A felony conviction in Illinois changes everything. Prison time, a permanent criminal record, loss of rights — the stakes couldn't be higher. At Stavros Law Offices, we've defended clients facing felony charges in Lake County, Cook County, and throughout Northern Illinois for over four decades. We know how to fight these cases, and we're ready to fight yours.
Illinois Felony Classifications
Illinois classifies felonies into six categories, each carrying different sentencing ranges. Understanding your charge is the first step in building your defense:
| Class | Prison Sentence | Extended Term | Fine (Max) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Class X |
6–30 years |
30–60 years |
$25,000 |
|
Class 1 |
4–15 years |
15–30 years |
$25,000 |
|
Class 2 |
3–7 years |
7–14 years |
$25,000 |
|
Class 3 |
2–5 years |
5–10 years |
$25,000 |
|
Class 4 |
1–3 years |
3–6 years |
$25,000 |
|
Murder |
20–60 years |
60–100 years / Life |
$25,000 |
Note: Many felonies are probationable, meaning the court may impose probation instead of prison for certain offenses and first-time offenders. However, Class X felonies are generally non-probationable.
Common Felony Charges in Illinois
Class X Felonies — Most Serious
- Armed robbery (720 ILCS 5/18-2)
- Aggravated criminal sexual assault (720 ILCS 5/11-1.30)
- Home invasion (720 ILCS 5/19-6)
- Aggravated kidnapping (720 ILCS 5/10-2)
- Delivery of controlled substances (large amounts)
- Armed violence (720 ILCS 5/33A-2)
Class 1 Felonies
- Criminal sexual assault (720 ILCS 5/11-1.20)
- Residential burglary (720 ILCS 5/19-3)
- Second-degree murder (720 ILCS 5/9-2)
- Aggravated battery causing great bodily harm
- Possession of 15–100 grams of cocaine/heroin
Class 2 Felonies
- Burglary (720 ILCS 5/19-1)
- Robbery (720 ILCS 5/18-1)
- Aggravated DUI (625 ILCS 5/11-501)
- Arson (720 ILCS 5/20-1)
- Unlawful Use of Weapon by Felon (720 ILCS 5/24-1.1)
Class 3 Felonies
- Aggravated battery (720 ILCS 5/12-3.05)
- Theft over $500 and up to $10,000
- Possession of stolen vehicle
- Forgery (720 ILCS 5/17-3)
Class 4 Felonies
- Aggravated assault (720 ILCS 5/12-2)
- Retail theft (third offense)
- Possession of controlled substances
- Criminal damage to property (over $500)
- Driving on a revoked license (certain circumstances)
Collateral Consequences of a Felony Conviction
Beyond prison time and fines, a felony conviction in Illinois triggers serious collateral consequences:
- Employment — Many employers refuse to hire convicted felons
- Professional licenses — Nurses, teachers, real estate agents, and others may lose their licenses
- Housing — Landlords can legally deny housing to felons
- Firearm rights — Felons cannot possess firearms under Illinois and federal law
- Voting — You cannot vote while incarcerated (rights restored upon release)
- Immigration — Non-citizens face deportation, denial of naturalization, or inadmissibility
- Student loans/financial aid — Drug convictions can disqualify you from federal aid
- Child custody — Courts consider criminal history in custody determinations
Defense Strategies for Felony Cases
Every felony case is different, but effective defense strategies often include:
Challenging the Evidence
Was the evidence obtained legally? We examine whether police had probable cause for the arrest, whether searches were constitutional, and whether your Miranda rights were violated. Illegally obtained evidence can be suppressed.
Attacking the State's Witnesses
Eyewitness identification is notoriously unreliable. We investigate witness credibility, uncover inconsistencies, and expose biases or motives to lie.
Establishing Reasonable Doubt
The State must prove every element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. We identify weaknesses in their case and present evidence that creates doubt in the minds of judges and jurors.
Asserting Affirmative Defenses
Depending on the circumstances, defenses such as self-defense, defense of others, duress, entrapment, or necessity may apply.
Negotiating Reduced Charges
When the evidence is strong, we negotiate with prosecutors to reduce felony charges to misdemeanors, or to reduce the class of felony — significantly reducing potential sentences.
Pursuing Alternatives to Prison
For probationable offenses, we advocate for probation, drug treatment court, mental health court, or other alternatives to incarceration.
Protect Your Freedom — Contact Us Today
If you're facing felony charges in Illinois, you need an attorney who will fight for you — not just go through the motions. At Stavros Law Offices, we take felony defense seriously because we know what's at stake.
Call (847) 520-4810
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