Criminal Defense
The cases listed below are felony crimes. Each one could send you to the penitentiary and seriously impact your future employment and freedom. Don’t think these cases are like misdemeanors where you just get a slap on the wrist. You need an aggressive attorney with experience to protect you and your future. As you can see below, we not only have experience, but more importantly, SUCCESS.
We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and the initial consultation is always free. Call Gottreich Law at 312.209.4707.
Aggravated Battery and Attempted Murder
Crimes of violence carry very long prison sentences which may be lengthened if a gun is involved. You can be charged with Aggravated Battery for simply shoving a police officer or even a bar fight. If a gun is used, the State will almost certainly charge you with Attempt Murder, even if the person is not hit. Prison sentences are lengthened from 15-25 years if someone is accused of using a gun.
Drug Cases
The State’s Attorney in recent years has been very lenient on drug possession cases. Even if you have a background, we have been successful in receiving deferred prosecution or even dismissals in these types of matters. However, if any allegation of dealing is concerned, especially to an undercover police officer, the State gets very aggressive. These cases may carry very long prison sentences. You must have an attorney ready and able to challenge every part of the police officer’s story.
Gun Cases
In Illinois, even if you have NO criminal background, the minimum sentence for a gun case is one year in the penitentiary; YOU ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR PROBATION! Also, if you are already a convicted felon, you are not allowed to have a gun even in your house. Penalties for gun possession increase depending on your criminal background. If you are charged as an ARMED HABITUAL CRIMINAL, the minimum is 6 years at 85%. As you can see below, we win most of these cases by showing that the police search was unconstitutional.
Burglary and Robbery
Burglary and Residential Burglary concern situations where property is taken from someone’s car, garage, or house. Robbery and Armed Robbery concern situations where property or possessions are taken from a person by force. If a gun is used in an armed robbery the sentence may be lengthened from 15-25 years.
DUI Cases
If you have no background, a Driving Under the Influence case is a misdemeanor. However, if you have prior DUI cases, or a revoked license, the State could charge you with a felony. In fact, the State can even charge you with a felony driving on revoked if your background is bad. Don’t think it’s not serious just because its traffic. This case could send you to the penitentiary.
Murder Cases
Everyone knows what murder is. What most people do not know is that if you are convicted of murder, the minimum time in jail is 20 years, and if a handgun is used then the minimum is 45 years, and that all that time must be served. Almost all murder cases go to jury, and we have won our share, as you can see below.
Although the penalty for a Murder is a long penitentiary sentence, by taking these cases to trial we have successfully received reduced crimes from the Jury such as Second Degree Murder and Involuntary Manslaughter. These lesser crimes carry far less prison time and even probation.
Domestic Battery
These are cases involving family or household members. The charges include domestic battery, telephone harassment, assault, and criminal damage to property. If a person is found guilty or pleads guilty to domestic battery a conviction goes on that person’s record, and can never be expunged. In addition, if you are convicted of one of these crimes, you must participate in twenty-six weeks of domestic violence counseling.
Below you will see some of the cases that our law firm has won after forcing the State’s Attorney to go to trial. In many other cases we have been successful at showing either the State’s Attorney or the Judge our evidence and avoiding trial altogether. In those cases we save our clients the time and money required for a trial.
Expungement
Under the newly updated Illinois expungement and sealing statute, you can now expunge certain convictions from your record. During the year 2017 only, you may also be able to avoid all court costs of filing for expungement depending upon your criminal history. Even if you cannot completely expunge your criminal record, you may qualify to seal your past convictions. We understand the intricacies of the Illinois expungement and sealing statutes and can help interpret them for you. Do not wait any longer – you deserve a clear record today. Contact our expungement experts to ensure a bright future for yourself with a clean criminal background.
Sexual Assault Cases
Sex cases usually begin with a simple allegation, or in other words, a statement against another person which may or may not be true. Even with such little evidence, the State may still bring the case. These cases are very serious, not just because they carry long prison sentences to be served at 85%, but also because if you are found guilty you must register as a sex offender for the rest of your life. These cases need an aggressive attorney who will take the case to trial and win.