Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney

Our criminal defense lawyers in Chicago have skillfully represented clients in federal and state courts around the country. Whether you face charges of felony theft, drug trafficking, or even homicide, no case is too difficult or demanding for our powerhouse defenders. We have the results to prove it. So don’t waste any time! Find out how we can provide the high-caliber defense you need.

The stages of the criminal process in Illinois can be divided into pre-arrest, arrest, post-arrest and court stages. During the pre-arrest stage, authorities investigate a potential crime to collect evidence. This can involve searching for physical evidence, interviewing witnesses or conducting surveillance. If enough evidence is collected, an arrest is made and the accused is then taken into custody by law enforcement. At the post-arrest stage, charges are filed against the accused and a decision is made whether to release them on bond or not. Lastly, during the court stages there are several steps that must take place before a case reaches trial and sentence is imposed. These stages involve initial hearing, motions, discovery and plea negotiations.

In Illinois all stages of the criminal process could involve attorneys representing both sides as well as a judge overseeing proceedings from start to finish. Depending on the nature of the charges and criminal background of the accused party, criminal proceedings could vary significantly - ranging from something as simple as a traffic citation to more complex criminal cases including hearings involving multiple parties. In addition to engaging with criminal justice services throughout the criminal process itself, those convicted may have access to other programs post-conviction in order to help them become productive members of society again.

Our criminal defense lawyers in Chicago are dedicated to pursuing victory in every case—we never go in hoping to make a deal with the prosecutor. Armed with the insights to anticipate the prosecution’s strategy, we fight tirelessly to beat your criminal charge, getting you the not-guilty verdict you deserve. We never back down from defending your rights. Discover how we can help you secure your finances, freedom, and future.

What Are the Collateral Consequences of a Criminal Conviction?

A criminal conviction can have various collateral consequences beyond the immediate criminal punishment. These consequences can impact an individual's personal and professional life long after they have served their sentence. Some of the collateral consequences of a criminal conviction include:

• Loss of civil rights: A criminal conviction can result in the loss of civil rights, including the right to vote, hold public office, serve on a jury, or possess firearms.
• Employment: A criminal record can make it challenging for an individual to find employment. Many employers conduct background checks on potential employees and may be hesitant to hire someone with a criminal record, even if the conviction is not related to the job.
• Housing: A criminal record can also make it difficult for an individual to find housing. Landlords may be hesitant to rent to someone with a criminal record, even if the conviction is not related to housing.
• Education: A criminal record can affect an individual's ability to pursue higher education. Many colleges and universities conduct background checks on applicants and may deny admission to someone with a criminal record.
• Immigration: A criminal conviction can also impact an individual's immigration status. Non-citizens with criminal convictions may face deportation or other immigration consequences.
• Professional licenses: A criminal conviction can also impact an individual's ability to obtain or maintain a professional license, such as a law or medical license.
• Social stigma: Finally, a criminal conviction can also result in social stigma and discrimination, which can have long-lasting effects on an individual's personal and professional relationships.