10/19/2026
State court sentencing works like a menu. Pick the charge, look up the range. That's the number the judge uses under Illinois law.
Federal court doesn't work that way. Not even close. Sentencing guidelines there can factor in what's called relevant conduct, meaning things you were never charged with can still push your number higher. The guidelines are advisory, and judges can depart from them, but they start from a range built on more than just the indictment.
People usually find this out after the fact. "Wait, that wasn't even part of my case," is what it sounds like when relevant conduct catches someone off guard.
Which court you end up in decides more than most people expect. If you want a second set of eyes on what that could mean for your case, call us: 312-380-6559.
