Experienced Downers Grove Criminal Defense Lawyer
Let Our Downers Grove Criminal Lawyers Fight for You
The Downers Grove criminal defense lawyers at Wolfe & Stec can help you fight for your rights if you have been arrested and charged with a crime. We know how serious it is to be convicted of a crime in Illinois, and that possible consequences include fines and time in jail. In addition, a conviction brings a criminal record that remains with you throughout your life and negatively effects your educational and career prospects, your family and social relationships, your housing situation, and any immigration benefits.
While anyone accused of a crime is supposed to be considered innocent until proven guilty, in reality you may wind up being treated unfairly by the criminal justice system and those around you. At this difficult time, you need all the help you can get to protect your rights and fight for your freedom and the justice you deserve.
The Downers Grove criminal lawyers offer a free consultation to discuss the circumstances of your charges and determine the best way to help. We know the courts, the prosecutors, and the system, and in many cases can have your charges reduced or dismissed. We will do everything legally possible to keep you out of jail.
Delaying can only make your situation worse, so call us today at 630-305-0222 for your free, confidential case evaluation.
How a Downers Grove Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help
We Will Be There Throughout the Entire Criminal Process
Anyone arrested for a crime in Illinois has certain rights, and the Downers Grove criminal defense lawyers at Wolfe & Stec will make sure you are provided with all of them and are not intimidated by overzealous prosecutors. We can help by:
- Making sure you know what your rights are
- Making sure police and prosecutors follow regulations and treat you properly
- Keeping you from saying or doing anything that would negatively affect your case
- Dealing with bail and arraignment
- Building your case by gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and examining police reports
- Looking for weaknesses in the case and mistakes that were made
- Negotiating and plea bargaining for a dismissal or lesser charge
- Taking your case to trial and presenting evidence, examining witnesses, and arguing on your behalf
- Filing an appeal if necessary.
Criminal Lawyers in Downers Grove Explain Illinois Crimes and Penalties
Penalties Can be Severe, but our Lawyers Will Work to Reduce Them
Every criminal case is different, based on the individual circumstances, and there are factors that may increase a sentence, such as if you had prior convictions or weapons were used. In general, however, the Illinois Criminal Code categorizes crimes as misdemeanors or felonies, with felonies being more serious and having greater punishments.
Misdemeanors
While misdemeanors are considered less serious than felonies, they are still serious offenses with harsh consequences. They go on your record, carry the potential of jail time, and may have negative effects on your life.
Misdemeanor criminal charges are broken into three classes. They carry a maximum sentence of one year in jail, usually with no mandatory minimum jail time for most charges, and can include fines of up to $2,500. There is an increased risk of jail for second or subsequent offenses.
Examples of misdemeanors are:
- theft
- assault and battery
- driving with a suspended or revoked license
- criminal trespass.
Felony Offenses
Felony crimes are divided into five categories, based on seriousness. Categories are Class 1 through 4 felonies and Class X felonies. Class X felonies are the most severe, and Class 4 felonies are the least severe. Prison time for Classes 1-4 may be as follows:
- Class 1 felonies, 4 to 15 years
- Class 2 felonies, 3 to 7 years
- Class 3 felonies, 2 to 5 years
- Class 4 felonies, 1 to 3 years.
Examples of Class 1 felonies in Illinois include:
- kidnapping
- sexual assault
- possession of drugs such as cocaine, heroin, or methamphetamine.
Some convictions may bring mandatory minimum jail sentences, and maximum jail sentences can exceed 30 years, which may result in a lifetime of imprisonment. Fines can be up to $25,000.
Our Downers Grove criminal defense attorneys will defend you against any of these charges and work hard to obtain a “not guilty” verdict. If there is evidence that makes plea bargaining a possibility, we will seek to have your charge reduced to get you the lowest sentence possible.
A Downers Grove Criminal Defense Attorney Knows Your Rights
We Will Make Sure You Know Your Rights and Fight to Protect Them
When you hire our Downers Grove criminal defense attorneys, we will make sure you know your rights so you can avoid making mistakes that prosecutors can use against you. These rights include:
- Miranda rights – You should be read your Miranda rights informing you that you have the right to remain silent and not answer questions.
- Right to an attorney – According to Illinois statute 725 ILCS 5/103-3, you have the right to speak to an attorney before answering questions. Call us immediately before saying or doing anything that can be used against you.
- Right to be shown an arrest warrant and told what the criminal charges are. Police must have a warrant unless they have probable cause to believe you committed a crime.
- Preliminary hearing – Felony charges must be approved at a preliminary hearing by a judge or grand jury to authorize probable cause for the charges.
- Bond – If probable cause is found, you have the right to a bond hearing to determine a bail amount, so you can stay out of custody until trial.
When you call the Downers Grove criminal defense team at Wolfe & Stec, we will immediately look for any rights violations, as this may be reason to have your case dismissed before it ever gets to trial. Call us as soon as possible at 630-305-0222 to get started.
Criminal Defense Lawyers in Downers Grove Are There for You Through the Entire Legal Process
We Make Sure You are Prepared For Each Step
The criminal defense attorneys in Downers Grove know the importance of preparation and will make sure you know what to do at each step of the criminal court process, including:
- Discovery: This is where you can see what evidence the prosecutor has against you, including witness statements, police reports, and videos.
- Pre-trial Preparation: Our Downers Grove criminal defense lawyer will gather evidence and interview witnesses to build a defense strategy to help your case.
- Plea Bargaining: Your attorney and the prosecutor will negotiate for an agreement at any point before a verdict. If the prosecutor’s case is strong, a plea bargain for a reduced charge may be your best option. You would have to approve the agreement before finalization.
- Trial: If plea bargaining fails, your case goes to either a bench trial in front of a judge or a jury trial. Your attorney and the prosecutor will present evidence and cross-examine witnesses. The prosecutor has the burden of proving you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, so you do not have to prove your innocence.
- Verdict: If you are found not guilty, the case is over and you are free. If you are found guilty, you will be sentenced.
- Appeal: If a technical or other mistake can be found, it may be possible for your Downers Grove criminal defense attorney to appeal a guilty verdict to a higher court to be overturned.
Call Our Downers Grove Criminal Defense Lawyers for Help Today
When you are accused of a crime in Illinois, the consequences can change your life forever, so it’s natural to be afraid and unsure of where to turn. Having a highly skilled Downers Grove criminal defense lawyer on your side can reduce your anxiety and the chances of your making a mistake, and our attorneys will make sure that no stone is left unturned in building your defense. At Wolfe & Stec, we will work with you and keep you informed about your case through every step of the process.
Call our Downers Grove criminal defense lawyers at Wolfe & Stec today at 630-305-0222 for a free, confidential consultation so we can immediately begin fighting for your rights and freedom.
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