If you have been accused of a serious crime, be aware that even an allegation of a felony offense can have a devastating effect on your reputation, livelihood and overall well being. If you are convicted, you could be faced with high fines and years of imprisonment, even for life, and all of this will be on your record.
If you are charged with a felony, you need the best defense available, as prosecutors will be fighting to impose the steepest of punishment. The seasoned Illinois criminal defense attorneys at Wolfe & Stec, Ltd. have extensive experience handling felony offenses, including:
We know the court system and the judges, and we will work tirelessly to reach an outcome that is favorable to you. Our attorneys are thorough in the investigation process of a criminal case and make every effort to settle cases outside the courtroom. If an agreement cannot be reached, we are experienced trial lawyers and know how to defend you in court.
According to the Illinois’ Criminal Code, there are six classes of felonies, 1, 2, 3, 4, X & M. The circumstances of the crime determine the severity of the class. A conviction on a felony charge usually carries a jail sentence of more than one year. For the most serious violent felonies, the sentences are significantly more, and many offenses have mandatory minimum jail sentences.
For example, for drug possession, punishment depends on the type and amount of drug. A class 4 felony can be punished with imprisonment of 1-3 years and fines of up to $25,000.
Examples of class 4 felonies in Illinois include Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and possession of between 30.1 – 500.0 mg of marijuana.
A class 1 felony can be punished with imprisonment of 4-15 years and fines of up to $25,000. Examples of class 1 felonies in Illinois include kidnapping, sexual assault and possession of cocaine, heroin, or methamphetamine.
Some federal crimes have a mandatory minimum sentence of five or ten years in federal prison, plus fines, and some sentences can even include life in prison, plus fines. For example, a class A felony can be punished with possible life imprisonment and fines of up to $250,000.
Federal drug laws have mandatory minimum and maximum sentences. If you’re convicted of a federal drug crime, you’ll most likely face a minimum sentence of five to ten years with little or no chance of probation.
The crime rate in Naperville is lower than both the Illinois and the national average, and Naperville crime statistics report an overall downward trend in crime. Based on data from three years, violent crime and property crime are both decreasing. The crime rate in Naperville for 2016 is expected to be lower than in 2012.
Despite the statistics, what matters when you have been accused of a felony is the help you can get to fight the charges.
When you are accused of a crime in Illinois, you need to hire the best criminal defense attorney you can find. Your case may seem impossible, but with skillful representation you have a chance. Remember, the law places a heavy burden on the government, and you must be proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The criminal defense lawyers at Wolfe & Stec, Ltd. are skilled trial lawyers who believe each case is unique, with its own set of circumstances. Whether your criminal law case is seemingly straightforward or highly complicated, we can help. We know the judges and the court system and will aggressively and explore every avenue for your defense. We examine the facts, the individuals involved, and the evidence available, and work hand in hand with our clients throughout the criminal process. We explain all elements and processes of the case and come up with an effective defense strategy. Our goal is always to minimize the negative impact of the situation and to focus on protecting your freedoms, liberties and rights.
Don’t delay — contact us for help today at 630-305-0222 if you have been accused of any criminal charges. Our Illinois criminal defense lawyers represent clients in DuPage County, Naperville, Aurora, Wheaton, Downers Grove and Bolingbrook, Illinois, and the greater Chicagoland area. Your free initial consultation can be scheduled at our office.
