If you are convicted of a crime in Naperville, Illinois, the consequences are likely to be severe and follow you for the rest of your life. In addition to facing time in county jail or state prison and having to pay fines, you will have a criminal record that will negatively affect your educational opportunities, career, relationships, housing, and benefits.
The experienced and seasoned Naperville criminal lawyers at Wolfe & Stec, Ltd. understand the seriousness of your situation and offer aggressive representation for clients facing criminal charges. We know the Naperville courts, judges, and system and how to best plea bargain, negotiate guidelines and recognize when to take your case to trial. When we take on a criminal case, we gather information quickly and look at all viable defense options and legal strategies. We have been successful helping others in your situation and will do everything possible to vigorously fight for you and defend your rights.
The Illinois Criminal Code categorizes crimes as either a misdemeanor or a felony. Felonies are more serious, and the punishments are greater, with the possibility of high fines and years of imprisonment.
Felony crimes fall into five categories, while misdemeanors are broken into three classes, depending on circumstances of the crime. A conviction on a felony charge usually carries a jail sentence of more than one year, and many offenses have mandatory minimum jail sentences. A class 4 felony, such as a DUI, can be punished with imprisonment of 1-3 years and fines of up to $25,000. A class 1 felony, such as kidnapping or sexual assault, can be punished with imprisonment of 4-15 years and fines of up to $25,000.
People convicted of felonies are sentenced to state or federal prison, and certain felonies are punishable by death. If a felony crime goes to federal court, the fines and time in prison for a conviction increase drastically. For example, a class A felony can be punished with possible life imprisonment and fines of up to $250,000.
Misdemeanor criminal charges are those that have a maximum sentence of one year in jail or less, usually with no mandatory minimum jail time, and fines of up to $2,500. Risk of jail time for misdemeanors increases for a second or greater offense.
Misdemeanor charges include:
Whether you’ve been charged with a felony or a misdemeanor offense, you’ll need an experienced attorney by your side. Be sure you work with a skilled Naperville criminal lawyer who will explain all of your legal options. Call us to discuss your case at 630-305-0222.
According to Area Vibes, the overall Naperville, IL, crime rates are 54% lower than the Illinois mean and are 60% lower than the nation’s mean. Naperville has a violent crime rate that is 86% lower than the Illinois average and 84% lower than that of the United States.
Between Jan. 1 and April 30, there were 10 sexual assaults, 14 robberies, 30 aggravated assaults, 39 burglaries and one murder, according to Naperville Police Department data.
If you are accused of a crime in Naperville, Illinois, you need to hire the best criminal defense attorney that 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 have to be proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The Naperville criminal defense lawyers at Wolfe & Stec, Ltd. are skilled trial lawyers who believe each case is unique, with its own set of circumstances. We will aggressively 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 develop 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 — call us at 630-305-0222 or contact us online for help today if you have been accused of any criminal charges. The initial consultation with our criminal lawyers in Naperville is free of charge.