What is the Difference Between a Misdemeanor and a Felony in Illinois?

Mar 19, 2026

What is the Difference Between a Misdemeanor and a Felony in Illinois? Facing criminal charges in the state of Illinois? Combs Waterkotte attorney Joshua Boardman discusses the key differences between a misdemeanor and a felony.

Combs Waterkotte is a leading criminal defense law firm serving Illinois and Missouri. Our Illinois defense attorneys will fight for your freedom and rights and will not stop until you get justice. If you are facing criminal charges in Illinois, we can help. Call us at (312) 500-HELP 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Interview Transcript

Scott Michael Dunn: What’s the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in Illinois?

Joshua Boardman: Generally speaking, it has to do with the actions involved, has to do with the severity of those actions, it has to do whether any sort of aggravating or extenuating circumstances apply, but then also under Illinois’s sentencing statutes, different penalties. Obviously with the greater severity of a felony, the more likely it is that you’re going to be facing higher prison ranges or higher fines, so it is a bifurcation of not only the types of activities, but also the types of sentencing as well.

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