First degree murder       20-60 years; life; death        3 years MSR
Class X                             6-30 years                              3 years MSR
Class 1                             4-15 years                              2 years MSR
Class 2                             3-7 years                                2 years MSR
Class 3                             2-5 years                                 1 year MSR
Class 4                             1-3 years                                 1 year MSR
             The above provisions are for general reference only.  There may be certain factors that increase the range outside these parameters, for example, offenses involving the use of a firearm have sentencing enhancements; certain sex offenses and violent crimes have longer MSR periods; offenders with criminal backgrounds that are deemed "habitual criminals" can be sentenced as Class X offenders without having committed a Class X offense.
             If an "extended term" provision applies, the defendant may be sentenced   to up to twice the regular maximum shown above, except that the extended term for first degree murder is no more than 100 years.
            "MSR," formerly known as parole, is automatically written into every sentence.  Because it is a term not subject to negotiation, a plea agreement for a specified term of years in the Department of Corrections does not include the MSR period.  Thus, the MSR period begins once the term of the sentence has been completed.

Short of dismissal or acquittal, "court supervision" is the preferred outcome.  Supervision does not result in a judgment of conviction being entered against someone's criminal record.  [Note, however, that the absence of a conviction does not mean there is not a "record."  There will be law enforcement records and court records that may be subject to being expunged or sealed after completion of the supervision period.]  Supervision is not available for all offenses, and an offender is only eligible to receive supervision so many times.

There are other dispositions that do result in convictions which may or may not include incarceration as part of the sentence.  These penalties are known as "conditional discharge" and "probation."  As with court supervision, there are numerous offenses for which an offender is not eligible for conditional discharge or probation and must be sentenced to the penitentiary.

In some jurisdictions the prosecutors will enter into plea bargains with an offender by agreeing to reduce or amend certain charges in exchange for a guilty plea.  Allow Scott A. Wineberg to seek a favorable settlement for you!