Felony Defense Attorney in Illinois

Being charged with a felony is frightening. This guide from a felony defense attorney in Illinois perspective explains how felony cases work, what penalties apply, and how to protect yourself.

Illinois grades felonies as first-degree murder, Class X, or Class 1 to 4. In addition, cases are prosecuted by the State's Attorney in the Circuit Court, such as the Leighton Criminal Court Building in Chicago. Consequently, early legal advice is critical.

Our attorneys provide criminal case reviews, bail motions and mitigation documents across Illinois, entirely online.

How felonies are graded in Illinois

A felony is a serious crime, usually punishable by more than a year in prison. Illinois grades felonies as first-degree murder, Class X, or Class 1 to 4. The grade affects the possible sentence, bail and plea options.

Illinois Class X felonies carry mandatory prison terms with no probation. Therefore, criminal history matters a great deal. A criminal case review looks at the charge, the evidence and the likely range.

What to do right after a felony arrest in Illinois

First, stay calm and stay silent. You have the right to remain silent, and you should use it. Next, ask for a lawyer before answering questions.

Do not discuss the case on the phone from jail, because those calls are usually recorded. Similarly, avoid social media posts about the arrest. An arrest consultation or emergency criminal consultation helps your family act quickly.

Bail and pretrial release in Illinois

After arrest, a judge decides whether to release the accused and on what conditions. Courts consider the charge, criminal history and community ties. Strong family support can make a difference.

If bail is set too high, a motion can ask the court to reduce it. Our bail reduction motion service prepares this request at a fixed price. Furthermore, release conditions must be followed strictly, because violations can lead to re-arrest.

The stages of a felony case in Illinois

Felony cases follow a series of stages. First comes the initial appearance, where charges and release are addressed. Next, the case usually goes through a preliminary hearing or grand jury, depending on the court and charge.

After that, the accused is arraigned and enters a plea. Then come discovery, pretrial motions and plea negotiations. Finally, if no agreement is reached, the case goes to trial in the Circuit Court, such as the Leighton Criminal Court Building in Chicago.

Deadlines and continuances

Each stage has deadlines. For example, some motions must be filed before trial. Always attend every hearing.

Common defenses in Illinois felony cases

Every case is different, but certain defenses appear often. For example, the defense may challenge an illegal search or a coerced statement. Similarly, the defense may argue mistaken identity or lack of intent.

Sometimes the evidence simply does not prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Therefore, the defense tests every piece of the prosecution's case. Our motion preparation service drafts motions to suppress and other pretrial motions.

Plea bargains in Illinois

Most felony cases end in a plea agreement. A plea may reduce the charge, the sentence or both. Even so, every plea has lasting consequences.

Before accepting a plea, understand the full consequences. These may include prison, probation, fines and a permanent record. In addition, consider effects on employment, housing and gun rights. Prosecutors in Illinois are represented by the State's Attorney, and negotiations often start early.

Sentencing in Illinois

Illinois Class X felonies carry mandatory prison terms with no probation. Judges also consider the impact on victims and the need to protect the public.

Mitigation evidence can make a real difference. For example, letters from employers, family and community leaders show the person behind the charge. Our character letters for court service helps prepare persuasive letters. Furthermore, proof of treatment, work and education supports a lower sentence.

Felony charges and immigration status

Non-citizens face extra risks. A felony conviction can lead to deportation or block future immigration benefits. Therefore, non-citizens should get immigration advice early.

Read our guide to criminal charges and deportation to understand the risks. If you are detained by ICE, see our guide to ICE detention and bond in Illinois.

Life after a felony in Illinois

A felony conviction can affect jobs, housing and voting rights. However, many states offer ways to reduce the impact over time. For example, some convictions can be sealed or expunged after a waiting period.

Our expungement consultation explains whether you may qualify in Illinois. In addition, a pardon application may be possible in some cases. For appeals and post-conviction options, read our criminal appeals guide.

Public defenders and private counsel in Illinois

Anyone charged with a felony has the right to a lawyer. If you cannot afford one, the court in Illinois can appoint a public defender. Many public defenders are excellent trial lawyers with limited time.

Families sometimes want extra help alongside appointed counsel. For example, a second opinion on the evidence can clarify the options. Similarly, well-prepared mitigation material can support the defense at sentencing. Therefore, our fixed-fee services are designed to work with, not against, your trial lawyer.

What felony defense costs in Illinois

Felony defense is often billed as a flat fee per stage or by the hour. Costs depend on the charge, the evidence and whether the case goes to trial. Complex cases with many witnesses cost more.

Fixed-fee services reduce that cost. For example, case reviews, bail motions and mitigation packets can be ordered at set prices. As a result, you know the cost up front. For a national overview, read our felony defense guide.

How fixed-fee help works for Illinois felony cases

You do not need to buy every hour to get strong documents. Instead, you can order specific services. For example, many families start with a criminal defense consultation to understand the charge.

After that, you can order motions, bail requests or character letters as the case moves forward. Each has a set price. Furthermore, everything happens online, so family members anywhere can help. Our documents can also support the work of your court-appointed or local trial attorney.

If you are unsure where to begin, gather the charging papers, bail paperwork and court dates first. Then book a review, and we will explain your next steps clearly.

Our Felony Defense services in Illinois

Every service below has a fixed price, is prepared by a qualified attorney and is delivered online — wherever you are in Illinois. Additionally, you can upload evidence, message your attorney and track progress from your secure client dashboard.

Criminal-defense consultation in Illinois

A confidential 45–60 minute phone or video consultation with a licensed US attorney about the criminal charge or investigation you are facing. Get straight answers on your rights, options, risks and likely costs, and a clear plan for your next steps.

It includes 45–60 minute call with a licensed US attorney — phone, video or WhatsApp, upload documents beforehand so your attorney is prepared, your rights, options, risks and likely costs in plain English. Moreover, it is usually ready in 1 working day. Express delivery is also available. As a result, you can act before deadlines pass.

Order Criminal-defense consultation — $299 See what's included →

Criminal Charge Review & Defense Strategy Memo in Illinois

A written review of the charges, the likely penalties and immigration consequences, and your defense options for misdemeanor and felony cases.

It includes charge and elements analysis, sentencing exposure, immigration consequences flag (Padilla). Moreover, it is usually ready in 3 working days. Express delivery is also available. As a result, you can act before deadlines pass.

Order Criminal Charge Review & Defense Strategy Memo — from $149 See what's included →

Emergency criminal consultation in Illinois

A confidential 45–60 minute phone or video consultation with a licensed US attorney about an urgent criminal matter — an arrest, charge or court date. Get straight answers on your rights, options, risks and likely costs, and a clear plan for your next steps.

Order Emergency criminal consultation — $399 See what's included →

Bail Hearing — Motion to Reduce or Set Bail in Illinois

A motion for a bail hearing or bail reduction showing ties to the community, ability to pay and conditions that keep the public safe.

It includes motion to reduce / set bail, declaration of ties and finances, proposed release conditions (monitoring, check-ins, treatment). Moreover, it is usually ready in 1 working day. Express delivery is also available. As a result, you can act before deadlines pass.

Order Bail Hearing — Motion to Reduce or Set Bail — from $199 See what's included →

Motion / Response Preparation (Self-Represented) in Illinois

Draft motions and oppositions for pro se litigants in state court.

Moreover, it is usually ready in 5 working days. Express delivery is also available. As a result, you can act before deadlines pass.

Order Motion / Response Preparation (Self-Represented) — from $149 See what's included →

Character Reference Letters for Court in Illinois

Effective letters from employers, family and community members for sentencing, bail or diversion.

It includes templates for each referee, do's and don'ts for judges, cover letter. Moreover, it is usually ready in 1 working day. Express delivery is also available. As a result, you can act before deadlines pass.

Order Character Reference Letters for Court — from $49 See what's included →

Arrest consultation in Illinois

A confidential 45–60 minute phone or video consultation with a licensed US attorney about an arrest — yours or a family member's. Get straight answers on your rights, options, risks and likely costs, and a clear plan for your next steps.

Order Arrest consultation — $399 See what's included →

Felony Defense across Illinois — cities we serve

We work with clients in every part of Illinois, entirely online. Therefore, it does not matter whether you live downtown or hours from the nearest courthouse. Your documents follow Illinois law and your county's local practice. Choose your city below to see local details and prices.

More Illinois services

Criminal Charge Review & Defense Strategy Memo in Illinois · Emergency criminal consultation in Illinois · Bail Hearing — Motion to Reduce or Set Bail in Illinois · Motion / Response Preparation (Self-Represented) in Illinois · Character Reference Letters for Court in Illinois · Arrest consultation in Illinois. See all legal services in Illinois.

Nearby states

Moving between states, or is the other party elsewhere? We also cover Criminal-defense consultation in Indiana, Criminal-defense consultation in Wisconsin, Criminal-defense consultation in Missouri, Criminal-defense consultation in Iowa, Criminal-defense consultation in Kentucky. See every location we cover.

Frequently asked questions

How are felonies graded in Illinois?

Illinois grades felonies as first-degree murder, Class X, or Class 1 to 4. The grade affects the possible sentence, bail and plea options.

Who prosecutes felonies in Illinois?

Felonies in Illinois are prosecuted by the State's Attorney in the Circuit Court, such as the Leighton Criminal Court Building in Chicago.

Can I get bail reduced in Illinois?

Often, yes. A bail reduction motion can show the court your community ties, employment and record to support lower bail or release conditions.

Can a felony be expunged in Illinois?

Some convictions can be sealed or expunged after a waiting period, depending on the offense and your record. An expungement consultation can confirm eligibility.

Do you help with felony cases in Illinois?

Yes. We provide case reviews, bail motions, pretrial motions and mitigation documents throughout Illinois, and our work can support your trial attorney.

Contact American Counsel

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Related guides

This guide is general information, not legal advice for your situation. Every case is different — speak to a qualified attorney before you act.