Felonies and MisdemeanorsIllinois Criminal Defense Lawyers
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Citizen's Arrest Defense in BatteryThe defendant was charged by Westmont Police with two counts of battery. He was at home with his daughter when five or more teenagers dressed in black with their faces masked egged the house and wrote "slut" on the sidewalk in spray paint. The defendant pursued them down the street and apprehended two of them. A struggle followed and the police were called. At trial, the defendant asserted his right to make a citizen's arrest. Not Guilty of all charges. We defend cases in Illinois, Indiana and Federal courts nationwide. More Criminal Victories. |
Your freedom is in jeopardy, and we don't know anything more precious than that. That's why our lawyers are available for emergencies 24 hours a day by calling (800) 582-LAWS. A member of the Wigell & Associates Criminal Defense Team will advise you as to the sentencing range in your case and your rights under the law.
We handle all types of felony and misdemeanor offenses, including DUI, traffic violations, drug charges, internet crimes, white-collar crimes, federal crimes, juvenile offenses, weapons charges, violent crimes, domestic violence, and sex crimes.
Misdemeanors and Felonies
When someone is charged with a misdemeanor, the maximum penalty is 364 days in jail. When someone is charged with a felony the minimum prison time is one year or more in prison. Different classes of misdemeanors and felonies have different minimum and maximum sentences.
A criminal conviction, whether for felony or misdemeanor, is a very serious matter. Possible ramifications of a felony conviction include:
- Loss of your right to vote
- Loss of your right to possess a firearm
- Loss of your right to travel outside a specific geographical area
- Public access to your felony conviction, which could hamper your future employment.
- A felony conviction will be on your criminal record for the rest of your life.
A misdemeanor conviction will be on your criminal record and could hamper your future employment.
Mandatory Minimum Sentences
Whether you or your loved one is charged with a felony, misdemeanor, or even some traffic offenses, you could be subject to mandatory minimum sentences or truth-in-sentencing guidelines.
Mandatory minimum sentences and truth-in-sentencing laws mean that the judge has no discretion when determining whether or not you go to jail, or even how long you go to jail, even if you are a first offender. If you are convicted of a federal offense under mandatory minimum sentencing, you will serve mandatory prison time at least 95 percent of your sentence with no possibility of parole. If you are convicted of a state offense subject to truth-in-sentencing guidelines, you will serve 85 percent to 100 percent of your sentence, depending on the circumstances.
Don't Give Up Hope
Just because you have been arrested and charged does not mean that the police followed all of the proper procedures or that everything was done correctly. We have successfully had charges dismissed or obtaining not guilty verdicts. Do not give up and make a guilty plea just because you have been charged!
Our team of experienced criminal defense lawyers will not tire in their pursuit for your justice. We will tell you what to expect in a criminal case and will help you and your family make informed decisions.
Free Initial Consultation: Contact an Illinois criminal defense attorney at Wigell & Associates.
Wigell & Associates represents clients in greater Chicagoland and northwest Indiana, including all of Cook County, Will County, DuPage County and Kankakee County in Illinois, and Lake County and Porter County in Indiana. We defend clients in Chicago, Chicago Heights, Orland Park, Palos Heights, New Lenox, Kankakee, Crown Point, Calumet City, Hammond, Plainfield, Joliet, Lansing, Wheaton, and Frankfort. We represent people in Illinois and Indiana state and federal courts in Chicago, Markham, Bridgeview, Rolling Meadows, Maywood, Skokie, Joliet, Hammond, Kankakee, and Crown Point. Our federal court representation is nationwide and we have defended clients from Texas, New York, and Los Angeles.