Homicide and Manslaughter
Crimes that involve taking another person's life, regardless of whether the crime is murder, manslaughter, or vehicular manslaughter, are the most serious criminal cases that out attorneys have handled.
Killing someone by committing an act that a person knows will cause death or serious bodily harm, or if a person is killed during a forcible felony, creates guilt under the first degree murder offense under Illinois law. In such instances, our attorneys have argued that a person has acted under a sudden and intense passion, or in other instances, that they had an unreasonable belief that they are acting in self-defense, which changed the offense to second degree murder. Being charged with first degree murder by the prosecution can carry a sentence of twenty years up to life. The use of a firearm adds twenty-five years to the minimum sentence, with the requirement that every day of the sentence be served. A conviction for second degree murder is still a class one felony, with this sentencing range of four to fifteen years, and time off for good behavior.
We handle a wide array of homicide cases: manslaughter, voluntary manslaughter, drunk driving murder, involuntary manslaughter, vehicular manslaughter, first degree murder, and second degree murder. Of course our attorneys will seek a not guilty verdict whenever it is possible. In some cases, however, the best option is simply to make second degree conviction the goal. We can help advise you so that you will know what strategy best fits the situation of you or your loved one.
Possession Cases
Drug crimes are actually the most common charges in the U.S. In our country, over 2 million people are behind bars. In fact, one out of every thirty-one adults is either in prison, on parole, or on probation. One-fifth of Illinois prisoners are incarcerated specifically because of drug convictions. You do not need to become a part of this statistic. Just as we do in DUI's, if you have a possession charge, we will get all of the evidence and information that exists on your case and advise you and represent you through the best possible outcome.
Criminal Defense
Being charged with any crime – major or minor – is a serious matter. A person facing criminal charges risks severe penalties and consequences, such as jail time, having a criminal record, loss of relationships, damage to future job prospects, and losing a driver's license. A criminal arrest of any nature warrants the legal advice of a qualified criminal defense attorney who can protect your rights and get the best possible outcome for your case. Each of our attorneys have a background in legal practice that first began as criminal defense attorneys. We have experience handling a wide range of cases, including DUI's, batteries, and even many homicides over the years.
DUI
Driving under the influence is defined as operating a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol, other drugs, or intoxicating compounds and methamphetamine. Over 48,000 people are arrested in Illinois every year for this charge. Almost 40,000 of those are first-time offenders. In Illinois, you are legally considered to be under the influence if you have a BAC (blood-alcohol concentration) of .08 or more, you have used any illegal substance at all, or you are impaired by medication. Moreover, a BAC between .05 and .08 may still convict you of DUI if additional evidence shows that you are impaired. A DUI charge is also unique in that it is really more like two cases. One is in the criminal system, where a judge or a jury will decide if you go to jail or suffer some other punishment. The other is a civil penalty, through the Secretary of State, where you face a suspension or revocation of your driver's license. If you cannot obtain an acquittal or a sentence of court supervision on your case, then you will receive a conviction for DUI in the criminal system, and then a civil process will nearly always result in a complete revocation of your driver's license.
There is no substitute for personal consultation with a licensed attorney. No information on this site is meant to substitute for that accurate, in-person legal advice. Try not to take any actions without first speaking with an attorney.