Glen Ellyn Criminal Defense Attorney

Lawyer for Misdemeanor or Felony Criminal Charges in Glen Ellyn, IL

Dealing with the criminal justice system can be one of the most stressful situations you may ever experience. When you have been arrested, you will need to determine what steps you can take to resolve your criminal case successfully. Whether criminal charges are based on an argument that escalated to violence, a traffic stop that led to unexpected consequences, or another type of accusation, you may feel overwhelmed as you deal with legal procedures and requirements.

You should not try to deal with this situation on your own. Because of the high stakes of these cases, legal representation can be crucial to ensure that you will be able to achieve the best possible outcome. At Goostree Law Group, our criminal defense attorney can provide the legal help you need to defend against a criminal conviction and put this difficult situation behind you.

Call 630-584-4800 and let us help your family.

Misdemeanor vs. Felony Charges

Not all criminal charges carry the same weight, but any charge can have lasting consequences if it is not handled properly. In Illinois, criminal offenses are divided into two primary categories. Misdemeanor charges are generally considered to be less serious offenses. There are three classes of misdemeanors, with Class A misdemeanors being the most serious charges. Convictions for Class A misdemeanors can lead to jail sentences lasting for up to one year, and they carry a maximum fine of $2,500. Any misdemeanor conviction will result in a criminal record, and other penalties may also apply, such as probation requirements.

Felony charges are more serious than misdemeanors, and they carry a minimum sentence of one year in prison, as well as up to $25,000 in fines. There are six classes of felonies, ranging from Class 4 (the least severe) to Class X (the most severe). The penalties for the most serious felony offenses may be as high as life in prison. A felony conviction can also take away some of a person's rights, including their right to own or possess a firearm.

Criminal Charges Our Attorneys Handle

Assault

A person may be arrested for assault based on accusations that they acted in a way that caused someone else to believe that they would suffer an injury. Assault charges may involve threats to inflict harm or actions that indicated that a person was going to harm someone. If a person allegedly injured someone else on purpose, or even if they made contact with them in a way that was insulting or provocative, they could be charged with battery as well as or instead of assault.

Domestic Violence

When assault or battery has allegedly been committed against a family member or a person who lives in the same household as the alleged offender, criminal charges may be classified as domestic violence. In these situations, a person may face restrictions under an order of protection, which may prevent them from contacting the alleged victim, require them to move out of their home, and affect the custody of their children. Our legal team understands the sensitive nature of these cases, and we work to protect the rights of people who have been accused of domestic violence.

Drug Possession

The possession of controlled substances can lead to criminal charges that may range from misdemeanors to felonies depending on the type of substance and the amount involved in a case. Drug possession charges may become more serious if a person is charged with possession with intent to deliver based on claims that they were planning to sell or distribute the drugs. Our attorneys can take steps to defend against these charges by looking at whether police officers performed illegal searches or whether options such as drug court or probation may be available.

Unlawful Use of a Weapon

Charges of unlawful use of a weapon (UUW) may involve carrying a concealed firearm without a concealed carry permit, possessing a weapon while under the influence, or carrying a weapon in a prohibited location, such as a school or courthouse. UUW offenses can be charged as misdemeanors or felonies depending on whether a person's actions allegedly put others at risk of serious harm.

Theft and Shoplifting

The specific penalties that may apply for theft offenses in Illinois are usually based on what was allegedly stolen and what it was worth. Most of the time, a charge involving the theft of property with a value of under $500 can result in misdemeanor charges, while a theft charge involving property valued at $500 is a felony. Retail theft or shoplifting charges may apply in situations where merchandise was allegedly stolen from a store or a person allegedly obtained items for less than their full value.

Traffic Violations

In many cases, traffic tickets will be related to minor infractions like speeding or running a red light. However, some traffic violations are classified as criminal offenses. Accusations of driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving, aggravated speeding, or other criminal offenses can lead to serious penalties that may include possible jail sentences. Our law firm represents people facing both minor traffic violations and serious criminal traffic offenses in DuPage County.