A capable Waukegan Criminal Attorney understands the ins and outs of Illinois law & the court system with which you’ll be dealing. They can also expose fabricated or exaggerated testimony that may otherwise damage your case.
Whether you’re facing a major crime, or working through the process of getting a conviction expunged or sealed, a zealous defense is vital.
Class X Felonies
In the state of Illinois, class X felonies are considered the most serious crimes that can be committed short of first-degree murder. They are crimes such as criminal sexual assault, aggravated kidnapping, aggravated arson, and home invasion. These are all considered violent offenses and convictions of them carry a mandatory prison sentence.
If you are charged with a class X felony, then it is crucial that you contact a Waukegan criminal defense attorney immediately. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can help to build a strong case for your innocence and may even be able to get your charges reduced.
If you are convicted of a class X felony, then the minimum sentence is six years in prison. You will also have to serve a mandatory three-year supervised release period. Additionally, you will not be eligible for probation – regardless of the severity of the crime or your personal circumstances.
Class 1 Felonies
A conviction of a Class 1 felony will remain on your criminal record for life and can disqualify you from employment, housing, and many other areas of your life that require background checks. A Waukegan criminal attorney should be consulted immediately when facing such a serious charge.
This category of felonies includes offenses such as aggravated robbery, burglary of a dwelling and a crime against public order. The penalties range from a minimum of four years in prison to up to 30 years depending on the circumstances.
Defenses to this category of offenses often depend on the reliability of testimony, which requires a criminal attorney who can challenge exaggerated or fabricated stories. A skilled criminal lawyer can expose holes in a prosecution case and work toward a reduction or dismissal of the charges.
Class 4 Felonies
When an accused is facing class 4 felony charges, it means that the crime may be punished by jail time and fines. In some cases, the defendant will also have to mark their conviction as a felony on their criminal record.
The definition of a class 4 felony varies by region, but it can be characterized as the least serious felony in a jurisdiction. The prison sentence for a class 4 felony can range between 1 and 3 years, depending on whether the crime is considered to be dangerous or not.
A good Waukegan Criminal Attorney can make all the difference between going to prison and staying home with your family. They will not rest until they have explored every available avenue to achieve the best possible outcome for their clients.
Misdemeanors
While less serious than a felony, a misdemeanor conviction can still have severe consequences. For example, a criminal record can affect employment, housing and other aspects of life.
Criminal laws differ between jurisdictions, but most states have misdemeanor classes A through C based on the severity of the offense. Some crimes can be reclassified as felonies on a case-by-case basis, such as brandishing a weapon and property damage over $300.
It is always best to have an experienced Waukegan Criminal Attorney on your side when facing charges of any kind. Your lawyer can help navigate your case with greater accuracy and precision than you could alone. For example, your attorney can argue that prosecutors have overcharged you and push for a lesser charge. This can help you avoid a criminal record and other negative consequences.
Appeals
The bang of a judge’s gavel doesn’t necessarily signal the end of your case. If you think that there was a miscarriage of justice in your trial, you may be able to file an appeal.
Our criminal defense lawyers defend clients facing a variety of misdemeanor and felony charges including DUI, white-collar crimes, drugs (possession, distribution or manufacture), sexual assault, burglary, and traffic offenses. They are also experienced in helping people reinstate their driver’s license and expunge records.
Our team regularly handles cases at the Waukegan courthouse and other Lake County courthouses. We can help you understand the local rules and customs at the court where your case is heard. The docketing statement is a key piece of information that you need to have.
