your interests during negotiations and trial.
The Law Office of Paul M. Marriett — Fighting to Protect Your Rights in a Felony Defense Case
There are five levels of felony in Illinois: Class X, Class 1, Class 2, Class 3 and Class 4. All five levels can include a fine of up to $25,000.
| TYPE | SENTENCE | EXAMPLE |
|---|---|---|
| Class X Felony | Between 6 and 30 years in state penitentiary | Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault |
| Class 1 Felony | Between 4 and 15 years in state penitentiary | Criminal Sexual Assault, Possession of Heroin, Cocaine, LSD |
| Class 2 Felony | Between 3 and 7 years in state penitentiary | Arson |
| Class 3 Felony | Between 2 and 5 years in state penitentiary | Aggravated Battery |
| Class 4 Felony | Between 1 and 3 years in state penitentiary | Aggravated Assault, Stalking |
Note: Sentences for Murder convictions differ from other felony class sentences.
What You Should Know
Increasingly, criminal offenses are being classified as felonies.
With the exception of small amounts of marijuana possession, all drug offenses result in felony drug charges. A DUI with no insurance or no valid driver’s license, even in first-time DUI offenses, also are classified as felonies.
As your criminal defense attorney, we will explore all possible defenses at trial and motions to suppress. Only then do we turn my attention to considering alternatives to jail or solutions involving reduced charges. In some cases we can even remove felonies from your record, depending on the charges.
The Law Office of Paul M. Marriett, located at 308 W. State St., Suite 97, in Rockford, Illinois, defends individuals throughout Illinois, including individuals in the communities in and around Rockford and in neighboring counties and cities including Belvidere and Freeport. For additional information about felony-related laws, or to discuss your matter in confidence with a skilled criminal defense attorney, schedule a confidential consultation by calling us at (815) 391-0089. If you prefer, click here to fill out the contact form and we will contact you in the next 24 hours.