Class 3 Felony Lawyer in Chicago
A Class 3 felony may not be the highest level felony in Illinois, but a conviction can still impact your life, freedom, and future for years to come.
If you are facing a Class 3 felony charge in Chicago or surrounding suburbs, it is important to understand the consequences before your case moves forward. Class 3 felonies carry the possibility of prison time, major fines, and a permanent criminal record. Having the right defense attorney in your corner can significantly improve your chances of reducing the charge or avoiding a conviction.
At Kovacevic Law, we represent clients charged with serious felony offenses and work aggressively to protect your rights. We understand how prosecutors build their cases and what strategies can help weaken their arguments. Our goal is always to minimize penalties and pursue the best outcome possible.
What Is a Class 3 Felony in Illinois
A Class 3 felony sits in the middle of Illinois’s felony classifications. Although it is considered less severe than Class 1 or Class 2 offenses, the penalties can still be devastating. A conviction may result in prison time and long term consequences that affect employment, housing, licensing, and more.
Common Class 3 Felony Offenses
Class 3 felonies can include:
- Aggravated battery
- Perjury
- Theft involving more than three hundred dollars
- Disorderly conduct at the felony level
- Possession of more than five hundred grams of marijuana
Other crimes may also be classified as Class 3 felonies depending on the circumstances and aggravating factors.
Penalties for a Class 3 Felony in Illinois
Imprisonment and Fines
A standard Class 3 felony conviction carries:
- Two to five years in an Illinois state prison
- Fines up to twenty five thousand dollars
If aggravating factors are present, the court may impose extended term sentencing:
- Five to ten years in prison
Aggravating factors may include use of a weapon, harm to an elderly victim, or other facts that increase the seriousness of the offense.
Alternative Sentencing Options
Judges in Illinois may choose alternative sentencing instead of a traditional prison sentence when appropriate. These options may include:
- Up to thirty months of probation
- Conditional discharge
- Periodic imprisonment for up to eighteen months
- Impact incarceration or boot camp for eligible defendants
- Monetary fines
Alternative sentencing is often granted when the defendant has minimal criminal history or the circumstances of the offense are less severe.
For a free legal consultation with a Criminal Defense lawyer serving the Chicagoland area, call (312) 344-3340.
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Frequently asked questions
Explore key answers about Class 3 felony charges in Illinois, including penalties, your rights, and what to expect in the court process.
Is prison required for a Class 3 felony?
Not always. Some defendants qualify for probation, impact incarceration, or other alternative sentencing options depending on the facts of the case.
Can a Class 3 felony charge be reduced?
Yes. Many Class 3 felony charges can be reduced to a misdemeanor or dismissed depending on the facts, evidence, and your criminal history. A skilled defense attorney can challenge the state’s evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, and pursue alternative outcomes to keep a felony off your record.
What qualifies as an aggravating factor?
Using a firearm, causing harm to an elderly victim, or having a significant criminal history can increase sentencing ranges.
Will a Class 3 felony stay on my record?
Yes, felony convictions are permanent in most cases and can affect employment, housing, professional licensing, and more.
Is class 3 or 4 felony worse?
Yes, a Class 3 felony is more serious than a felony under Illinois law. Class 3 felonies carry longer prison sentences, higher fines, and more long-term consequences. If you are charged with either offense, contacting a defense attorney right away can help you protect your rights and work toward reducing or dismissing the charge.