Felony Charges Lawyer in Burbank, IL. One felony accusation can put everything under strain: your freedom, your record, your work, your family, your housing, your rights, and your future. If you are facing felony charges in Burbank, IL, what happens next matters. Most people want answers right away:
How serious is this? Am I looking at prison time? Can this be lowered, dismissed, or fought? What should I do before I say anything?
For clients in Burbank, IL and across Illinois, Combs Waterkotte handles serious felony cases from the first investigation through trial preparation. Our felony defense team brings the pieces serious cases demand: 80+ years of combined experience, former prosecutor insight, a dedicated investigator, 500+ Google reviews, and a trial-ready approach. From day one, we work to understand what happened, what the State can prove, and where your defense can push back.
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Have questions about a felony charge in Burbank, IL? Call Combs Waterkotte at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to discuss your next steps with a criminal defense lawyer.
This page covers:
- How Illinois law defines a felony
- How Illinois felony classes affect possible prison exposure
- Common felony cases our defense lawyers handle in Burbank, IL
- What matters immediately after a felony accusation
- How defense lawyers challenge evidence, police conduct, witness claims, and charging decisions
- Whether felony charges can be reduced or dismissed
- The long-term consequences that can follow a felony conviction
- Common questions about felony arrests, penalties, probation, reductions, and defense options in Burbank, IL
Legal Videos
Everything You Need to Know About Felony Charges in Illinois
Everything You Need to Know About Felony Charges in the State of Illinois. Attorneys Steve Waterkotte and Joshua Boardman from Combs Waterkotte discuss everything you need to know about Illinois …
Can I Seal or Expunge My Criminal Record in Illinois?
Can I Seal or Expunge My Criminal Record in Illinois? Dealing with a criminal record in the state of Illinois? Combs Waterkotte attorney Joshua Boardman discusses the possibility of expunging your …
Can the Police Legally Search Me or My Property in Illinois?
Can the Police Legally Search Me or My Property in Illinois? Facing criminal charges in the state of Illinois? Combs Waterkotte attorney Joshua Boardman discusses probable cause and when police can …
Do I Need a Lawyer if I’m Innocent in Illinois?
Do I Need a Lawyer if I'm Innocent in Illinois? Facing criminal charges in the state of Illinois? Combs Waterkotte attorney Andrew Russek talks about it being more important to have a lawyer if …
What Penalties Could I Face Under Illinois Law?
What Penalties Could I Face Under Illinois Law? Facing criminal charges in the state of Illinois? Combs Waterkotte attorney Joshua Boardman talks about the possible penalties under Illinois …
What Are My Rights if I’m Arrested in Illinois?
What Are My Rights if I'm Arrested in Illinois? Facing criminal charges in the state of Illinois? Combs Waterkotte attorney Joshua Boardman discusses your rights following an arrest in …
Everything You Need to Know About Felony Charges in Illinois
Everything You Need to Know About Felony Charges in the State of Illinois. Attorneys Steve Waterkotte and Joshua Boardman from Combs Waterkotte discuss everything you need to know about Illinois …
Can I Seal or Expunge My Criminal Record in Illinois?
Can I Seal or Expunge My Criminal Record in Illinois? Dealing with a criminal record in the state of Illinois? Combs Waterkotte attorney Joshua Boardman discusses the possibility of expunging your …
Can the Police Legally Search Me or My Property in Illinois?
Can the Police Legally Search Me or My Property in Illinois? Facing criminal charges in the state of Illinois? Combs Waterkotte attorney Joshua Boardman discusses probable cause and when police can …
Do I Need a Lawyer if I’m Innocent in Illinois?
Do I Need a Lawyer if I'm Innocent in Illinois? Facing criminal charges in the state of Illinois? Combs Waterkotte attorney Andrew Russek talks about it being more important to have a lawyer if …
What Penalties Could I Face Under Illinois Law?
What Penalties Could I Face Under Illinois Law? Facing criminal charges in the state of Illinois? Combs Waterkotte attorney Joshua Boardman talks about the possible penalties under Illinois …
What Are My Rights if I’m Arrested in Illinois?
What Are My Rights if I'm Arrested in Illinois? Facing criminal charges in the state of Illinois? Combs Waterkotte attorney Joshua Boardman discusses your rights following an arrest in …
Felony Charges in Burbank, IL: What Matters First
Being charged with a felony does not mean the State automatically gets what it wants. Prosecutors still have to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt, and the defense can challenge the evidence, the investigation, and the way the charge was filed. Important questions may involve:
- Whether your rights were violated during the stop, search, arrest, or investigation
- Problems with witness statements, memory, bias, or identification
- Whether forensic or digital evidence actually supports the charge prosecutors filed
- Whether statements were properly obtained
- Whether prosecutors overcharged the case based on incomplete or disputed facts
The earliest days of a felony case can shape everything that follows. A felony defense lawyer can protect your rights, explain what you are facing, identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and help you avoid decisions that create bigger problems later.
Felony Charges Under Illinois Law
A charge becomes a felony under Illinois law when the offense can be punished by one year or more of imprisonment. That makes felony cases more serious than misdemeanor cases, with possible penalties that may include prison, probation, fines, restitution, mandatory supervised release, and lasting damage to your record and future.
Illinois separates felony offenses into classes, starting with Class 4 at the lower end and moving up through Class X, which covers some of the most serious felony charges below first-degree murder.
Illinois Felony Classes and Penalties
Illinois felony penalties depend on the class of felony and the statute involved. The general sentencing ranges include:
| Felony Category | Possible Prison Range | Examples May Include |
|---|---|---|
| First-Degree Murder | 20 to 60 years, extended term, natural life, or other sentencing under Illinois murder statutes | First-degree murder and felony murder allegations |
| Class X Felony | 6 to 30 years | Armed robbery, home invasion, aggravated criminal sexual assault, and high-level firearm offenses |
| Class 1 Felony | 4 to 15 years | Residential burglary, second-degree murder, major theft offenses, and certain controlled substance offenses |
| Class 2 Felony | 3 to 7 years | Theft of property over $10,000, certain aggravated battery offenses, certain identity theft offenses, and possession of 5 to 15 grams of methamphetamine |
| Class 3 Felony | 2 to 5 years | Retail theft over $300, theft of property over $500, lower-level methamphetamine possession, and aggravated battery unless otherwise classified |
| Class 4 Felony | 1 to 3 years | Obstructing justice, some lower-level drug possession offenses, second or subsequent retail theft, and possession of burglary tools |
These are general sentencing ranges. Some felony charges have special rules, and prior convictions or aggravating facts can increase the possible penalties. Depending on the case, a person may also face fines, restitution, mandatory supervised release, registration requirements, immigration consequences, firearm restrictions, and other penalties.
Criminal Defense for Felony Charges in Burbank, IL
Combs Waterkotte defends clients facing a wide range of felony charges in Burbank, IL. Some cases begin with a traffic stop. Others start with a search warrant, police investigation, undercover operation, accusation from another person, online investigation, or federal agency involvement.
Our Illinois felony defense team handles charges such as:
- Drug crimes: These cases can involve possession, intent to distribute, trafficking, manufacturing, conspiracy, controlled buys, informants, lab testing, or search and seizure issues.
- Weapons and firearm offenses: Firearm allegations often raise the stakes quickly, especially when the case involves prior convictions, alleged possession in a vehicle, or enhancements connected to another offense.
- Violent crimes: Aggravated assault, aggravated battery, robbery, and related offenses often turn on intent, injury, identification, self-defense, or witness credibility.
- Property crimes: Burglary, theft, retail theft, and fraud cases can depend on value, location, prior record, and whether prosecutors can prove intent.
- Sex crimes: Felony sex offense allegations can carry prison exposure, registration consequences, and long-term damage to a person’s reputation and future.
- Domestic violence-related felonies: These cases may involve no-contact orders, family consequences, witness issues, and allegations that overlap with assault, battery, weapons, or protection order violations.
- Homicide-related charges: Homicide-related allegations can involve forensic evidence, medical testimony, causation disputes, eyewitness problems, self-defense issues, and major differences between murder, felony murder, reckless homicide, and manslaughter.
- White collar and financial crimes: Financial crime cases may center on documents, bank records, business records, emails, signatures, account access, identity information, and whether prosecutors can prove criminal intent.
- Probation violations: Felony probation violations can involve missed appointments, failed tests, new arrests, unpaid fines, travel issues, or claims that someone violated a court-ordered condition.
- Federal felony charges: Federal cases involve different procedures, prosecutors, sentencing rules, and investigative agencies than Illinois state cases.
Two people can face similar-sounding felony charges and still have very different cases. Classification, enhancements, criminal history, evidence strength, and the specific facts all matter.
Steps to Take After a Felony Arrest in Burbank, IL
After a felony arrest, things can move quickly: police questions, court dates, release conditions, phone calls, paperwork, and pressure from every direction. This is also when small mistakes can create bigger problems.
If police have arrested you, charged you, or contacted you about a felony investigation, these steps matter:
- Immediately invoke your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney.
- Do not answer follow-up questions, clarify details, or keep talking after you ask for a lawyer.
- Avoid contacting alleged victims, witnesses, co-defendants, or anyone else connected to the allegations.
- Stay off social media when it comes to the case. Posts, comments, photos, videos, and messages can all become evidence.
- Do not erase anything connected to the case. What seems unimportant now may matter once a defense lawyer reviews the evidence.
- Keep anything that may help explain where you were, who was present, what happened, or what did not happen.
- Do not guess about your bond or pretrial release conditions. Follow them closely and ask your lawyer before taking any risk.
- Get a criminal defense lawyer in Burbank, IL involved early so the defense can start before the case hardens around the State’s version of events.
A detective may sound friendly. An officer may say they just need to hear your side. That does not mean the conversation is harmless. Statements, consent searches, phone data, and casual explanations can all become part of the prosecution’s case.
What a Felony Defense Lawyer Does in Burbank, IL
A felony defense lawyer’s job begins with understanding what happened, what the State needs to prove, what evidence exists, and what legal issues may shape the case.
Combs Waterkotte can help by:
- Breaking down the charges, police reports, body camera footage, witness statements, and discovery
- Looking beyond the police report and investigating the facts independently
- Using an investigator to track down witnesses, review evidence, and pressure-test the prosecution’s story
- Challenging police conduct when a stop, search, seizure, arrest, or interrogation violated your rights
- Filing suppression motions when police obtained evidence or statements unlawfully
- Reviewing forensic reports, phone data, firearm evidence, medical records, financial records, lab results, and other technical evidence
- Finding inconsistencies in witness statements, police reports, timelines, and identification evidence
- Pushing for reduced charges, better terms, or alternative outcomes when the facts support it
- Building a trial-ready defense when the prosecution refuses to treat the case fairly
Felony cases can move in different directions. A suppression motion may change the case. A reduction may become possible after weaknesses are exposed. A trial may be necessary when the State will not back down. Trial preparation matters either way because it gives the defense leverage and shows prosecutors the case will be challenged.
Is It Possible to Reduce or Dismiss Felony Charges in Burbank, IL?
A felony charge does not always stay exactly as filed. Depending on the evidence, the investigation, and the facts behind the accusation, there may be room to challenge the charge, push for a reduction, or seek dismissal.
A felony may be reduced when prosecutors overcharge the case, the evidence supports a lesser offense, intent or possession is hard to prove, or the surrounding facts make a lower charge more appropriate. That kind of reduction can affect sentencing exposure, probation eligibility, and the long-term impact of the case.
Combs Waterkotte looks early for the issues that can change a felony case: illegal searches, weak identification, unreliable witnesses, suppressed evidence, overcharging, missing elements, and facts that undercut the State’s version of events.
Read more: Can Criminal Charges be Dropped in Illinois?
How a Felony Conviction Can Affect Your Life in Burbank, IL
A felony conviction can reach into parts of your life that have nothing to do with the courtroom, including your job, home, family, rights, and future plans.
Depending on the case, collateral consequences may affect:
- Job opportunities, background checks, and future applications
- Rental applications and housing access
- Professional licenses
- College, trade school, or financial aid opportunities
- Visas, green cards, naturalization, or removal risks
- Firearm rights
- Family court issues involving custody, parenting time, or household stability
- Harsher penalties if you face another charge later
The goal is not only to fight the charge in court. It is also to protect your work, family, record, rights, and future wherever the facts and law give the defense room to push back.
Cook County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Cook County and Illinois.
- Illinois Criminal Defense Resources
- Illinois Criminal Defense Practice Areas
- Illinois Compiled Statutes
- Illinois Courts
- Illinois Supreme Court Rules
- Illinois Secretary of State
- Illinois State Police
- Illinois Department of Corrections
- Cook County Website
- Cook County Court
- Cook County Jail
- Cook County Sheriff’s Office
- Christopher Combs
- Steven Waterkotte
Common Questions About Felony Charges in Burbank, IL
What makes a charge a felony in Illinois?
In Illinois, an offense is treated as a felony when it can be punished by imprisonment for one year or more. Felony cases can involve prison exposure, probation, fines, supervised release, and consequences that continue after the case ends.
What are the felony classes in Illinois?
Illinois groups most felony offenses into classes: Class 4, Class 3, Class 2, Class 1, and Class X. Class 4 sits at the lower end of felony sentencing, while Class X carries some of the most serious penalties below first-degree murder.
Can a felony conviction in Burbank, IL lead to probation instead of prison?
Probation depends on the felony class, the specific offense, prior history, and whether any mandatory sentencing rules apply. Some lower-class felony cases may allow probation, while Class X felonies generally do not.
Can felony charges be reduced in Illinois?
Felony charges can sometimes be reduced through negotiations, evidentiary challenges, mitigation, or weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. The charge, facts, evidence, prosecutor, and defense strategy all matter.
Can a felony case be thrown out?
A felony case can weaken quickly when evidence is missing, statements are suppressed, witnesses change their story, police crossed legal lines, or prosecutors cannot prove an essential element of the charge.
Should I answer police questions about a felony accusation?
If police want to question you about a felony, invoke your right to remain silent and ask for a lawyer. A defense lawyer can help you decide what, if anything, should be said.
When do I need a lawyer for felony charges in Burbank, IL?
You should contact a felony charges lawyer as soon as you know you are under investigation, have been arrested, or have been charged. Early defense work can help protect your rights, preserve evidence, and avoid mistakes that may damage your case.
Speak With a Felony Charges Lawyer in Burbank, IL Today
If police are investigating you or prosecutors have filed felony charges in Burbank, IL, now is the time to get legal help. Waiting can make it harder to preserve evidence, avoid mistakes, and challenge the State’s version of events.
Our team can evaluate the charge, look at the evidence, identify pressure points, and help you understand what comes next. From drug and weapons cases to violent crimes, theft, sex offenses, homicide-related allegations, and federal felonies, Combs Waterkotte is ready to defend you.
To talk with a felony charges lawyer in Burbank, IL, call Combs Waterkotte at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
