A third degree felony is less serious than a 2nd degree felony or a 1st degree felony.
If you get charged and convicted and sentenced for a 3rd degree felony you can get a fine of $5,000.00, five years in prison and 5 years probation.
If you get sentenced for a 1st degree felony you're looking a serving 30 years to life in prison.
You might also get 30 years of probation and a $10,000.00 fine along with that 30 years to life in prison but if you're in prison for life then the probation and fine really doesn't mean much.
Getting charged for any degree of felony and serving any prison time is not a good thing but if you were to choose between a 3rd degree felony, 2nd degree felony or a 1st degree felony charge then you'd want the 3rd degree felony charge which is the less serious charge and only serve 5 years in prison.
Best thing to do is never get into trouble and serve any prison time.