Experienced Darien IL Criminal Defense Lawyer

Darien Criminal Lawyers Defend You

Wolf & Stec’s Darien criminal defense lawyers are well-qualified to fight for your rights if you have been arrested and charged with a crime. We appreciate the seriousness of your situation, being convicted of a crime in Illinois can result consequences that may affect you forever. Punishments, in addition to fines and time in jail time, include a criminal record that associated with you for the rest of your life. This can have a negative effect on you, your family and your friendships. It can also impact your educational and career prospects, your housing situation, and any immigration benefits to which you may be entitled.

Innocent until proven guilty is the premise on which our system operates. Unfortunately, for those accused of crimes, reality can be quite different. Your treatment by the criminal justice system can be unfair. At this difficult time, more than ever, you need all the help you can get. A Darien criminal defense attorney can help protect your rights, fight for your freedom and advocate for the justice you deserve.

Because we appreciate the situation you are in, our Darien criminal lawyers offer a free and confidential consultation. During this conversation we will gain a better understanding of the charges against you and the circumstances surrounding the reported crime. And, we will determine the best way to help you. We know the courts, the prosecutors, and the system, and can leverage our experience on your behalf. In many cases we will be successful in having the charges against you reduced or dismissed. Our goal is to keep you out of jail.

Don’t wait to contact us. Legal advice at the onset provides you the best hope for a more positive outcome. And, in fact, waiting can only make things worse. Call us today at 630-305-0222 today for your free, confidential case evaluation.

The Value a Darien Criminal Defense Attorney Brings to Your Case

We Advocate for You Throughout the Entire Criminal Process

Basic legal rights are afforded to anyone arrested for a crime in Illinois and across the country. The Darien criminal defense lawyers at Wolfe & Stec ensure your rights are upheld; we will not let anyone intimidate you. As your attorneys we will

• Confirm you are aware of and understand your rights.
• Make sure police and prosecutors follow regulations and treat you properly.
• Protect you from saying or doing anything to negatively affect your case.
• Manage the arraignment and bail process.
• Gather evidence, interview witnesses, and examine police reports to help build your case.
• Identify any weaknesses in the case along with mistakes made by the police or prosecutors.
• Negotiate and plea bargain for a dismissal or lesser charge.
• Represent you at trial by presenting evidence, examining witnesses, and arguing on your behalf.
• File an appeal if necessary.

Understanding Illinois Crimes and Penalties: A Darien Criminal Attorney’s Explanation

Our Goal is to Provide a Defense Resulting in the Least Serious Consequences

Legal punishments in Illinois are directly related to the seriousness of the crimes committed. That said, other circumstances relating to your specific case can increase your sentence. These include the existence of prior convictions or the use of weapons. In general, however, the Illinois Criminal Code categorizes crimes as either misdemeanors or felonies, with felonies being more serious and resulting in more severe punishments.

What is a Misdemeanor?

Less serious than felonies, misdemeanors may still result in harsh consequences. If convicted, it goes on your record, can result in jail time, and can affect you for the rest of your life.

Misdemeanor criminal charges are segmented into three classes carrying a maximum sentence of one year in jail, usually with no mandatory minimum jail time for most charges. Additionally, they can include fines of up to $2,500. Increased jail time is a risk for repeat offenders.

Examples of misdemeanors are:

• criminal trespass
• theft
• driving with a revoked or suspended license
• assault and battery

Felony Offenses

More onerous crimes are called felonies. These are divided into five categories, based on seriousness: Class 1 through 4 and Class X. Class X felonies are the most severe while Class 4 are the least.. 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.

Class 1 felonies in Illinois include:

• sexual assault
• kidnapping
• possession of drugs such as heroin, methamphetamine or cocaine

Convictions of felonies can result in significant punishment, including mandatory minimum jail sentences. In some situations, maximum jail sentences can exceed 30 years which may result in a lifetime of imprisonment. Additionally, fines can be considerable, up to $25,000.

When you engage a Darien criminal defense attorney you can rest assured that we will provide you a high-quality defense with a goal of obtaining a “not guilty” verdict. Should plea bargaining be possible, we will work to have your charges reduced resulting in the most lenient possible sentence.

A Darien Criminal Defense Attorney Will Protect Your Rights

Ensuring You Know Your Rights is a Critical Step in Protecting Yourself

One of Your Darien criminal defense attorney’s responsibilities is ensuring that you are aware of and understand your rights. This knowledge helps you avoid making costly mistakes than can be used against you. Your rights include:

• Miranda rights – You should be informed 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. This is critical. Do NOT say or do anything until you have called us.
• Right to view your arrest warrant and be informed about the criminal charges against you. Law enforcement 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 hearing – Held held if probably cause is found. This hearing is designed to determine the amount of bail necessary for you to stay of custody until the trial.

Upon contacting the Darien criminal defense team at Wolfe & Stec, our attorneys will look for any rights violations. Should they exist we may be able to have your case dismissed before it ever gets to trial. Call us immediately at 630-305-0222 so we can begin work on your case.

Criminal Defense Lawyers in Darien Offer Support Throughout the Entire Legal Process

We Prepare You for Every Step

Our Darien criminal defense attorneys have decades of experience. As such, they are well aware of the importance of preparation. We will work closely with you to make sure you know what to do during each step of the criminal court process, including:

1. Discovery: During this step the prosecuting attorney will present the evidence against you. This may include police reports, videos and statements made by witnesses.
2. Pre-trial Preparation: As your Darien criminal defense lawyer, we will interview witnesses and gather evidence with regard to your case. Our goal is to build you the strongest possible defense,
3. Plea Bargaining: Prior to a verdict being issued, your attorney and the prosecutor can negotiate for an agreement. Should the prosecutor have a strong case, a plea bargain for a reduced charge may be your best option. As the defendant your approval is mandatory before the agreement can be finalized.
4. Trial: If plea bargaining fails, your case goes either to either a bench trial (in front of a judge) or a jury trial. During this proceeding both your attorney and the prosecutor will present evidence, call and cross-examine witnesses. Remember, the burden of proof, beyond a reasonable doubt, lies with the prosecutor. You do NOT have to prove your innocence.
5. Verdict: Also known as the decision of the judge or jury, the verdict will be either guilty or not guilty. If you are found not guilty, the case is officially closed, and you are free to go. If you are found guilty, however, sentencing will commence.
6. Appeal: Should your attorney believe any errors (technical or other) can be identified, your Darien criminal defense attorney can appeal the guilty verdict. The case would move to a higher court where your lawyer would argue for it to be overturned.

Contact Your Darien Criminal Defense Lawyers Today

Time Is of the Essence

A guilty verdict in Illinois can have long lasting effects on your life. The consequences are considerable. If you have been charged with a crime, it is not uncommon to be worried. There is a lot to understand. Relying on an experienced Darien criminal defense attorney can help provide you peace of mind and reduce both your anxiety and the chances of your making a mistake. We have a well-earned reputation for pursuing every avenue as we build our clients defense strategies. At Wolfe & Stec, our professionals work closely with you, keeping you informed about your case through every step of the process.

Contact our Darien criminal defense lawyers at Wolfe & Stec today at 630-305-0222. We will provide a free, confidential consultation and immediately begin fighting for your rights and your freedom. We are on your side.