Felony Lawyer Purav Bhatt

Many of my clients do not know what the difference is between felony and misdemeanor cases. Having an understanding of the difference between the two categories of criminal charges allows my clients to understand what the consequences of their legal situation and how to approach, prepare and beat their charges. Below is a discussion of the different categories of felonies and the consequences of each. In Illinois,misdemeanor cases are considered less serious than felony cases.

Types of Charges

The five classes of felony charges in Illinois are as follows:

Class 1 Felony

A Class 1 Felony is punishable by between 4 and 15 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. Additionally, a class 1 felony carries a fine of up to $25,000. Examples of class 1 felonies include: drug possession (cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine), drug delivery, drug manufacturing, kidnapping and criminal sexual assault.

Class 2 Felony

A Class 2 Felony is punishable by bewteen 3 and 7 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. Just like a class 1 felony, a class 2 felony also carries a fine of up to $25,000. Examples of class 2 felonies include: theft, white collar crimes, arson, drug manufacturing, drug delivery and drug possession.

Class 3 Felony

A Class 3 Felony is punishable by between 2 to 5 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections with fines of up to $25,000. Some criminal charges that are classified as class 3 felonies include: drug possession, drug delivery, drug manufacturing, aggravated battery, theft, white collar crimes and aggravated DUI (driving under the influence).

Class 4 Felony

A Class 4 Felony is punishable by between 1 to 3 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections with fines of up to $25,000. Some criminal charges that are classified as class 4 felonies include: drug possession, drug delivery, drug manufacturing, theft, white collar crimes and DUI (driving under the influence).

If you have been charged with a felony your liberty is at stake. Having aggressive, well prepared legal representation could be the difference between having a conviction and possibly serving prison time and beating your case. Purav Bhatt is a former Cook County prosecutor experienced in fighting felony criminal charges.

Learn more about Purav Bhatt, Felony criminal attorney