When you ask a seasoned criminal defense lawyer in Elk Grove Village about the most common questions asked by clients, you will invariably hear that “Will I have to go to jail?” is often at the top of the list. Most of the time, this question cannot be answered as yes or no because there are many factors to consider; however, there are times when non-incarceration penalties are more likely to be imposed whether you enter a guilty plea or are convicted.
In the criminal justice system of Illinois, the only misdemeanors that may result in a jail sentence would be Class A offenses such as battery, driving under the influence, shoplifting over $500, and cannabis possession in excess of 10 grams. Most Class B and Class C misdemeanors do not impose incarceration, and defense attorneys are sometimes able to argue in favor of lowering the grade of the misdemeanor from Class A to Class B. Even with a Class A conviction, suspended sentences may be petitioned if the incident did not feature violence, injury, or damage.
As for felonies in Illinois, a few do not normally result in jail or prison sentences if they are of the non-violent and technical type. Some of the so-called “white collar” crimes such as forgery and larceny deception do not result in prison sentences unless they have aggravating circumstances. The same can be said about some drug possession and prostitution cases.
For more information about the strategies a criminal defense lawyer in Elk Grove Village can use to improve the outcome of your legal matters, visit Villadonga & Villadonga Attorneys at Law
today.
