Answered by Christopher Combs in General Criminal Defense on March 12, 2026.

What Are the Different Felony Classes in Illinois? If you have been charged with a felony in Illinois, it is crucial to act quickly and retain an experienced criminal defense attorney. Felonies are crimes punishable by more than one year in state prison and can include offenses ranging from robbery to drug trafficking or criminal sexual assault.

At Combs Waterkotte, our Illinois felony defense lawyers have over 60 years of combined experience and have handled more than 10,000 cases. This includes experience with handling a wide range of felony criminal cases, across the state of Illinois.

Call (314) 900-HELP today or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.

What This Guide Covers

In this article, we explain:

  • The different felony classes in Illinois, from First Degree Murder to Class 4 felonies
  • The differences between felony and misdemeanor convictions
  • The importance of hiring a skilled Illinois felony defense attorney

Felony vs. Misdemeanor Convictions in Illinois

The key difference between a felony and a misdemeanor conviction in Illinois is the potential punishment and long-term consequences.

  • Felonies: Punishable by state prison, larger fines, and can affect civil rights such as employment, housing, and gun ownership.
  • Misdemeanors: Typically carry less than one year in county jail and smaller fines.

Understanding these differences is critical when planning your legal defense.

Illinois Felony Classes

Felonies in Illinois are categorized from most severe to least severe:

  • First Degree Murder
  • Class X Felony
  • Class 1 Felony
  • Class 2 Felony
  • Class 3 Felony
  • Class 4 Felony

Below we explain each class and provide examples of offenses.

First Degree Murder

First Degree Murder is defined as “killing an individual without lawful justification, while acting with intent, knowledge of fatal consequences, or during the commission of a forcible felony.”

  • Mandatory minimum sentence: 20 years in prison
  • Maximum sentence: Life imprisonment without parole

If you are charged with First Degree Murder, it is imperative to retain a skilled Chicago criminal defense attorney immediately.

Class X Felony

Class X Felonies are the most serious non-murder offenses in Illinois. These crimes carry a mandatory prison sentence of 6 to 30 years with no eligibility for probation.

Common examples include:

Convictions may also result in fines up to $25,000 and lifetime registration as a sex offender for certain crimes.

Class 1 Felony

Class 1 Felonies carry 4–15 years in prison and fines up to $25,000. Examples include:

Class 2 Felony

Class 2 Felonies carry 3–7 years in prison and fines up to $25,000. Judges may also impose up to 48 months of probation instead of prison time.

Examples include:

Class 3 Felony

Class 3 Felonies carry 2–5 years in prison and fines up to $25,000. Examples include:

Class 4 Felony

Class 4 Felonies are lower-level felonies but can still result in 1–3 years in prison and fines up to $25,000. Probation of up to 30 months is sometimes possible. Certain Class 4 convictions may be eligible for sealing from your criminal record.

Examples include:

Retain the Services of a Illinois Felony Defense Attorney

A felony conviction can change your life, and early legal representation is critical. At Combs Waterkotte, our Illinois felony defense attorneys are prepared to:

  • Protect your rights
  • Challenge evidence
  • Seek dismissal of charges
  • Negotiate plea agreements on your behalf

Call (314) 900-HELP today or contact us online for a free consultation. Let us help you build a strong defense and protect your future.

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