An Illinois criminal defense lawyer is often the best person to defend you against a criminal charge. Your attorney will do everything from conducting investigations, filing pretrial motions and defending you at trial.
If you are charged with a crime, the consequences can be severe. Having a conviction on your record can prevent you from finding work, and it will affect your family’s future as well.
Shoplifting
Retail theft costs the retail industry billions of dollars each year. Many people do not think that taking a candy bar or a tube of lipstick without paying for it is a big deal, but those actions can lead to criminal charges of shoplifting.
If you are arrested for retail theft, an Illinois criminal defense lawyer could help. A criminal attorney with extensive trial experience can help you minimize the consequences of a conviction for this offense.
Shoplifting laws in Illinois are stacked against the accused. Police and store security officers are conditioned to believe the accusations of an accused Shoplifter. James Dimeas has over 29 years of experience handling these cases in all counties and Courthouses in the Chicago metropolitan area. A criminal defense lawyer could also help you get into a Shoplifting diversion program that would dismiss the charges upon completion.
Sex Crimes
Sex crimes are some of the most emotionally devastating types of criminal charges in Illinois. These cases often involve the word of one person against another, ambiguous physical evidence and other complicating factors. A good Chicago sex crime lawyer will listen to you, understand your version of events and help you craft an effective defense strategy.
Whether you are charged with prostitution, promoting prostitution or a felony like criminal sexual assault, these charges will be a major blow to your reputation and may affect your ability to travel, work and live. Your Chicago sex crime attorney will build a strong case for you by conducting investigations, interviewing witnesses and filing motions. He will be your advocate throughout the entire process. This is important because conviction of sex offenses can result in lengthy prison sentences and lifetime registration as a sex offender.
Drug Charges
While some states are trending toward leniency on drug crimes, Illinois remains harsh on those who manufacture and possess controlled substances. Depending on the type of drug and its schedule in the state (Schedule I being the most serious), a conviction could result in prison time, probation and fines.
An experienced illinois criminal defense lawyer will work to have the charges against you reduced or dismissed. He will review your case and look for any flaws in the police investigation including illegal searches. Extenuating circumstances may also be an argument in your favor. For example, if you are prescribed painkillers after an injury or surgery and become addicted, this is a good argument for getting the drugs taken off your record. Extenuating circumstances could also get you into a treatment program instead of jail time.
Misdemeanors
A criminal defense lawyer can help you handle misdemeanor charges. These are low-level offenses such as petty theft, disorderly conduct and simple assault. A good defense attorney can argue that your offense was not as serious as prosecutors claim, and that the case should be dismissed.
Misdemeanors may also rise to the level of a felony if certain aggravating elements or circumstances are present. Examples include the severity of an assault or the value of stolen property. Also, some states have a category of crime called wobblers that can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on how severe the injury or how much money was stolen.
A criminal defense lawyer can also help you with expungement or sealing of your record. This can be important for future employment and immigration issues.
Felonies
A felony is a serious criminal offense in Illinois that can lead to prison time and significant monetary fines. A felony conviction stays on your record and can hurt your reputation and future opportunities for work, housing or relationships.
A Chicago felony lawyer can help defend you against any kind of felony charge. Felonies include murder, assault and battery, kidnapping, burglary, and violations of drug laws. Felonies are divided into classes ranging from the most severe, class X felonies to class 4 felonies.
Whether you are facing charges of shoplifting, sex crimes, possession of drugs or even a hate crime, it is important to get an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately. An early start on your case can make all the difference in your outcome.