Felony Crimes

In Illinois, felony crimes are reserved for the most serious criminal offenses and carry the most severe penalties under state law. Unlike misdemeanors, which involve less serious conduct, felony convictions can result in lengthy prison sentences, significant fines, and long-term consequences that impact your rights, reputation, and future opportunities.

Illinois classifies felonies into five categories:

• Class X
• Class 1
• Class 2
• Class 3
• Class 4

Class X is the most serious classification, while Class 4 is the least severe. The specific sentence imposed in any case depends on both the class of felony and the facts and circumstances surrounding the alleged offense.

It is important to understand that all felony convictions in Illinois remain on your criminal record unless you receive a pardon or qualify for expungement.

At Dolci Weiland & Sendlak, our criminal defense attorneys are former prosecutors with over 50 years of combined experience handling serious criminal matters throughout Illinois. We use our knowledge of how the State builds cases to develop strategic, aggressive defenses tailored to each client’s unique situation.

Class X Felonies

Class X felonies are the most serious non-capital offenses in Illinois. These charges carry mandatory prison sentences and substantial financial penalties.

Potential Penalties:

• 6 to 30 years in prison (determinate sentence)
• Up to 30 to 60 years for extended-term sentences in certain cases
• Fines that can exceed $100,000, depending on the offense

Common Class X Felony Offenses

Drug Crimes

• Possession of cocaine with intent to manufacture or deliver (15 grams or more)
• Possession of cannabis with intent to manufacture or deliver (more than 5,000 grams)
• Manufacture of methamphetamine (15 grams or more)
• Street gang criminal drug conspiracy

Child Pornography Involving Moving Depictions
Offenses involving videos or other moving depictions of a child engaged in sexual acts are often charged as Class X felonies. Convictions may include mandatory prison time, substantial fines, and lifetime registration on the Illinois Sex Offender Registry.

Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault
This offense applies when a person age 17 or older engages in sexual contact with a child age 12 or younger for purposes of sexual gratification.

Second Criminal Sexual Assault Conviction
A second conviction for criminal sexual assault, which involves sexual penetration through force, threat of force, or lack of consent, is classified as a Class X felony.

Armed Robbery
Robbery committed while armed with a dangerous weapon or firearm, or involving discharge of a firearm, is typically charged as a Class X felony.

Class 1 Felonies

Class 1 felonies represent the second most serious category of felony charges in Illinois.

Potential Penalties:

• 4 to 15 years in prison
• 4 to 20 years for second-degree murder
• Fines up to $25,000

Common Class 1 Felony Offenses

Criminal Sexual Assault
Sexual penetration accomplished through force, threat of force, or when the accused knows the alleged victim cannot legally consent. Convictions may require sex offender registration and carry lasting personal and professional consequences.

Drug Crimes

• Possession of cocaine (more than 15 grams)
• Cannabis trafficking (more than 5,000 grams)
• Possession or delivery of methamphetamine (5 to 15 grams)

Child Pornography (Non-Moving Depictions)
Certain child pornography charges that do not involve moving depictions may be classified as Class 1 felonies, depending on the circumstances.

Class 2 Felonies

Class 2 felonies are the third most serious felony classification in Illinois.

Potential Penalties:

• 3 to 7 years in prison
• Fines up to $25,000

Common Class 2 Felony Offenses

Drug Crimes

• Cannabis trafficking (2,000 to 5,000 grams)
• Possession of methamphetamine (5 to 15 grams)

Child Pornography Involving a Child Under 13
Possession of child pornography involving a child under age 13 may be charged as a Class 2 felony and can require lifetime sex offender registration.

Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse
This offense involves sexual conduct under aggravating circumstances and may require lifetime registration as a sex offender.

Aggravated Domestic Battery
Knowingly causing great bodily harm, permanent disability, disfigurement, or strangulation in a domestic context.

Possession of a Stolen Firearm
Knowingly possessing a firearm that has been stolen or altered.

Class 3 Felonies

Class 3 felony convictions can still result in significant incarceration and financial penalties.

Potential Penalties:

• 5 to 10 years in prison
• Fines up to $25,000

Common Class 3 Felony Offenses

Drug Crimes

• Criminal cannabis conspiracy
• Possession of cannabis (500 to 2,000 grams)
• Possession of methamphetamine (less than 5 grams)
• Manufacture or distribution of look-alike substances

Possession of Child Pornography
Often charged as a Class 3 felony, carrying potential prison time and mandatory registration requirements.

Aggravated Battery
Battery that causes great bodily harm, permanent disability, or disfigurement, or involves protected individuals such as seniors, pregnant women, persons with disabilities, or certain public servants.

Class 4 Felonies

While a Class 4 felony is the lowest-level felony in Illinois, the consequences of a conviction remain life-altering. Fortunately, many of these cases, particularly those involving drugs or weapons, offer specific paths to avoid a permanent record. Our firm specializes in securing alternative outcomes like Section 410 First Offender Probation or First Offender Weapons Probation. We aggressively pursue these statutory diversions to protect your future, ensuring that a single mistake doesn’t define your criminal record.

Potential Penalties:

• 1 to 3 years in prison
• Fines up to $25,000

Common Class 4 Felony Offenses

Drug Crimes

• Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance
• Possession of cannabis (100 to 500 grams)
• Chemical derivation of a controlled substance (non-methamphetamine)
• Unauthorized possession of prescription forms
• Sale or delivery of drug paraphernalia

Weapons Crimes

• Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon

Obstructing Justice
Acts intended to prevent apprehension or obstruct prosecution, including destroying or concealing evidence, providing false information, or inducing witnesses to conceal themselves.

Criminal Sexual Abuse
Sexual conduct involving force, threat of force, or circumstances where the alleged victim cannot knowingly consent. This offense may be probationable depending on the facts of the case.

Facing a Felony Charge in Illinois?

Being charged with a felony can be overwhelming. The consequences may include prison time, steep fines, extended supervision, and a permanent criminal record that affects employment, housing, and professional licensing.

If you or a loved one has been arrested or charged with a felony offense in Illinois, it is critical to speak with an experienced defense attorney as soon as possible.

Dolci Weiland & Sendlak provides strategic, aggressive criminal defense representation throughout Illinois. We offer free consultations and will review your case, explain your legal options, and fight to protect your rights and future.

Call (630) 261-9098 today to schedule your free consultation.