Chicago Misdemeanors Attorney

Experienced Felonies Attorney in Cook County

If you are facing criminal charges in Chicago or Cook County, it is essential to work with a qualified and experienced criminal defense attorney. Whether the charge is a misdemeanor or felony, an experienced attorney can provide invaluable assistance and guidance throughout the process. With the right lawyer on your side, you can determine what strategies may be available to help you achieve the best possible outcome to your case.

At the Law Offices of James F. DiQuattro, we provide effective, aggressive representation for clients facing any type of criminal charges. We will fight to protect your rights throughout the legal proceedings while ensuring that you receive fair treatment from law enforcement officers, prosecutors, judges, and other court personnel. We will go the extra mile for you, doing everything we can to achieve a dismissal of charges or a not-guilty verdict. If this is not possible, we will work to reduce your potential consequences, including advocating for alternative sentencing options such as probation and working to help you avoid a permanent criminal record and minimize the ways your life will be affected.

Understanding Misdemeanor Charges in Illinois

Criminal charges that are classified as misdemeanors are often seen as minor offenses. However, this does not mean that they should not be taken seriously. If you are convicted of a Class A misdemeanor conviction, you may be sentenced to up to one year in prison, and you may also face thousands of dollars of fines and other consequences, such as a criminal record that will show up on background checks.

Some common misdemeanor offenses include:

• Assault and battery - Assault, which consists of acting in a way that causes someone to fear that they will suffer bodily harm, is a Class C misdemeanor. The actual infliction of bodily harm may result in charges of battery, which is a Class A misdemeanor.
• Domestic battery - Battery committed against a spouse, another family member, or someone who lives in the same home as the alleged offender will usually result in Class A misdemeanor charges for a first offense.
• Public Indecency - Engaging in sexual conduct in public is usually charged as a Class A misdemeanor for a first or second offense.
• Prostitution - Performing sexual acts in return for any form of compensation is a Class A misdemeanor. Solicitation of a prostitute will also usually result in Class A misdemeanor charges.
• First-time or second-time DUI - Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs will usually result in Class A misdemeanor charges for a first or second offense. However, a variety of consequences will apply in these cases, including the suspension or revocation of an offender's driver's license.
• Theft and retail theft - Stealing less than $500 worth of property may result in Class A misdemeanor charges, as long as it was not taken directly from a person. Shoplifting merchandise valued at less than $300 may also be charged as a Class A misdemeanor.
• Weapons charges - Possessing or selling certain types of illegal weapons, such as brass knuckles or switchblades, or carrying a firearm without a valid Firearm Owner's ID Card or Concealed Carry License is a Class A misdemeanor.

Illinois Felony Offenses

Felonies are considered to be more serious crimes, and they usually carry a sentence of at least one year in prison, although higher-level felonies may result in sentences of multiple decades or life in prison. In Illinois, all levels of felonies may result in fines of up to $25,000. Some common felony offenses include:

• Sex crimes - Offenses such as sexual assault and sexual abuse will usually result in felony charges, and the penalties will increase if aggravating factors are involved. Crimes against children, including those related to child pornography, can result in high-level felony charges.
• Violent crimes - Aggravated assault and aggravated battery are felony offenses. Serious felony charges will apply in cases involving first-degree murder, other homicide crimes, or vehicular hijacking.
• Drug crimes - Simple drug possession charges will usually be charged as Class 4 felonies at minimum, and more serious felony charges may apply if large amounts of drugs are involved in a case. High-level felony charges will also apply in cases involving drug distribution or drug trafficking.
• Aggravated DUI - A third or subsequent DUI will be charged as a felony, and other factors may also lead to felony charges, including DUI resulting in injury or death.
• Unlawful possession or use of weapons - Possession of a firearm by a felon will usually result in Class 3 felony charges. Possessing certain types of illegal weapons, such as machine guns, or discharging firearms recklessly will also result in felony charges.
• Theft and fraud - Theft of more than $500 or retail theft of more than $300 may result in Class 4 felony charges, and the felony charges will increase for higher amounts. White collar crimes such as identity theft will usually also be charged as felonies.
• Burglary and robbery - Burglary, which involves entering someone's property with the intent of committing a felony, is usually charged as a Class 3 felony. Robbery, which involves taking property from someone through the use of force, is a Class 2 felony, and increased charges may apply in cases involving armed robbery.

Contact Our Chicago Felony and Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer

If you are facing misdemeanor or felony charges, Attorney James F. DiQuattro can provide the representation you need, helping you determine how to resolve your case successfully. Contact our office at 312-627-9482 to set up a free consultation today.