Types of Criminal Sentences in Illinois

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving DuPage County Clients

The objective of Kathryn L. Harry & Associates, P.C. is to get you through the criminal justice process with as few consequences as possible. Our first choice is that the charges are dropped and the felony or misdemeanor arrest expunged from the record. Next, we prefer an acquittal. But if you face sentencing, your criminal defense attorney will be there working to minimize the consequences. Call an experienced DuPage County criminal defense attorney at 630-472-9700 for a free initial consultation.

Sentencing Options in Illinois

When it comes to sentencing, it is important to have an experienced criminal defense lawyer who can negotiate with prosecutors or petition the court for alternative sentences. Whether you are found guilty or plead guilty, there are many options available.

All sentences have a specific time frame during which you need to meet the court's requirements. Those requirements could include a number of different actions on your part:

• Court supervision is not a conviction and may include community service, fines, court costs, and counseling. When you successfully complete court supervision, the charges may be expungable.
• Conditional discharge may be given for a felony or misdemeanor conviction and can include a range of requirements targeted at rehabilitation (like those for court supervision). Successful completion of a conditional discharge can result in the conviction being lifted.
• Probation is a conviction, which requires regular reporting to a probation officer and paying fees to the probation department. The probation officer monitors your progress, and any violation of probation conditions, for the court. A probation sentence is typically not expungable, although expungement may be available in some cases involving drug possession, theft, or vandalism.
• Jail time can include work release or straight jail time. A sentence to jail is a conviction and is not expungable. Typically, you get a day for a day credit. You may even get credit for the time you spent in jail awaiting your bond hearing or trial.

Community service may include working in a nursing home, thrift store, or some other community service organization. For more serious crimes, people may be assigned to the Sheriff's Work Alternatives Program (SWAP). Your criminal defense lawyer can explain the sentencing options that may be imposed on you.

Call a DuPage County Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you have been arrested on criminal charges and are facing one of the above sentences, an experienced criminal defense attorney can help you understand your options and determine the best approach to take for your defense. At Kathryn L. Harry & Associates, P.C., we have over 25 years of legal experience, and we will work to minimize the consequences, allowing you to move on with your life after this difficult time. For a free consultation, please contact an Oak Brook criminal defense lawyer at 630-472-9700 for a free initial consultation. Serving Wheaton, Hinsdale, Downers Grove, Burr Ridge, Westchester, Clarendon Hills, Willowbrook, DuPage County and surrounding areas.