Felony Charges Lawyer in Lombard, IL. If police, prosecutors, or the court system are treating your case as a felony, the stakes are already high. A felony charge in Lombard, IL can threaten your freedom, record, career, family, housing, immigration status, firearm rights, and long-term plans. And the questions usually come all at once:
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?
When felony charges threaten your future in Lombard, IL, Combs Waterkotte can step in early, review the case, and begin building your defense. With 80+ years of combined experience, former prosecutor insight, a dedicated investigator, 500+ Google reviews, and a trial-ready approach, our team is built for high-stakes criminal defense. 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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To get help now, call Combs Waterkotte at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to speak with a criminal defense lawyer in Lombard, IL.
Here’s what you need to know about felony charges in Lombard, IL:
- What makes a charge a felony in Illinois
- How Illinois felony classes affect possible prison exposure
- Common felony cases our defense lawyers handle in Lombard, IL
- What to do after a felony arrest or charge in Lombard, IL
- What a felony defense lawyer does after getting involved
- When a felony charge may be reduced, challenged, or dismissed
- Collateral consequences of a felony conviction, including employment, housing, licensing, immigration, firearm rights, custody, and more
- Answers to common felony charge questions for people in Lombard, 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 …
What to Know After a Felony Charge in Lombard, IL
After a felony charge in Lombard, IL, it can feel like the case is already moving without you. The State still has to prove the accusation beyond a reasonable doubt, and a defense lawyer can start testing the case piece by piece. Important questions may involve:
- Whether your rights were violated during the stop, search, arrest, or investigation
- The reliability of witnesses and their identifications
- How forensic evidence, phone data, surveillance footage, lab results, or digital records were collected and interpreted
- Whether police questioned you lawfully or pushed for statements they should not be able to use
- Whether the facts support the charge, or point to something lesser, weaker, or different
The sooner a defense lawyer gets involved, the sooner the case can be reviewed for weak evidence, unlawful police conduct, unreliable witnesses, overcharging, and other issues that may affect the outcome.
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 felony charges are grouped by class. Class 4 felonies are the lowest felony class, while Class X felonies are among the most serious felony charges short of 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.
Felony Cases Combs Waterkotte Handles in Lombard, IL
A felony accusation in Lombard, IL may come from a street-level arrest, a long-running investigation, a search warrant, a controlled buy, a digital investigation, or allegations made by another person. Combs Waterkotte handles serious felony cases in Illinois state and federal courts.
Our Illinois felony defense team handles charges such as:
- Drug crimes: Drug charges often turn on what police found, where they found it, how they searched, what the lab says, and whether prosecutors can prove possession or intent.
- 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: A felony sex crime accusation can affect nearly every part of a person’s life, including freedom, reputation, employment, family relationships, and possible registration requirements.
- 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: White collar cases often come down to paper trails, digital records, financial transactions, and whether the evidence shows fraud or a misunderstanding, mistake, or civil dispute.
- 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: A federal felony case may involve agencies like the FBI, DEA, ATF, Homeland Security, or federal prosecutors, with different rules and heavier sentencing pressure than many state cases.
Felony defense starts with the details. Combs Waterkotte reviews what prosecutors charged, what the evidence shows, what police did, and where the case may be vulnerable.
Steps to Take After a Felony Arrest in Lombard, 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 you think you are under investigation or already facing a felony charge, start here:
- Say clearly that you want to remain silent and want an attorney before any questioning continues.
- Do not try to explain your side to police without your lawyer there.
- Do not contact alleged victims, witnesses, or co-defendants about the case.
- Do not post about the arrest, accusation, alleged facts, police, witnesses, or court dates online.
- Do not delete texts, photos, videos, call logs, social media messages, or other possible evidence.
- Save anything that may help your defense, including screenshots, receipts, location data, names of witnesses, and videos.
- 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 Lombard, IL involved early so the defense can start before the case hardens around the State’s version of events.
Trying to explain yourself can feel natural, especially when you know there is more to the story. The risk is that police may already be building the case around a different version of events. Before you answer questions, sign documents, consent to a search, or keep talking, get legal advice.
How a Lombard, IL Felony Defense Lawyer Builds Your Case
In a felony case, the first job is to get control of the facts. That means reviewing what the State claims, what the evidence actually shows, and what legal issues may change the direction of the case.
Combs Waterkotte helps by:
- Going through the charges, reports, video evidence, witness statements, and discovery to understand what the State is relying on
- Investigating the facts independently
- Working with an investigator to locate witnesses, review evidence, and test the State’s version of events
- Looking for illegal stops, searches, seizures, arrests, or interrogations that may affect the evidence
- Filing suppression motions when police obtained evidence or statements unlawfully
- Examining forensic, digital, firearm, medical, financial, or lab evidence
- Looking for gaps, contradictions, assumptions, or missing details in witness testimony and police reports
- Pushing for reduced charges, better terms, or alternative outcomes when the facts support it
- Getting the case ready for trial when negotiations do not produce a fair result
Trial-ready does not mean every case goes to trial. It means the defense is prepared to challenge the State at every stage, whether the best path is suppression, reduction, negotiation, sentencing advocacy, or a courtroom fight.
Reducing or Dismissing Felony Charges in Lombard, IL
Reduction and dismissal are both possible in some felony cases. What matters is the strength of the evidence, whether police followed the law, whether the prosecution can prove each required element, and whether the facts support the charge.
A reduction may be possible when the evidence points to a lesser offense, the State has problems proving intent or possession, the alleged conduct does not match the charge, or there are mitigating facts that change how the case should be handled. Reducing a felony charge can make a major difference in prison exposure, probation options, and long-term consequences.
A dismissal may be possible when police violated your rights, key evidence is suppressed, witnesses are unreliable, the prosecution cannot prove an essential element, or the facts do not support the accusation. Combs Waterkotte looks for those pressure points early and uses them to push for the strongest available outcome.
Read more: Can Criminal Charges be Dropped in Illinois?
The Long-Term Consequences of a Felony Conviction in Lombard, IL
The sentence is only one part of a felony case. A conviction can affect work, housing, family, rights, immigration status, and future opportunities long after court is over.
Depending on the case, collateral consequences may affect:
- Employment and future job applications
- Housing, leases, and rental screening
- Professional licenses
- College admissions or financial aid
- Visas, green cards, naturalization, or removal risks
- The right to possess firearms
- Child custody or family court issues
- Future sentencing exposure if another criminal case is filed
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.
DuPage County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in DuPage 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
- DuPage County Website
- DuPage County Court
- DuPage County Jail
- DuPage County Sheriff’s Office
- Christopher Combs
- Steven Waterkotte
Felony Charges in Lombard, IL: Frequently Asked Questions
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 Class 4, Class 3, Class 2, Class 1, and Class X felonies?
Most Illinois felonies are classified from Class 4 through Class X. The class affects the possible prison range, probation options, and sentencing exposure, although the exact risk depends on the charge and facts.
Can you get probation for a felony in Lombard, IL?
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?
A felony charge may be reduced when the evidence supports a lesser offense, prosecutors overcharged the case, intent or possession is hard to prove, or the defense exposes problems with the State’s theory.
Can felony charges be dismissed?
Felony charges may be dismissed if the prosecution cannot prove the case, evidence is suppressed, witnesses are unreliable or unavailable, police violated your rights, or the facts do not support the charge. A defense lawyer can identify those issues and push them early.
What should I say to police if I am under felony investigation?
No. If you are accused of a felony or believe you are under investigation, speak with a criminal defense lawyer before answering questions from police, prosecutors, or investigators. Statements made early in the case can be used against you later.
When do I need a lawyer for felony charges in Lombard, IL?
The sooner a lawyer gets involved, the sooner your defense can begin reviewing evidence, protecting your rights, identifying weaknesses, and helping you avoid decisions that create problems later.
Get Help From a Felony Defense Lawyer in Lombard, IL
Felony charges in Lombard, IL can put pressure on your freedom, record, work, and family right away. The sooner a defense lawyer gets involved, the sooner the case can be reviewed and the defense can begin pushing back.
Combs Waterkotte helps clients understand the charge, protect their rights, and prepare for the next stage of the case. Whether the allegation involves drugs, weapons, violence, theft, sex offenses, homicide-related charges, or a federal felony, our team can get to work quickly.
To talk with a felony charges lawyer in Lombard, IL, call Combs Waterkotte at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
