The usual sentence for murder, an intentional killing, is 20-60 years but there are many circumstances in which the sentence can be far greater. You could end up serving a life sentence in prison, without the possibility of parole or ever getting out from behind bars. For example, if a person is convicted of murder and it is found that they personally discharged a firearm, an additional 25 years will be added to the sentence. Therefore, that person would be sentenced to 45-85 years for a murder and there is no good time allowed. That means that you will serve every day of the term. If it is learned that you killed more than one person, your sentence is natural life.
​
Second degree murder is a Class 1 felony, punishable by 4-20 years in prison. In some cases, a judge may sentence an individual to a term of probation for a second-degree murder. Second degree murder usually involves a sudden and intense passion, for example, if you come home and find your spouse in bed with another person. Another scenario for second degree murder is when the defendant believes he or she is entitled to use deadly force in self-defense but is mistaken.
​
Involuntary manslaughter and reckless homicide are criminal charges or offenses resulting from an unlawful death. These charges are normally brought where the accused did not act intentionally to kill the victim, but instead acted either recklessly or with knowledge that their actions were likely to cause death or great bodily harm. Reckless homicide is usually a death that results from being hit by a car or being thrown from a car after an accident. Depending on the facts of the case and the charges filed, these offenses can range from 3-28 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.
Contact Lamp Law LLC to find out more about charges specific to your situation.