In most states a 1st degree felony would be a much worse crime than a 3rd degree felony.
If you get charged with a 1st degree felony then you're looking at some serious prison time but a third degree felony would likely be less prison time.
Still any felony charges are not good and when you get convicted of a felony and go to prison you'll be considered a convicted felon which makes it hard to get any future employment.