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Have you been charged with a misdemeanor in Chicago? Do you know someone facing misdemeanor penalties in the area? If so, you have no time to waste. You need to hire solid legal counsel to build your defense strategy.
Misdemeanor crimes attract lesser penalties than felonies in Illinois. Nonetheless, a misdemeanor conviction still has negative consequences. You still get a criminal record, possible loss of reputation, fines, and jail time. Fortunately, a criminal defense lawyer can limit the likelihood of all that happening.
When you discover you are under investigation, it is best to seek help from a skilled criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Hirsch Law Group’s criminal defense lawyers are ready to fight aggressively on your behalf. Call us!
Criminal offenses in Illinois are divided into felonies, misdemeanors, and petty offenses. Felonies are the most severe crimes, and petty offenses are the least. Some crimes, like drug crimes, can be both misdemeanors and felonies. Whether a person will face misdemeanor or felony charges depends on the circumstances of the case.
Misdemeanors are divided into the following three classifications:
Class A misdemeanors are punishable by less than one year in prison. They are the most severe misdemeanors and may attract an additional fine of up to $2,500. Some crimes that fall into this category include:
Aggravated assault
DUI
Battery
Criminal defacement of property
Criminal sexual abuse
Also, the criminal offense of cannabis possession could be a Class A misdemeanor. However, this is only if the quantity is between 30 and 100 grams. Chicago drug laws consider the substance’s quantity and other circumstances in classifying the offense committed. Nonetheless, a drug conviction can have a lot of negative real-life consequences.
Hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer if you are facing a misdemeanor charge as early as possible.
According to the Illinois Compiled Statutes, Class B misdemeanors carry a punishment of less than six months in prison. They may also attract an additional fine of $75 to $1,500. Offenses that fall within this category include:
Criminal trespass to land
Littering
Computer tampering
Telephone harassment
Residential picketing
Possession of 10-30 grams of cannabis
Consult a Chicago criminal defense lawyer from the Hirsch Law Group to better understand Illinois criminal law.
These are the least severe criminal charges under the misdemeanor category. The punishment is a prison sentence of not more than 30 days. There is also the possibility of an additional fine within the same range as that of a Class B misdemeanor.
Few crimes fall under this category of crimes. Examples are assault and disorderly conduct.
Criminal lawyers from the Hirsch Law Group perform many roles in the course of defending clients’ criminal charges. With an understanding of the criminal justice system, they bring valuable skills to the table. Here are some of the critical roles of criminal defense lawyers.
There is often a lot of time and resources invested in investigating you for the alleged crime before you are even charged. This results in the prosecution assembling a solid case against you before your arrest.
Our criminal defense attorneys conduct thorough investigations into the allegations. After determining the circumstances of the crime, they gather and analyze useful information or evidence. This may include interviewing witnesses and so on. We will work closely with you to develop defense strategies that counter the prosecution’s arguments and evidence.
Law enforcement and prosecutors are bound by several constitutional mechanisms designed to protect accused persons. However, if you are representing yourself, you may not be aware of the prosecution’s limitations.
This is why seeking legal advice from a qualified lawyer who can inform you of your rights and help you understand the legal process is crucial. This is the best way to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive a fair trial.
Having a thorough understanding of criminal law and procedure, we will advise you on your rights and assert any violations in court to ensure a fair outcome.
Although misdemeanors are not the most severe crimes in Illinois, they may still carry stiff penalties. This is especially true if you are facing a Class A misdemeanor charge. Our team may be able to negotiate a plea deal with the prosecution to reduce the severity of your charge.
Sometimes, the prosecution offers a plea deal to avoid the cost, time, and effort of a trial. However, It is common for the deals to be quite unfavorable for the defendant. Your lawyer can review the terms of the plea deal and advise you on the pros and cons of taking it so you make an informed decision.
Lastly, our lawyers possess the experience and training to present logical arguments in court. The prosecution must prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt in criminal cases.
On the other hand, the defense team must challenge the prosecution’s findings and assert appropriate counterarguments. With our attorneys’ knowledge of the law and keen eye for detail, you can be sure you will receive a strong defense in court.
At Hirsch Law Group, our attorneys have several years of experience. If you still have questions about Chicago misdemeanors, we would love to answer them. And if you want to get your criminal defense process started, contact us right away.
Several testimonials evidence the skill and dedication of our attorneys. As a criminal defense law firm, we emphasize empathy and equality. Don’t just take our word for it. Get in touch today, and let us help you! We offer a free initial case evaluation.
