Trends in Illinois Felony Sentencing Illustrate the Need for Good Representation

Trends in Illinois Felony Sentencing Illustrate the Need for Good Representation

The recent statistics published by the Illinois Sentencing Policy Advisory Council in its research briefing, “Illinois Felony Sentencing: A Retrospective,” https://www.icjia.state.il.us/public/pdf/Bulletins/Research_Brief_SPAC_Felony_Sentences_052011.pdf show how many individuals are becoming statistics in the criminal justice system.

The report found that despite reductions in reported Illinois crime from the early 1990s through 2008, the number of persons on probation, in prison and on mandatory supervised release doubled from 1985 to 1998. The researches found that felony drug arrests dramatically increased as did the number of felonies filed in court, the number of convicted felons sentenced to prison and the number of crimes that have been elevated from misdemeanors to felonies.
Although the report does not address the issue of representation, it is clear that persons facing felony charges need prepared, competent counsel to ensure that they are seen as individuals and to fight for their rights.The report found for persons with prior felony convictions, the likelihood of receiving a prison sentence has greatly increased. Given the trends in prosecution as well as sentencing, a person facing felony charges needs experienced counsel to ensure he is not a statistic.

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