Chicago Criminal Defense Attorneys

Dedicated to Seeking Justice and Ensuring Your Rights Are Upheld

Being charged with a serious crime can be devastating, especially if the penalties include jail time and expensive fines. If you need help with your next steps after your arrest, you should immediately contact a Chicago criminal defense attorney for legal guidance. An experienced legal professional will ensure you understand the severity of your criminal charges from the start and are aware of the possible defense options for your criminal case so you can get the best possible outcome.

If you need legal counsel for your Illinois criminal case, call our criminal defense law firm to schedule a free consultation with caring, dedicated defense attorneys.

What Kinds of Criminal Cases Do Our Chicago Criminal Defense Lawyers Handle?

Since 2009, our Chicago criminal defense attorneys have worked hard to represent clients facing serious criminal charges that range from misdemeanors to felonies. This means we have the criminal law knowledge and experience necessary to defend you from accusations involving violent offenses, sex crimes, white-collar crimes, drug crimes, and other serious criminal offenses.

Some of the types of criminal charges we’ve defended clients from include:

So, if you’ve been accused of committing a misdemeanor or felony offense in Illinois, you can count on us to use our experience to create a defense strategy to get you the best results as your criminal case moves through the criminal justice system. We’re committed to ensuring your rights remain intact no matter what criminal offenses you’ve been accused of, as everyone deserves the chance to get a fair trial and legal representation by a criminal lawyer.

If you’re ready to seek legal advice from an experienced and highly skilled defense attorney in Chicago, contact our law offices for a free consultation. Abdallah Law offers aggressive Chicago criminal defense attorneys for virtually any type of state or federal criminal charges you or your loved ones may be dealing with, and we’re eager to learn more about your criminal case to determine how we can assist you.

What Are Misdemeanor Crimes in Illinois?

Criminal offenses fall into two categories: misdemeanors and felonies. Misdemeanors are considered less serious than felony offenses, but they can result in severe consequences if you’re convicted. For this reason, it’s essential to talk to a Chicago criminal defense attorney about your case if you were arrested for a misdemeanor offense in Illinois.

A skilled criminal lawyer can argue your case in court so you can avoid having a misdemeanor on your criminal record and being sentenced to jail time. As you prepare for your Chicago criminal case, you should get to know how misdemeanors are classified in this state and what penalties you could end up with if convicted.

Class A Misdemeanors

There are three categories of misdemeanors in Illinois, and the most serious one is Class A. Charges that fall into this category can result in up to one year in county jail, up to two years of probation, and up to $2,500 in fines. They can also lead to additional penalties specific to the crime, such as restitution after a theft charge or a suspended driver’s license after an offense involving driving.

Some examples of Class A misdemeanor offenses in this state include:

Simple battery
First DUI
Second DUI
Shoplifting
Violation of a domestic violence protective order
Possession of drug paraphernalia without intent to sell

If you’re facing charges for these or similar criminal offenses in Illinois, it’s crucial that you seek legal representation from a skilled criminal defense lawyer. After all, you could end up with jail time and a serious offense on your criminal record if you’re convicted of a Class A misdemeanor in the Illinois criminal justice system.

Class B Misdemeanors

Class B misdemeanor offenses can result in slightly less severe penalties than Class A charges, but you could still be sentenced to jail time if convicted. In fact, Class B misdemeanor charges can lead to up to six months in a county jail, probation for up to two years, and up to $1,500 in fines.

Some examples of Class B misdemeanors in Illinois include:

Possession of 10 to 30 grams of cannabis
Aggravated speeding
Theft of items valued at $500 or less
Criminal trespass to real property
Telephone harassment
Dumping trash on someone else’s property without consent

If you were accused of committing these or other Class B misdemeanor offenses, contact our law offices to speak with a knowledgeable Chicago criminal defense attorney about what to expect from your case. Our caring team will make sure you understand what your criminal charges mean and the most effective way to fight them with our legal guidance.

Class C Misdemeanors

The least severe type of crime to be accused of in Illinois is a Class C misdemeanor, but even offenses in this category can result in some jail time. In fact, the penalties for this type of crime can include up to 30 days in a county jail, up to two years of probation, and $75 to $1,500 in fines.

Some examples of Class C misdemeanors in Illinois include:

Simple assault
Disorderly conduct
Illegal storage of a gun when you know a minor under age 14 could access it

If you were charged with a Class C misdemeanor, it’s essential to talk to an experienced criminal defense attorney about your legal options. While this type of criminal offense might be considered the least serious kind, it’s best to keep your criminal record clear of any convictions if possible, including misdemeanor and felony crimes. Call our Chicago criminal defense law firm to discuss your charges with a helpful Chicago criminal lawyer.

What Are Felony Charges in Illinois?

The most serious criminal charges in any state are felony offenses. These can include drug trafficking, sexual assault, aggravated battery, identity theft, murder, bank fraud, and other serious criminal offenses. For this reason, if you’re convicted of a felony in Illinois, your penalties could include thousands of dollars in fines, years in prison, and other severe consequences.

In particular, having a felony conviction on your criminal record could cause you to lose your right to vote, bear arms, serve on a jury, or run for office. You’ll also likely have trouble finding employment or a place to live when you have one or more felony offenses on your criminal record. This is why it’s important to defend yourself from serious accusations by hiring a Chicago criminal lawyer. The right legal team for you will ensure you’re aware of the charges you’re facing, the possible penalties, and the potential defense strategies to use. Call our Chicago law offices today to get started on your criminal case and learn how felony offenses are classified in this state.

First-Degree Murder

Illinois puts first-degree murder into its own class, making this the most serious class of felonies. If you’re convicted of this violent offense, you’ll be sentenced to 20 years to life in prison, plus up to $25,000 in fines.

This is why it’s so important to get legal counsel for a chance to get this serious charge dismissed or reduced, as a conviction can be devastating. Contact our law firm today to speak with a Chicago criminal defense lawyer if you or a family member is facing a first-degree murder charge.

Class X Felonies

Aside from first-degree murder, the most serious type of felony you can be charged with is a Class X offense. Many violent crimes fall into this category, though serious white-collar crimes can also be considered Class X felonies. The penalties include up to $25,000 in fines and six to 30 years in prison, though you could end up with more prison time and additional consequences depending on the circumstances of your case.

Some examples of Class X felonies in Illinois include:

Armed robbery
Child sex trafficking
Home invasion
Drug manufacturing
Aggravated criminal sexual assault
Aggravated arson
Aggravated kidnapping

You don’t want to take the chance of being convicted of one or more of these serious criminal offenses, so you should trust only an experienced criminal defense lawyer with your case. Call our Chicago law offices today for legal representation.

Class 1 Felonies

Class 1 felonies are almost as serious as Class X offenses, as they usually involve violence toward another person or theft of valuable property. For this reason, lengthy prison sentences are common for Class 1 felony convictions. The minimum prison time is four years, with the maximum being 15 years for most cases, though you could face up to 30 years depending on the circumstances of the crime.

Some examples of Class 1 felonies include:

Second-degree murder
Carjacking
Aggravated robbery
Criminal sexual assault
Aggravated discharge of a firearm
Burglary of a residence, church, or school
Production of child pornography

If you’re hoping to avoid a conviction for a Class 1 felony in Illinois, call our law firm to speak with a Chicago criminal lawyer about your legal options.

Class 2 Felonies

The next most serious crime in this state is a Class 2 felony. If convicted, you could spend three to seven years in prison and owe up to $25,000 in fines.

Some examples of Class 2 felonies in Illinois include:

Robbery
Burglary
Arson
Kidnapping
Third DUI arrest
Drug possession over certain quantities
Theft of over $500
Aggravated domestic battery
Possession of a stolen firearm

Our legal team can protect you from Class 2 felony charges and the resulting penalties of a conviction, so contact us for the legal guidance you deserve.

Class 3 Felonies

Class 3 felonies can lead to years in prison and steep fines, depending on the crime and your criminal record. More specifically, you can face two to five years in prison if you’re convicted.

Examples of Class 3 felonies include:

Aggravated battery
Certain forms of drug trafficking
Forgery
Perjury
Involuntary manslaughter
Theft of less than $500

At Abdallah Law, we’ve provided legal guidance to countless clients facing these and similar charges, so you can rely on our team to represent you during every step of your criminal defense case. Contact us to schedule a free consultation with a caring attorney.

Class 4 Felonies

The least severe felony to be charged with is a Class 4 offense. Most people convicted of this type of crime are sentenced to one to three years in prison, plus fines and other possible penalties.

Some examples of Class 4 felonies in Illinois include:

Obstruction of justice
Domestic battery
Looting
Stalking
Possession of certain types and quantities of drugs
Theft of $300 or less

If you were arrested for any of these alleged offenses, it’s time to contact a skilled criminal defense attorney for legal advice. At our Chicago law firm, we understand that even minor criminal charges can have serious effects on your life or the life of your loved one for years to come.

Any conviction has the potential to follow you or your loved one around for life, as it could result in prison or jail time, substantial fines, probation, and a damaged permanent record and reputation. If you want the chance to avoid these serious penalties, contact our law firm to discuss your case with a Chicago criminal lawyer who will work hard to clear your name.

Are You Facing State or Federal Criminal Charges?

Criminal charges fall into not only felony or misdemeanor categories, but also state or federal classifications. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can help you understand what the difference is between these crimes and whether you’re accused of state or federal crimes.

In general, federal crimes are considered more serious than state crimes, and their penalties tend to be harsher as a result. If you’re unfamiliar with federal crimes, they’re violations of federal law rather than state law, which means they’re tried in federal court instead of state court. Some offenses are against both state and federal law, but if they’re committed across state lines or on federal property – such as in a national park – they become federal offenses.

Federal Offenses

The most common types of federal crimes include fraud, drug crimes, firearm offenses, murder, or white-collar crimes. In particular, the following are often considered federal offenses rather than state crimes:

Money laundering
Identity theft
Bank fraud
Mail fraud
Terrorism
Drug trafficking
Child pornography manufacturing
Credit card fraud
Bank robbery
Mortgage fraud
Tax evasion
Firearms violations

Federal agencies are in charge of investigating federal crimes. For example, if you’re facing federal drug trafficking charges, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will be involved in the investigation. If you’re accused of mortgage fraud, the Federal Housing Finance Agency will likely investigate your case before bringing it to federal court for federal prosecutors to handle.

Another difference between state and federal crimes is the punishment. The penalties for federal offenses tend to be harsher than for state crimes, as they include longer prison sentences on average. The fines are usually costlier, as they can start at tens of thousands of dollars and climb to millions of dollars, while fines for state charges usually don’t exceed about $30,000. In addition, if you’re convicted of a federal offense, you’ll be sentenced to time in a federal prison, not a state prison.

If you’re unsure if you’ve been accused of breaking a state or federal law and don’t know what penalties you’re facing, a skilled criminal lawyer will provide the information you need as your case begins. Contact our Chicago law offices to discuss the details of your state or federal criminal case with lawyers who are prepared to provide the criminal defense strategy necessary to get the best possible outcome.

What Should You Do After Your Arrest?

The actions you take during and after your arrest can greatly affect the results of your case, so it’s important to consider the recommended steps to take. Based on our years of experience providing Illinois clients with legal guidance, we advise you to do the following once you’re arrested:

Stay calm and cooperative when interacting with the police. You should follow directions and not try to resist arrest unless you’re prepared to face additional charges. You will have the opportunity to explain your side of the story after you seek legal help and your case begins, so avoid the urge to defend yourself during your arrest.
Remember that you have the right to remain silent. While you should follow the instructions given by the police officers, you do not have to answer all their questions or provide an explanation until you have a lawyer by your side. Once you have stated your name when asked to identify yourself, you can tell the officers you would like to remain silent until you have an attorney present.
Do not talk about the incident with anyone but your lawyer. This means you should avoid talking to your friends and family about your arrest, posting details about it on social media, or telling inmates in jail about what led to your arrest. You never know who else is listening and could be asked to testify against you during your defense case.
Do not sign any paperwork without your attorney present. If the police give you one or more documents to sign, tell them you’d like to show your attorney before you make any decisions. It’s important to make sure you’re not signing a confession or waiving your rights.
Contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer for legal help. Pleading guilty or trying to represent yourself will likely lead to an unfair conviction and harsh penalties. A skilled lawyer will work hard to show you’re not guilty as charged, or at least negotiate to get your charges and penalties reduced.

If you didn’t complete these steps immediately after you were arrested, there’s still time to contact a trusted lawyer to review your case. You deserve the chance to show that the criminal charges you’re facing do not tell the whole story. When you contact our criminal law firm, our legal team will carefully review the formal criminal charges against you before determining the most suitable way to defend you from them. Call us today for a free consultation with caring attorneys serving clients throughout Illinois.

What Should You Know About the Criminal Process in Illinois?

Being arrested for allegedly committing a crime can be scary, particularly if this is your first arrest. This is why it’s critical to have a trusted lawyer by your side from the beginning of your case, as they can walk you through each step of the criminal process and ensure you know what to expect throughout it. The following are the main steps to be prepared for when it comes to the legal process:

The arrest: If the police have probable cause to believe you committed a crime, you’ll be arrested and processed into custody. At this point, you will be fingerprinted, photographed, and possibly interrogated by the police. If you haven’t already requested a lawyer and communicated that you wish to remain silent, this is the time to do so.
Bond hearing: Depending on the nature of your alleged crime, you will have the chance to stay out of jail until your court date. What happens at your bond hearing will determine this, as this is when the judge decides if it’s safe to release you from jail. If you’re not considered a threat to the public and seem likely to show up to your next court date, the judge will release you after you pay the agreed-upon bail amount.
Arraignment: During your first court date after your arrest, you will find out the formal criminal charges you’re facing. At that point, you and your lawyer will state whether you plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest to the charges.
Discovery and pre-trial motions: During the discovery phase, your criminal defense lawyer and the prosecution team will exchange the evidence they have regarding the case. At this time, your lawyer can make pre-trial motions, such as challenging the admissibility of evidence or asking for the charges to be dismissed. If the judge decides the case will move forward, your lawyer can try to negotiate a plea deal if you want to avoid trial.
The trial: If you plead not guilty and do not have a plea agreement in place, your lawyer will represent you during the trial. During this stage of the criminal process, your lawyer will present evidence in your favor, argue against evidence not in your favor, and cross-examine witnesses. Their goal is to establish reasonable doubt to prevent the judge or jury from finding you guilty of the crimes you’ve been accused of.
Sentencing: If you get a guilty verdict in your case, the judge must decide on the appropriate sentence for the crime. This means determining how many years you’ll spend in prison, how much you’ll pay in fines and any other penalties you should face. Your sentence will typically depend on your criminal record, the severity of the offense, and the impact on the victims.
Appeals: If you or your lawyer believe your case was affected by legal errors, you have the right to file an appeal. If approved, you could get a new trial or at least a reduced sentence, depending on the details of your case.

If you have questions about the criminal prosecution steps or are ready to get the legal support you need, contact our Chicago criminal law office for a free consultation. Our criminal defense lawyers.

If you’re ready to learn how a trusted criminal defense attorney can defend you from the serious criminal charges you’re facing, contact Abdallah Law for legal assistance. Our defense attorneys are known for being knowledgeable about criminal law and relentless when it comes to fighting for the rights of our clients. If you need legal counsel for your Illinois criminal case, call our criminal defense law firm to schedule a free consultation with caring, dedicated defense attorneys.

What Defense Options Can Your Chicago Criminal Defense Lawyer Assist You with?

No matter how severe the charges against you are, it’s important to remember that there is hope for your case when you have an experienced defense attorney by your side. That’s because skilled lawyers are familiar with several defense options that could work for your case, depending on your charges and the evidence against you.

Whether you’re accused of committing white-collar crimes like mail fraud or violent crimes like domestic violence, a trusted lawyer’s carefully crafted defense strategy can give you a chance to reduce your charges or be found not guilty. Consider some of the possible defense strategies for criminal cases in Illinois, and then schedule a free consultation with a lawyer to find out the most effective defense option for your specific case.

Challenging the Evidence Against You

If your lawyer does not believe the evidence against you is solid enough to prove you’re guilty of the offense, they will find ways to challenge it. Their tactics will depend on the type of evidence in your case.

One way your lawyer can prove you did not commit the crime you were charged with is by showing you have an alibi. This means you can provide evidence that you were not at the scene of the crime when it took place, so it’s impossible for you to have done it. You can prove your alibi through testimony from a trusted witness, video footage, or time-stamped photos and receipts showing you were elsewhere when the offense occurred.

Your lawyer can also argue that the state or federal prosecutor’s evidence against you is weak or incorrect. For example, if the primary evidence is a blurry photo or a statement from an unreliable witness, they can make it clear that there isn’t enough proof to show you’re guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Your lawyer will let you know how they plan to fight false claims against you after they review your case, so call our Chicago criminal law firm for a free consultation.

Affirmative Defenses

Some defense strategies focus on showing that you may have committed the offense, but you should not be held criminally liable for it. This may work best if there is a lot of evidence showing that you likely committed the offense but had a good reason for it.

For instance, if you’re accused of injuring or killing someone who attacked you, your lawyer might aim to prove you acted out of self-defense or defense of someone else. This will require them to prove you had good reason to believe your life was in danger due to the actions of the alleged victim.

Another example of an affirmative defense is entrapment. This suggests that the police persuaded you to commit a crime you otherwise would not have committed. For instance, if you’re facing drug charges – such as drug conspiracy or illegal possession of a controlled substance – after a police officer posed as a drug dealer and worked hard to convince you to commit a drug offense, your lawyer could claim this was entrapment.

Depending on the offense you’re accused of, your lawyer could prove you only did it out of necessity. For instance, if you drove on a suspended license to get help for yourself or someone else, your attorney could state that you had no choice but to commit the offense for a good reason. Your legal team will let you know if any of these affirmative defenses are appropriate for your case after your initial consultation, so call our Chicago criminal law office today to get started.

Violation of Your Rights

If it’s apparent that the police ignored your rights during and after your arrest, your lawyer could use this information to get a not-guilty result for your case, or at least the best possible outcome. After all, laws ranging from the smallest local statutes all the way up to the U.S. Constitution itself are meant to help protect your civil rights either directly or indirectly, even when you’re accused of a crime.

The specific laws related to civil rights have been modified and improved over the years, yet there are still gross violations that occur on a regular basis. All violations of your civil rights are inexcusable under the Constitution, but if the abuse is at the hands of a police officer, it is especially reprehensible.

Police officers have significant authority and power at their disposal, so there are a lot of legal protections in place for civilians when they carry out their duties. When these officers overstep their authority, they need to be held accountable for their actions.

If you have had your rights violated by an officer of the law, a statute known as Section 1983 will come into play. This is an old statute that has been in place since 1871 and is used today primarily because this section makes it unlawful for anyone who is acting under the authority of the state (including police officers) to deprive another person of their rights. If you feel that your civil rights were violated by the police officers involved in your case, we have the knowledge and experience to take aggressive steps to protect your rights going forward, so call us to discuss your legal options.

Why Should You Hire Our Chicago Criminal Defense Attorneys to Represent You?

If you or a loved one were accused of committing serious crimes in the Chicago area, we urge you to contact Abdallah Law today for legal representation. Our criminal law team has successfully represented numerous clients accused of committing everything from white-collar crimes to violent offenses, so you can rest assured we have the experience necessary to help Chicago criminal defendants avoid lengthy prison sentences and costly fines.

Unlike many criminal defense attorneys who start with the assumption that negotiating a deal is the best course of action, we are ready to fight zealously and aggressively for justice. In most cases we handle, we craft an effective defense strategy to present at the criminal trial. While this is a more challenging course of action, we’ve found it is often your best approach for avoiding a conviction.

Of course, we evaluate every case based on your unique situation and desired outcomes, and we always put your interests first. Additionally, our clients have the full resources of our entire legal team working hard for them during every case. If you’re ready to learn how we can help you, call our Chicago criminal law firm at 872-219-1622 for a free consultation.