Recently in Macon County, a man was found guilty of delivering heroin, which is a Class X felony. While many people understand what a Class 1 or Class 4 felony is in the state, what exactly is a Class X felony in Illinois?

Other than first-degree murder, which is not classified, a Class X felony is the worst charge a person can face. It has mandatory jail time, and sentences are typically for a long period of time. Due to this mandatory sentence, negotiating with the prosecution to reduce the Class X felony charge is very difficult. Anyone charged with this type of felony in Illinois must speak to a Rolling Meadows criminal defense attorney to give them the best possible chance of success in court.

Class X Felonies in Illinois

If youenjoy watching courtroom dramas on television, then you have probably heard the terms “felony” and “misdemeanor” bantered about quite a bit. Yet perhaps you were not quite sure of their precise definitions. In the legal world, the meaning of these terms are quite important as they are used to distinguish one class of criminal offenses from another.

Misdemeanors

Misdemeanors are typically crimes that are punishable by incarceration for up to one year and payment of a fine. Those who are sentenced to serve time for a misdemeanor offense are generally placed in county jail. Additionally, incertain misdemeanor trials, court appointed defense attorneys are available for defendants who cannot afford one.

Brothers Dylan, Cody and Jason Sutherlin along with two other members of the Hoosier Anti-Racist Movementdecided to drivetogether to Tinley Park to confront a group of alleged white supremacists. The brothers along with Alex Struck and John S. Tucker wanted to go to a local restaurant to peacefully protect the meeting yet the scene erupted in violence. Surveillance footage showed at least 18 men enter the Ashford House brandishing weapons and wearing masks. After the attack, these five men were arrested as part of the mob in the May 19^th melee.

Altogether, each of the men were charged with 37 separate felony counts including aggravated battery, property damage and mob action. The prosecution was pushing for maximum sentencing on the most serious charge of armed violence. All five decided to enter guilty pleas to reduce the counts from 37 down to 3.

“We were ready to go to trial,” said Brian Barrido, the pro-bono lawyer for Dylan Sutherlin. “I was very surprised when they said they wanted to take the plea … but I think they did the math, and if the trial didn’t start for a year or six months, they might be out just as soon.” Jason Sutherlin was sentenced to 6 years, Dylan and Cody received 5 years each, while Stuck and Tucker received 3-1/2 years.