what is a class x felony

A Class X felony is a high-level criminal offense in Illinois that is considered to be the most serious felony offense on the books in the state, short of first-degree murder. These crimes are severe and carry mandatory sentencing of 6 to 30 years. Class X felonies include offenses such as murder, attempted murder, aggravated sexual assault, and armed robbery, to name a few. Child pornography offenses charged as Class X felonies mostly involve moving depictions (videos, movies, etc.) of a child engaged in sexual acts. Class X felony charges are not eligible for probation, unlike lower-level felonies (Classes “1” through “4”) .