Facing any type of criminal charge in Illinois, whether it is a felony or misdemeanor, can be unsettling. If you have been charged with a crime, it is important that you seek an experienced criminal defense attorney.
Peter has written numerous legal articles that have been published in various legal journals and has lectured at continuing legal education seminars on various topics pertaining to criminal law.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Charges
If you or a loved one is arrested for DUI in Illinois, it’s important to enlist the assistance of an experienced Criminal Defense Illinois. A person is considered to be under the influence of alcohol if their blood or breath alcohol concentration is 0.08% or higher. In addition to alcohol, controlled substances and prescription medication can also cause impairment while driving.
A first-time DUI conviction is a misdemeanor and can result in jail time, a suspended license, and expensive fines. Repeat offenses are considered a felony and will have much more severe penalties, including mandatory jail time and a permanent criminal record that cannot be expunged. If you are accused of DUI while transporting a child passenger or if an accident occurs that causes injury, serious bodily harm, disfigurement, or death, felony charges will be filed.
Federal Crimes
While state law governs the vast majority of criminal offenses in Illinois, there are several crimes that are federal in nature. When this happens, a person can be charged with both a state and federal crime, meaning that they could face serious penalties. This type of case requires an experienced lawyer who has a unique background and skill set to defend it.
Federal crimes often involve higher drug quantities, larger amounts of fraud and more sophisticated investigations into sex crimes. They can also carry severe consequences on a person’s reputation and their ability to get work or even live with a conviction.
Our team of Chicago criminal defense lawyers has extensive experience defending clients against federal charges in Central Illinois. Our attorneys know how the Federal District Court system works and can help you navigate your way through this complex process. The sooner you hire us, the better we can begin to build your defense.
Misdemeanors
As most people in the State of Illinois know, crimes are generally classified as either felonies or misdemeanors. A felony is defined as an offense that has a potential jail sentence of one year or more, while a misdemeanor has a maximum jail time of 364 days and can be punished with fines or court supervision. In addition, a criminal record will stay on your record for the rest of your life unless it is pardoned or expunged.
As such, if you are charged with a misdemeanor it is important to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately to protect your rights and help get the charge dismissed. An attorney who is familiar with the statute 730 ILCS 5/5-4.5-55 will be able to call into question what prosecutors need to prove and make sure that the evidence they have in your case is not sufficient to convict you. The right attorney can also ensure that your criminal record is cleared through expungement or sealing so that it does not impact employment opportunities, your family or hinder any immigration issues.
Felonies
Felonies are more serious crimes than misdemeanors and carry stiffer penalties. A conviction of a felony offense can result in prison time and fines, as well as the loss of certain civil rights such as voting, gun ownership, and employment.
A seasoned criminal defense lawyer may be able to get your case dismissed before trial or acquit you at trial. If you are charged with a felony, it is imperative that you call a Chicago or Rolling Meadows criminal defense attorney right away.
A felony defense lawyer can use the time between your arrest and the indictment to conduct a thorough investigation of the evidence against you and gather any potentially helpful expert witnesses to support your case. This information can be used to build a strong defense strategy that can have your felony charge reduced to a misdemeanor. A notable felony attorney also understands the importance of having your records expunged after your case is resolved.