Chicago Misdemeanor Attorney

Pissetzky Law LLC is equipped to defend against any misdemeanor charge, including:

DUI

In Illinois, DUIs exist in a hazy line between misdemeanors and felonies. While the state classifies a DUI as a Class A felony, Illinois still has a tiered system for DUI charges. The first offense has a smaller sentence, the second offense carries a heftier sentence, and a third offense becomes a felony. The actual blood alcohol level (BAC) affects the severity of the punishment, as does other factors, such the presence of any minors in the car, lack of a valid driver’s license or insurance.

In addition, when charged with a DUI in Illinois, you might lose your driving privileges if the Secretary of State suspends your driver’s license. It is very important to file a Petition to Rescind the Summary Suspension to challenge the suspension of your driving privileges.

With all the variables involved in a DUI charge, it’s highly encouraged that you seek representation when charged. We can help you navigate all the subtle intricacies of the charge and help build an appropriate defense.

Theft

Theft, when classified as a misdemeanor, is a Class A crime in Illinois. It has to fall into very narrow categories for it to be considered a misdemeanor. Otherwise, it gets charged as a felony.

For theft to be classified as a misdemeanor, the property cannot be stolen directly off the other person. If someone left their phone on a bench and another person takes it, that’s different from taking it directly out of their hands. Misdemeanor theft has to take place somewhere other than a school, place of worship, or government building. The property must be valued at $500 or lower, and the accused cannot have any other theft charges on their record.

Pissetzky Law LLC can fight to keep the facts of your case straight and help keep you from being charged for a greater offense.

Battery

Battery can be classified as a felony in more serious cases. It is a misdemeanor only when the other party was not seriously injured. However, the definition of battery is very broad. In Illinois, battery can include any contact with another person that was meant in an “insulting or provoking nature.” The contact doesn’t even have to be body-to-body. If you poke at someone with a stick to annoy them, they can accuse you of battery. Battery is a Class A misdemeanor.

We don’t want to see a minor battery charge elevated beyond reason. Pissetzky Law LLC is here to help fight for clarity amid the inflamed emotions that go along with a battery charge.

Weapons Charges

Without a concealed carry license, Chicago residents are looking at charges for carrying a firearm. Like most Class A misdemeanors, a weapons charge in Illinois can be elevated to a felony based on the severity of the crime. Weapons misdemeanors include carrying tasers, stun guns, and other projectile-type weaponry without a license. For it to be a misdemeanor, it also has to be a first-time charge.

If you’ve been accused of illegally carrying a firearm, we want to help you keep the charges down to a minimum.

Domestic Violence

As a crime, domestic violence meets certain criteria. It must be committed by a close relation, and the crime itself must take place in a familial context. For example, it’s common sense to assume that someone punching their spouse is an act of domestic violence. What may be less clear is if someone is not in a relationship with the accused but used to be in a relationship, such as an ex-boyfriend.

Family violence is a Class A felony when the injuries are not severe and when the offender does not have prior convictions. A person charged with a domestic battery is facing a conviction in Illinois. Domestic Battery charges are not eligible for a sentence of supervision.