People v. Burton

We here compare “good time” for felons with “good behavior allowance” for misdemeanants.

Specifically, does the constitution permit a felon sentenced to one year to be released before a misdemeanant sentenced to only 6 months?

Yes.

We affirm.

Burton was convicted of reckless conduct (a Class A misdemeanor) and sentenced to 6 months at the Vandalia Correctional Center. While incarcerated, Burton will be subject to the Misdemeanant Good Behavior Allowance Act (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1979, ch. 75, pars. 30-34), which provides that misdemeanants are entitled to a cumulative “good behavior allowance.”…