Can You Legally Record Police Officers?
11/09/2025
Published:
07/25/2023
Last Updated:
12/04/2025
6 minutes of reading
Criminal Defense Alexander KtenasViolent crimes are among the most serious offenses under Illinois law, often leading to severe penalties, lasting consequences, and immediate risks to your freedom. If you’re asking what charges are considered violent crimes in Illinois, the list includes many offenses involving force, threats, or harm to another person.
Due to how high the stakes are, it’s crucial to understand these charges and when to involve a criminal defense lawyer. Before exploring each offense, it’s important to look at how Illinois handles violent crime, how these cases affect the Illinois crime rate, and how both victims and defendants move through the criminal justice system.
Illinois considers any offense involving physical force, threats of force, great bodily harm, or sexual violence as a violent crime. These offenses are treated more severely due to the risk of injury or death and the long-lasting impact on victims.
Some common examples of violent crimes include:
These offenses significantly influence Illinois crime statistics each year, with cities like Chicago contributing a large portion of violent crime data.
First-Degree Murder is the most serious violent offense in Illinois. It involves intentionally killing another person, knowing your actions could cause death, or causing death during the commission of a forcible felony.
Illinois has one of the highest murder rates in the Midwest, making homicide cases a major focus for prosecutors and law enforcement agencies statewide.
Penalties include:
Second-degree murder occurs when someone kills another person intentionally but under circumstances that reduce blame, such as acting under sudden passion or believing (incorrectly) that deadly force was justified.
Penalties include:
Both first- and second-degree murder fall under homicide and remain central contributors to the crime rate in Illinois.
Attempting to take another person’s life, even if unsuccessful, is prosecuted as a violent felony. Attempted Murder requires proof of intent to kill, not merely harm.
Penalties include:
These charges elevate standard assault or battery into violent felony territory when:
Penalties can include:
Learn More: How to Beat Assault Charges
Illinois treats domestic violence charges as violent offenses when physical harm, threats, or intimidation occur within a household or family relationship.
Crimes include:
Domestic violence cases often intersect with victims of violent crime programs, including victims of crime compensation through the state.
Illinois prosecutes sex crimes aggressively, including:
These offenses involve non-consensual sexual penetration or conduct, often with force or coercion. Some require mandatory minimum sentences and mandatory registration as a sex offender.
Armed robbery is one of the most serious violent felonies in Illinois. The charge involves:
Even without a weapon, robbery is still a violent crime because it involves confrontation and force.
Penalties:
Learn More: What is the Difference Between Robbery and Burglary?
Home invasion involves entering someone’s residence without permission while armed or causing/threatening harm. It is always charged as a Class X felony, punishable by:
Stealing a vehicle by force or threat, commonly known as carjacking, is a violent offense.
Aggravated versions occur when:
These offenses significantly affect the Chicago area crime landscape.
Hate crimes involve targeting someone based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or other protected traits. Illinois treats these offenses as violent because they involve threats, intimidation, or physical harm.
Penalties range from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on circumstances.
These crimes involve taking someone or restricting their movement by force or threat. Kidnapping is a felony, while unlawful restraint may be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony.
Both significantly raise the perceived Illinois crime rate due to their severity.
Weapons charges tied to violence include:
Weapons cases frequently arise in Cook County, where firearm-related prosecutions are aggressively pursued.
Violent crimes carry some of the harshest sentences in the state, including:
Some offenses, such as armed robbery, predatory sexual assault, and home invasion, carry non-probationable prison terms. Others require mandatory registration, limit access to future employment, and may affect your ability to vote or hold professional licenses.
Illinois law also ensures that victims are protected throughout the criminal justice process. Under 725 ILCS 120/3, victims of violent crime are guaranteed important rights, including notice of court proceedings, the ability to make impact statements, and access to victim of crime compensation resources.
A strong defense strategy may involve arguments such as:
A skilled defense lawyer may leverage negotiation tactics such as a plea deal, a plea of not guilty, or challenge evidence in jury trials.
If you’re charged with a violent crime in Illinois, you need experienced criminal defense attorneys who understand Illinois statutes, sentencing enhancements, and local court systems.
At Ktenas Law, our Chicago criminal defense attorneys defend against charges involving homicide, sex crimes, weapons offenses, domestic violence, and more. We serve clients throughout Chicago, Homer Glen, South Chicago, Arlington Heights (IL 60005), and surrounding communities.
We help you understand your rights, protect your future, and fight the criminal charges threatening your life. Call us today at (312) 800-1626 for a confidential consultation.
Penalties for Grand Larceny in Illinois 
