When someone is convicted of a crime, the judge has to decide what the punishment should be. While Illinois has ranges of penalties for each offense, judges have discretion within those ranges. They can consider aggravating factors (reasons to impose a harsher sentence) and mitigating factors (reasons for leniency).
Sometimes, judges look at whether a defendant has been a victim of violence, abuse, or trauma in the past. If you are facing criminal charges, talk to a qualified Chicago criminal defense lawyer about whether your history can impact your sentence.
How Does Sentencing Work in Illinois?
Under Illinois law, courts look at many different factors when sentencing someone. Aggravating factors that can result in a more severe sentence can include whether the crime involved a weapon or caused serious harm. Mitigating factors are reasons a judge may lower your sentence. These can include whether you were provoked, whether you are likely to break the law again, or whether your past experiences help explain what happened.