Aurora Criminal Defense Lawyer
Our Criminal Defense Lawyers Fight for Your Rights
If you are arrested for a criminal offense in Illinois, the Aurora criminal defense lawyers at Wolfe & Stec, Ltd. can help you fight for your rights and freedom. Illinois takes criminal offenses seriously, and punishments can be severe. If convicted, you may lose your job and your family; you may have to deal with fines, long-term supervision, restitution, drug treatment programs, and community service. Additionally, you will have a criminal record that will remain with you forever, which can negatively affect your life.
The stakes are too high to go it alone. You should immediately seek the help of an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Aurora to protect your rights, ensure the criminal system is treating you correctly, and fight for your freedom and the justice you deserve.
Our Aurora criminal defense lawyers offer a free consultation to discuss the circumstances that led to your arrest and find the best way to help. We know how the criminal system operates, the tactics prosecutors use, and how to plea bargain and present your case in front of a judge and jury. We will do everything legally possible to keep you out of jail, and, in many cases, we can find ways to have your charges reduced or dismissed.
We offer a free, confidential case evaluation to discuss the circumstances of your case and determine the best way to move forward. Delaying can only make your situation worse, so call us today for your free, confidential case evaluation. Call us today at (630) 305-0222.
How Our Criminal Defense Attorneys in Aurora Work for You
The seasoned Illinois criminal defense attorneys at Wolfe & Stec, Ltd. have extensive experience defending clients facing criminal charges. We know the courts, the judges, the system, and how to construct defenses that may lead to a dismissal of your charges or result in a lesser penalty. We take a team-oriented approach when handling criminal cases and are assertive in the courtroom to fight for you.
What Our Aurora Criminal Defense Lawyers Do
When you are accused of a crime, you are supposed to be presumed innocent until proven guilty, but you are often treated as if you have been convicted, even before a trial. That’s why you need us to defend your rights from the start. When we take on a criminal case, we gather information quickly and look at all viable defense options to decide on the best legal strategy. Our legal team will get to work immediately to pursue justice for you. We will:
- Meet with you to listen to your explanation of why you were charged and determine the best possible defenses.
- Make sure you are given all your rights and are not intimidated by police and prosecutors, and that you don’t say or do anything that would negatively affect your case.
- Gather evidence about the alleged crime, such as from photos and videos at the crime scene, and by examining police and medical reports and interviewing witnesses and first responders.
- Examine the actions of law enforcement officials to determine if the laws and requirements pertaining to your arrest were fully met. Evidence found inadmissible due to being unlawfully obtained can greatly enhance the possibility that you will be found not guilty.
- Take care of all legal requirements in a timely manner, including filing all paperwork, making court appearances, and handling discovery, pre-trial preparation, plea bargains, trials, and appeals.
- Negotiate aggressively with prosecutors and other attorneys to have your charges dropped or reduced.
- If necessary, we will build your case and take it to court to defend you before a judge and jury.
- File any necessary appeals.
Our attorneys can work with experts such as investigators or reconstruction specialists to examine the evidence prosecutors use to find flaws in their case against you. For example, there may be:
- Improper investigation procedures or lineups by law enforcement
- Undue duress during interrogation
- Over-broad search warrants or searches that were not supported by sufficient evidence
- Other violations of your rights.
Our Aurora criminal defense lawyers will be there for you throughout the entire legal process, walking you through each step of your defense and ensuring that you are fully prepared. Time is of the essence, so call Wolfe & Stec, Ltd. as soon as possible after an arrest.
Criminal Lawyers in Aurora Explain Illinois Crimes and Punishments
When you are arrested, you may be charged with a crime that will be classified as a felony or a misdemeanor. Possible punishments vary accordingly.
Misdemeanors
Misdemeanors are considered less serious than felonies, but they are still significant 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. Examples of misdemeanors include:
- theft
- assault and battery
- driving with a suspended or revoked license
- criminal trespass to residence or vehicles
- criminal damage or defacement to property.
Misdemeanors carry a maximum sentence of one year in jail – usually with no mandatory minimum jail time for most charges and can bring fines of up to $2,500. There is an increased risk of jail time for second or subsequent offenses.
Felony Offenses
Felony crimes are divided into five classes, based on seriousness, and range from Class 1 through 4 felonies to Class X felonies. Class X felonies are the most severe, and Class 4 felonies are the least severe.
Examples of felonies in Illinois include:
- aggravated arson
- aggravated battery of a child
- armed robbery
- criminal drug conspiracy
- kidnapping
- sexual assault
- possession of drugs such as cocaine, heroin, or methamphetamine.
Class 1-4 punishments 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.
Some convictions may cause mandatory minimum jail sentences, and maximum jail sentences can exceed 30 years, which may result in lifetime imprisonment. Fines can be up to $25,000.
Our Wolfe & Stec, Aurora criminal defense attorneys are prepared to defend you against any charges. Our desired goal is the dismissal of charges or a “not guilty” verdict. In situations where evidence makes plea bargaining the best course, we will seek to reduce your charge and get you the lowest possible sentence.
Aurora Criminal Defense Attorney Answers Your Questions
When faced with a criminal charge, it’s natural to have questions and concerns. While these are best addressed at your free consultation, to get you started, here are some answers to questions our attorneys are often asked:
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What determines if I will be arrested?
You may get arrested if an allegation of a crime is brought forward and, after an investigation is performed, it is determined that the facts support probable cause that you committed the crime. You may be arrested right at the crime scene or not until after the police have met with a prosecutor and a warrant for your arrest is issued by a judge. -
What determines if I will be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony?
The Illinois Criminal Code categorizes crimes as misdemeanors or felonies, and which one you will be charged with depends on the individual crimes and the circumstances involved. The prosecutor will make this determination when you are arrested and booked. Felony charges are for more serious crimes and carry greater penalties. There are different sub-categories or classes for both felonies and misdemeanors, with varying penalties, and there are factors that may increase a sentence, such as if you had prior convictions, or if weapons were used. -
What is a preliminary hearing?
Preliminary hearings are formal court hearings where the prosecutor presents evidence of probable cause, and your defense attorney may cross-examine the State’s witnesses. Preliminary hearings are only used in felony cases. At the hearing, the judge decides whether there is probable cause based upon the evidence presented. If there is probable cause, a series of upcoming hearings will be held – Pre-Trial Conference, Plea Date, and Trial. -
What does it mean to have a conviction record?
A criminal conviction is the entry of a non-suspended final judgment of guilt by a court, and this becomes a permanent mark on your criminal record. A conviction record includes, but is not limited to, information showing that you have been convicted of a felony, misdemeanor, or other crime, placed on probation, fined, imprisoned, or paroled by any law enforcement agency or military authority. A conviction record can affect your life in the future, including opportunities for employment, education, housing, and citizenship. -
Should I attempt to fight criminal charges myself?
No, you should not attempt to represent yourself by fighting criminal charges. An experienced criminal defense attorney knows the laws, courts, prosecutors, and system, and can give you the best chance of avoiding conviction or having charges lowered or dismissed. Contact Wolfe & Stec for a free consultation, and let us work with you on fees. Your life and your future may depend on the defense you receive now.
Our Aurora criminal defense lawyers know how important it is to fight your criminal charges, and we are available to answer your questions as they arise. We will be there to guide you throughout the entire legal process, striving for the best possible outcome of your case.
Get Help from Our Criminal Defense Lawyers in Aurora
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 Aurora criminal defense lawyer on your side from the start can reduce your anxiety and the chances of your making a mistake. The sooner you call us, the sooner we can go to work to build your case while evidence is still available and witnesses can be found.
At Wolfe & Stec, our attorneys will ensure that no stone is left unturned in building your defense. We will work with you, answer your questions, and keep you informed about your case through every step of the process.
Call the Aurora criminal defense lawyers at Wolfe & Stec today at 630-305-0222 for a free, confidential consultation so we can start fighting for your rights, freedom, and your future.
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