Illinois Felony Attorney: Defense for Criminal Charges

Facing felony charges can change your life forever. At Lofgren Legal, we understand what's at stake. Our experienced Illinois felony defense attorney serves clients in Bridgeview, Burbank, and surrounding areas with dedicated representation when you need it most.

Understanding Felony Charges in Illinois

Illinois divides felonies into different classes: Class X and Classes 1 through 4, plus first-degree murder. Each class carries different penalties, and the state treats them with varying levels of severity. For all felony offenses in Illinois, there is a maximum fine of up to $25,000. Fines can increase for certain cases, such as federal felonies.

Types of Felonies & Penalties

Class X Felonies

Class X felonies are the most serious crimes in Illinois aside from first-degree murder. If convicted, you can face:

6 to 30 years in prison (and up to 60 years with an extended sentence)
3 years of mandatory supervised release

These charges cannot be sentenced to probation and prison time is mandatory.

Examples of Class X felonies include:

Armed robbery
Home invasion while armed with a weapon
Trafficking large amounts of controlled substances
Aggravated vehicular hijacking
Aggravated arson

Class 1 Felonies

A Class 1 felony in Illinois carries severe penalties, including:

4 to 15 years in prison (and up to 30 years for an extended sentence)
2 years of mandatory supervised release

Some Class 1 felony charges may qualify for probation. Judges can impose a probation sentence or conditional discharge for up to 4 years unless the defendant committed the offense while on probation for a prior felony.

An experienced Illinois felony attorney can help you understand your options if you're facing Class 1 felony charges.

Examples of Class 1 felonies include:

Second-degree murder
Residential burglary
Aggravated robbery
Criminal sexual assault
Certain drug possession, manufacturing, and distribution charges

Class 2 Felonies

If you're charged with a Class 2 felony in Illinois, you could face:

3 to 7 years in prison (and up to 14 years for an extended sentence)
2 years of mandatory supervised release

There is a possibility of probation in some Class 2 felony cases. Additionally, a judge may assign a sentence of periodic imprisonment or grant conditional release
.

Examples of Class 2 felonies include:

Arson
Kidnapping
Burglary
Possession of a stolen gun
Bribery

Class 3 Felonies

A Class 3 felony in Illinois carries penalties including:

2 to 5 years in prison (and up to 10 years for an extended sentence)
1 year of mandatory supervised release

There is a possibility of probation in many cases for those convicted of a Class 3 felony. A sentence of periodic imprisonment for up to 18 months or probation for up to 30 months may be assigned.

Examples of Class 3 felonies include:

Aggravated battery (in certain circumstances)
Property theft (between $500 and $10,000)
Possession of methamphetamine (fewer than 5 grams)
Forgery

Class 4 Felonies

Although Class 4 felonies are the least severe type of felony charge, they still carry serious potential consequences:

1 to 3 years in prison (and up to 6 years for an extended sentence)
1 year of mandatory supervised release

Class 4 felony charges often have a high possibility of alternative sentencing and probation. Those convicted may be assigned periodic imprisonment for up to 18 months and/or up to 30 months of conditional release or probation.

Examples of Class 4 felonies in Illinois include:

Certain drug possession charges
Aggravated driving under the influence (DUI)
Criminal damage to property
Stalking

Enhanced Sentencing & Repeat Offenders

In Illinois, penalties can increase if you have previous felony convictions. The state's "extended term" provisions can add years to standard sentences.

Additionally, certain aggravating factors can increase penalties. This is why experienced legal representation is crucial when you're facing a felony charge.

Long-Term Consequences of Felony Convictions

Beyond prison time and fines, a felony conviction can affect:

Your ability to own firearms
Employment opportunities
Housing options
Professional licenses
Child custody arrangements
And other life circumstances

How Our Illinois Felony Attorney Defends Your Case

At Lofgren Legal, our approach to felony defense is thorough and strategic. We examine every aspect of your case, including:

Whether your constitutional rights were violated during your arrest
If evidence was properly collected and handled
Witness credibility and testimony
Potential for reduced charges or alternative sentencing
Options for treatment programs or specialized courts

We work to find the best possible outcome for your specific situation, no matter what type of charge you're facing.

Why Choose Lofgren Legal for Felony Defense?

When facing serious felony charges in Illinois, you need a criminal defense attorney with experience on both sides of the courtroom.

Attorney Niklas Lofgren has extensive knowledge of the legal system and understands how to build criminal defense cases. He brings unique insight to every case, having worked in both the State's Attorney's Office and the Public Defender's Office.

With 10 years of criminal defense experience, he has tried cases across Illinois, from misdemeanors to Class X felonies. His background has led to his success as a defense lawyer. He holds valuable insight into how the prosecution builds cases— and how to challenge them effectively.

Take Action To Protect Your Future

If you're facing a felony charge in Illinois, time is critical. The sooner you connect with an experienced felony attorney, the better your chances are of a favorable outcome. Contact Lofgren Legal today for a free consultation.