Experienced Hinsdale, IL Criminal Defense Lawyer

Our Hinsdale Criminal Lawyers Support You and Defend Your Rights

The Hinsdale criminal defense lawyers at Wolfe & Stec will represent you and help you fight for your rights and freedom if you have been arrested for a criminal offense in Illinois. Their assistance can be incredibly valuable, especially considering that punishments for crimes in Illinois can be severe. For example, those convicted of felonies face potential sentences ranging from one year to life in prison. Misdemeanor convictions can result in anywhere from one month to one year in jail.

And, convictions have other serous repercussions. You may lose your job and your family; you may be subject to fines, long-term supervision, restitution, drug treatment programs, and community service. Additionally, convictions have long term effects. You will have a criminal record that remains with you throughout your life and can negatively affect your educational and career prospects, your family and social relationships, your housing situation, and any public or immigration benefits.

Understanding these possibilities, engaging an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Hinsdale is more than just wise, it’s critical.

If you have been accused of a crime, contact our Hinsdale criminal lawyers today. We understand the stress you are under and, as such, offer a free consultation with one of our experienced professionals. We will gain an understanding of the circumstances surrounding your arrest and share how we can help you.

Our Wolf & Stec Hinsdale attorneys are well-versed in Illinois criminal law. We know how the system operates including the tactics prosecutors use, how to plea bargain, and the best ways to present your case in front of a judge and jury. Often our representation leads to the reduction or dismissal of charges. And, on each and every case, we will do everything legally possible to help you avoid jail time.

Contact us at 630-305-0222 for your free, confidential case evaluation. You want to engage a lawyer as soon as possible.

A Hinsdale Criminal Defense Attorney: Your Advocate

Criminal Defense Attorneys Are There Throughout the Entire Criminal Process

Innocent until proven guilty. Isn’t that how the law works? While the simple answer is yes, unfortunately for those accused of a crime, it doesn’t always seem that way. In fact, once accused you are often treated as if you have been convicted, even before a trial. Your Hinsdale defense lawyers at Wolfe & Stec will ensure your that both your rights are protected and that you are not intimidated by police and prosecutors.

As your attorney, we will:

• Explain your rights and make sure you use them
• Keep you from saying or doing anything that would negatively affect your case
• Make sure police and prosecutors adhere to regulations and don’t abuse you
• Deal with issues of bail and arraignment
• Find the best ways to build a case for your defense
• Gather evidence by examining the crime scene, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing police reports
• Identify weaknesses in the case and mistakes made by the prosecution
• Negotiate and plea bargain on your behalf for a dismissal or lesser charge
• Take your case to trial and present evidence, examine witnesses, and argue on your behalf
• File an appeal, if necessary.

Leveraging Contacts for Your Benefit

As a result of over 30 years of experience, we have built relationships with the area’s best experts including investigators and reconstruction specialists. We will engage with them as needed to examine the evidence prosecutors are using and to find flaws in their case against you. Issues they may identify include:

• Improper investigation procedures or lineups by law enforcement
• Undue duress during interrogation
• Over-broad search warrants or searches that were not based on sufficient evidence
• Other violations of your rights.

Our Hinsdale Criminal Defense Attorney Helps You Understand Your Rights

Know and Protect Your Rights

We have all heard the saying “knowledge is power”. This is particularly true if you have been accused of a crime. If you are unfamiliar with your rights, it is possible that law enforcement and prosecuting attorneys may cause you to say and do things that can be used against you. You have to be aware of your rights. When working with our criminal defense attorneys, we will help you with this.

Your rights include:

• Miranda rights – Upon arrest, you should immediately be read your Miranda rights informing you that you have the right to remain silent and not answer questions.
• Right to an attorney – Illinois statute 725 ILCS 5/103-3 provides you with the right to speak with an attorney before answering questions. Consulting with us at the onset helps prevent you from making mistakes as the process commences.
• 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 – At this hearing a judge or grand jury will review the felony charges against you. They will determine if probably cause exists.
• Bond – Another name for bail. If probable cause is found, you have the right to a bond hearing to determine the bail amount. If you can meet bail, you can be released from custody until your trial.

The Hinsdale criminal defense lawyers at Wolfe & Stec know how to handle rights violations and improper procedures. In fact, if you were subject to either your case may even be dismissed. We will discover any law enforcement and/or prosecution mistakes and advocate for you should they be found. Call us at 630-305-0222 today.

Illinois Crimes and Punishments: An Explanation by Criminal Lawyers in Hinsdale

Our Lawyers Will Work to Find Ways to Reduce Any Penalties

Crimes are categorized by the Illinois Criminal Code into two categories: misdemeanors and felonies. Felonies are more serious and result in harsher punishments. Additionally, within each category, sub-categories or classes exist. The circumstances of your crime along with other factors (including prior convictions or use of weapons) determines how you will be charged.

Understanding Felony Offenses

The five classes of felonies (Class 1 through 4 and Class X) are based on the seriousness of the offence. Class 4 are the least severe while Class X felonies are the most. 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

Additionally, certain convictions are aligned with mandatory minimum jail sentences. Maximum jail sentences can exceed 30 years, which in some cases is a lifetime of imprisonment. Fines can be up to $25,000.

Misdemeanors

Less serious than felonies, misdemeanors are still severe offenses that may result in harsh consequences. And, they may affect the rest of your life. They go on your record and carry the potential of jail time.

Misdemeanor criminal charges are broken into three classes. Examples of misdemeanor crimes 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. They can bring fines of up to $2,500. There is an increased risk of jail for second or subsequent offenses.

Our Wolfe & Stec Hinsdale criminal defense attorneys are prepared to defend you against both misdemeanors and felonies. We always strive for a dismissal of charges or a “not guilty” verdict. That said, there are instances where evidence makes plea bargaining the best option. In situations like this, we will seek to have your charge reduced resulting in the lowest possible sentence.

Hinsdale Criminal Defense Lawyers Share What Expect from the Criminal Process

Preparation from Experts

The Illinois criminal process is complicated and confusing, but it is easier if you know what to expect and are fully prepared. Representation from highly qualified Hinsdale criminal attorneys provides you advice and counsel critical to a more positive outcome. Wolfe & Stec criminal defense attorneys in Hinsdale will guide you through the entire process including:

• Initial appearance. During this court appearance the judge states the charges against you as well as the bond amount. If you can post bond or get a bondsman to post it, you will remain out of jail until the case is resolved.
• Arraignment. At arraignment, you are officially informed of the charges against you. If you have not already done so, you will be asked if you wish to hire an attorney. You may also qualify for a public defender. You will enter a plea of guilty or not guilty, and an initial trial date will be set.
• Discovery: At this point you and your attorney can examine the prosecution’s evidence including witness statements, police reports, and videos.
• Pre-trial Preparation: During this stage, your Hinsdale criminal defense lawyer will interview witnesses and identify evidence to develop your defense strategy.
• Plea Bargaining: This process, during which your attorney and the prosecutor negotiate for a reduced charge, may be your best option if the case against you is strong. It can take place at any time prior to the verdict announcement. You would have to approve any plea bargain agreement before finalization.
• Trial: If plea bargaining fails, the next step is either a bench trial in front of a judge or a jury trial. During the trial, your attorney and the prosecutor will present evidence and cross-examine witnesses. The burden of proof is on the prosecutor. He or she MUST prove that you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The law does not require that you prove your innocence. The judge will instruct the jury on applicable law and, after closing arguments, the case goes to the jury.
• Verdict: This is the jury’s decision. Should you be found not guilty the case is over and you are free. However, if you are found guilty, you will be sentenced.
• Appeal: This step is taken if you are found guilty and believe there was a mistake (like a technical error) in the trial. Your Hinsdale criminal defense attorney may appeal a guilty verdict to a higher court in hopes of it being overturned.

Get Immediate Assistance from Our Criminal Defense Lawyers in Hinsdale

Being accused of a crime in Illinois is frightening. Criminal accusations here can affect you for the rest of your life. Working with an experienced and reputable Hinsdale criminal defense lawyer can help keep you calm and reduce the chances of making a mistake. Contacting us sooner rather than later is key. We will immediately begin work on your case while evidence is fresh and witnesses can be found.

At Wolfe & Stec, our attorneys are determined. We give each and every case our full attention making sure no stone is left unturned. Building your defense is a responsibility we take seriously. We will work closely with you, answer all of your questions, and keep you informed throughout the complex process.

If you have been accused of a crime in Illinois, contact the Hinsdale criminal defense lawyers at Wolfe & Stec today at 630-305-0222 for a free, confidential consultation. Let us start working for you immediately. Fighting for your rights, your freedom, and your future is what we do best.