Suburban Law Enforcement Academy (SLEA) BA State Certification Practice Exam

How long of a sentence is typically given for a class 2 felony?

1. Not less than 5 and not more than 10 years

2. Not less than 2 and not more than 5 years

3. Not less than 3 and not more than 7 years

4. Not less than 4 and not more than 15 years

The correct answer is: Not less than 3 and not more than 7 years

The typical sentence for a class 2 felony is often defined within a range that is generally understood to be between 3 to 7 years of imprisonment. This range is based on statutory guidelines that establish the penalties for various classes of felonies, and class 2 felonies are considered to be more serious offenses than those classified as lower categories. Such a sentencing range allows for judicial discretion, taking into account the nature of the crime, the defendant's criminal history, and any mitigating or aggravating factors present in the case. In contrast, other options provided refer to different classes or categories of felonies with distinct statutory guidelines. For instance, the ranges in these other choices either suggest sentences that are too lenient or too severe for a class 2 felony when compared to established legal standards. Therefore, the understanding of the legal framework surrounding class 2 felonies supports the validity of the choice regarding the 3 to 7 year sentencing range as the correct response.