Belleville Felony Criminal Defense Lawyer

Handling Serious Charges in Randolph & Perry Counties

As a former public defender  with more than 25 years of experience, I have what it takes to help you protect your rights, tell your story, and work toward the best possible outcome during your involvement with the criminal justice system. When you come to me for help, I am prepared to listen, assist you in developing a solid legal strategy, and guide you as you make important judgment calls about your case. I have spent years refining my skills as a trial advocate, and during that time I have provided thoughtful, effective legal representation for people facing felony charges in Randolph County, Perry County, and the surrounding areas.

Call Richard Roustio Attorney at Law at (618) 266-2617 and schedule your free consultation with a Belleville felony crime attorney today.

I successfully completed my treatment and probation period and my case was dismissed.
Former Client

What is a Felony?

Under Illinois law, a crime is considered a felony if it is punishable by at least one year in state prison (crimes that warrant the death penalty are also considered felonious offenses). The consequences of a felony conviction are all harsh and vary depending on the class of felony.

Illinois Felony Classifications

Felony classes and penalties in Illinois include:

  • First-degree murder – In Illinois, first-degree murder is a separate class. First-degree murder convictions come with prison time of 20-60 years. In some cases, first-degree murder can even land you on death row. 720 Ill. Comp. Stat. § 5/9-1; 730 Ill. Comp. Stat. § 5/5-4.5-20.
  • Class X – Class X felonies include firing a weapon during an aggravated battery, committing a felony with a firearm, home invasion with a firearm or other dangerous weapon, participation in manufacture of methamphetamine (must be ≥15g to be considered in Class X). Class X felonies warrant 6-30 years in prison and 3 years of mandatory supervision after release. 730 Ill. Comp. Stat. § 5/5-4.5-25.
  • Class 1 – Class 1 felonies include burglarizing a home, school, or house of worship, second-degree murder, and sexual assault. Class 1 felonies warrant 4-15 years in prison, 2 years of mandatory supervision thereafter, and probation or conditional release for 4 years, if applicable. 720 Ill. Comp. Stat. §§ 5/9-2, 5/11-1.20, 5/19-1, 5/19-3.
  • Class 2 – Class 2 felonies include aggravated domestic battery, unlawful attempt to purchase (or actual purchase) of a firearm, and robbery. Class 2 felonies warrant 3-7 years in prison and 2 years of mandatory supervision thereafter. 720 Ill. Comp. Stat. §§ 5/12-3/3, 5/18-1, 5/24-3.5.
  • Class 3 – Class 3 felonies include aggravated battery on private property or in dedicated religious spaces; aggravated battery against elderly people, women who are pregnant, or school teachers; theft of property worth between $500 and $10K; and having ≤5g of methamphetamine in one’s possession. Class 3 felonies warrant 2-5 years in prison and only 1 year of mandatory supervision after release, with the potential for periodic imprisonment and probation thereafter. 720 Ill. Comp. Stat. §§ 5/12-3.05, 5/16-1, 646/60.
  • Class 4 – Class 4 felonies include credit card fraud, identity theft, theft of property valued at ≥$300, selling stolen property of the same value, unauthorized possession of a prescription form that is empty or has been changed in some way, and using another person’s credit or debit card without the owner’s permission. Class 4 felonies warrant 1-3 years in prison, 1 year of mandatory supervision after release, periodic imprisonment after release, and a maximum of 30 months of probation or another form of conditional release. 720 Ill. Comp. Stat. §§ 5/16-30, 5/16-40, 5/17-38, 570/406.2.

Risk Factors for a Felony Conviction

You may be more likely to receive a harsher conviction in your case if any of the following are true:

  • You have a criminal history.
  • The felony criminal act in question resulted in serious harm to another person or their interests.
  • The felony criminal act in question created a serious threat of harm to another person or their interests.
  • The crime in question was perpetrated against a disabled or elderly person.
  • The victim of the crime in question was targeted because of their membership in a protected class (race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, etc.). 730 Ill. Comp. Stat. §§ 5/5-4.5-10, 5/5-4.5-110, 5/5-5-3.2, 5/5-8-2.

The long and short of it is this: You can’t afford to represent yourself against a felony charge – but I can help. Call Richard Roustio Attorney at Law for the straightforward legal counsel and effective advocacy you need. 

Contact us online to schedule your free consult with a felony criminal defense attorney in Belleville, IL.

Why Work With Attorney Richard Roustio?

  • Proud & Disciplined Navy Veteran
  • Proven Track-Record of Successful Cases
  • Over 100 Cases Tried in Court
Tough & Tried Legal Counsel On Your Side Get Started On Your Defense with Attorney Richard Roustio Today