An Illinois man faces felony charges for soliciting another person to commit murder, according to an article by The Pantagraph.
This Illinois man was already in police custody for separate child sex crimes, including predatory criminal sexual assault and aggravated criminal sexual abuse. The child sex crimes all involved a victim under the age of 13 years old.
According to official statements, this investigation involved collaboration between the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office and the Braidwood Police Department. Though law enforcement officials did not release any additional information about the nature of the solicitation of murder charges.
At this point, the Illinois man remains in police custody, instead of posting bail in the amount of $500,000. While this man awaits further developments in his legal case, it seems appropriate to review two Illinois statutes that address solicitation of murder.
Solicitation of Murder
The Illinois laws against solicitation of murder appear at 720 ILCS 5/8-1. This section makes it unlawful to solicit another person commit first-degree murder.
Section 8-1 also explains the punishment for solicitation of murder. Any person who commits this offense is guilty of a Class X felony. Usually, the punishment for this felony includes imprisonment for 15 to 30 years and criminal fines up to $25,000.
But there is a circumstance in which the prison sentence increases. This heightened sentence applies when the person solicited to commit murder was under the age of 17 years old. In those cases, the offender faces imprisonment for 20 to 60 years and criminal fines up to $25,000.
Solicitation of Murder for Hire
The Illinois laws against solicitation of murder for hire appear at 720 ILCS 5/8-1.2. This section makes it illegal to:
- Solicit another person commit first-degree murder;
- Pursuant to the terms of a contract, agreement, command, or similar understanding; and
- In exchange for money, consideration, or anything of value.
Section 8-1.2 also explains the punishment for solicitation of murder for hire. Any person who commits this offense is guilty of a Class X felony. Typically, the punishment for this felony includes imprisonment for 20 to 40 years and criminal fines up to $25,000.
If the person solicited to commit the murder was under the age of 17 years old, however, the punishment becomes more severe. In those situations, the offender faces imprisonment for 25 to 60 years and criminal fines up to $25,000.
Do You Need Legal Help?
No matter what the criminal offense, all charges are serious. A sound strategy and an aggressive defense are essential for a positive outcome. To protect your rights in such situations, it is highly advisable to retain legal counsel from an experienced criminal defense attorney.
The Prior Law Firm in Bloomington, Illinois, has proven experience in matters of criminal defense. If you need legal help with criminal defense, contact us today for a free consultation. You can reach The Prior Law Firm by phone at (309) 827-4300, email at johnprior@thepriorlawfirm.com or by completing an online form.