What could you be charged with for a second or subsequent offense of overcharging within five years?

For a second or subsequent offense of overcharging within a five-year period, being charged with a Class 3 felony is appropriate because it escalates the severity of the punishment based on the repeated nature of the offense. In Illinois, a Class 3 felony generally signifies that the offense is deemed more serious due to the offender's prior behavior and the continued disregard for the law. This classification acknowledges that not only is the action of overcharging harmful, but it also shows a pattern of behavior that undermines trust and ethical standards in legal and business practices.

In contrast, a Class 2 felony would indicate an even more severe crime, which is not aligned with the typical penalties for overcharging, while a Class A misdemeanor would suggest a less severe infraction that doesn't adequately reflect the seriousness of repeated overcharging. A civil violation would lack the criminal implications that a felony carries, hence the designation of a Class 3 felony accurately captures the potential consequences for the offender in this context.