Illinois Charges for Crimes by Felony Class

Under Illinois criminal law, felonies are significantly more serious than misdemeanors. Generally, felony charges carry a jail sentence greater than one year.

Felony Sentencing and Conviction in Illinois

There are five classes of Illinois felonies which do not include murder. These five classes, examples of these felonies and the sentences for each class are as follows.

Illinois Felony Records and Expungements

If one was charged with a felony crime, but the case was dismissed, the case was nolle posequi (the State dropped the charges), or one was found not guilty, it is possible to expunge the records so long as there are no other convictions or pending cases against the defendant. However, most felony convictions in Illinois cannot be expunged. There may be exceptions for certain types of drug cases, but these cases involve a waiting period of five years and certain other criteria. Moreover, a DUI conviction can never be expunged, nor can a murder, manslaughter, rape and most violent sexual felonious offenses.

Felony Statute of Limitations

Prosecution for murder, involuntary manslaughter, reckless homicide, leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident involving death or personal injuries, injuries under Section 11‑401 of the Illinois Vehicle Code, failing to give information and render aid under Section 11‑403 of the Illinois Vehicle Code, concealment of homicidal death, treason, arson, aggravated arson, forgery, child pornography under paragraph (1) of subsection (a) of Section 11‑20.1 of the Illinois Criminal Code, aggravated child pornography under paragraph (1) of subsection (a) of Section 11‑20.3 of the Illinois Criminal Code, or (2) any offense involving sexual conduct or sexual penetration, as defined by Section 12‑12 of the Illinois Criminal Code in which the DNA profile of the offender is obtained and entered into a DNA database within 10 years after the commission of the offense, may be commenced at any time. All other felony offenses generally must be prosecuted within three years, unless an exception applies. Whether an exception applies is a matter to be determined by the particular circumstances of the case by a licensed attorney in the State of Illinois.

View all Criminal Statutes in Illinois.

Help from a Lawyer for Feloyn Charges in Illinois

If one is charged with a felony in Illinois, one should consider retaining an experienced criminal attorney. An experienced attorney can not only review one’s case in order to determine what options one may have, but also an attorney can help to preserve one’s rights.