Felony

A felony is a crime that is possibly punishable by at least one year or more in prison. Generally court supervision is NOT possible on a felony with a few exceptions. There is also the possibility of extended terms eligibility that means the possible sentence may be more than doubled, as well as consecutive sentences of different offenses.

A felony goes through a very detailed procedure that starts with a criminal charge being filed and set for a first appearance. Then a case is taken either to a Grand Jury or set for a Preliminary Hearing to determine if Probable Cause exists for the State to go forward with the case. If Probable Cause is found then the case is set for an arraignment where the judge orders the parties to exchange discovery. Then the case is set for a court review and usually a jury trial. This time is used to review the police reports, talk with witnesses, and begin negotiations with the State regarding possible pleas.

• Class X: Punishable from 6 to 30 years
• Class 1: Punishable from 4 to 15 years
• Class 2: Punishable from 3 to 7 years
• Class 3: Punishable from 2 to 5 years
• Class 4: Punishable from 1 to 3 years

• Learn more at AddyBushCriminalLaw.com