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Criminal Defense

If you have been charged with a misdemeanor or felony crime, every decision you make can affect your future. This includes if and when you call an attorney; what information you disclose to law enforcement; and if you are going to take your case to trial or plead guilty to lesser charges. None of these decisions should be taken lightly. You need advice from an attorney with your best interests in mind.

Hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney is one of the best decisions you can make to protect your future At Dolci & Weiland, our attorneys protect your rights throughout the legal process. We are seasoned litigators who will fight for you in and out of court. As former prosecutors with over 50 years experience, you can trust us to safeguard your future.

Misdemeanor Crimes

Misdemeanors are less serious crimes than felonies, but you cannot treat them as "no big deal." A conviction can still lead to jail time and fines, but misdemeanor convictions also carry collateral consequences. In some careers, you could lose your professional license. If you are an immigrant, a misdemeanor conviction can impact your ability to stay in the United States. It can also affect your ability to pursue higher education, depending on the nature of your charge.

Misdemeanors are classified as Class A, Class B, or Class C.

Class A Misdemeanors

Class A Misdemeanors are the most serious and carry up to 364 days in jail and fines up to $2,500. Illinois crimes that are Class A Misdemeanors include:

Class B Misdemeanors

Class B Misdemeanors carry up to 180 days in jail and fines up to $1,500. Illinois crimes that are Class B Misdemeanors include:

  • Possession of Cannabis 10 grams - 30 grams
  • Theft of Loss or Mislaid Property with Value Under $500
  • Criminal Trespass to Real Property
  • Failure to Report Hazing
  • Criminal Damage to Property
  • Harassment by Telephone
  • Transmission of Obscene Messages
  • Harassment Through Electronic Communications

Class C Misdemeanors

Class C Misdemeanors are the least serious misdemeanor offenses. These carry up to 30 days in jail and fines up to $1,500. Illinois crimes that are Class C Misdemeanors include:

  • Simple Assault
  • Disorderly Conduct
  • Educational Intimidation
  • False Representation to a Tattoo or Body Piercing Business as the Parent or Legal Guardian of a Minor
  • Firearms; Child Protection

Felony Crimes

Felonies are the most serious offenses. If convicted, you face at least one year in prison and fines up to $25,000, depending on the nature of the offense. Once you have a felony on your criminal record, you become ineligible for some government benefits; may face housing discrimination from landlords who will not rent to tenants with felony convictions; have difficulty finding a job, and lose your right to gun ownership.

Class X Felony

Class X Felonies are the most serious offenses in Illinois, and the law prohibits the judge from sentencing you to probation. Instead, you face six to 30 years in prison. Class X Felonies include:

Class 1 Felony

If you are convicted of a Class 1 Felony, you face four to 15 years in prison. Class 1 Felonies include:

Class 2 Felony

A Class 2 Felony conviction carries three to seven years in prison. Class 2 Felonies include: 

Class 3 Felony

Class 3 Felony convictions carry two to five years in prison. Class 3 Felonies include:

Class 4 Felony

Class 4 Felonies are the least-serious felony offense in Illinois. These carry a minimum prison term of at least one year. Class 4 Felonies include:

Contact an Experienced Illinois Criminal Defense Attorney at Dolci & Weiland

Any criminal conviction, whether for a misdemeanor or a felony, can seriously impact your future. Do not make the mistake of believing that you can fight these charges by yourself or that the prosecution will drop charges against you. If you plead guilty before you consult with an attorney, you risk collateral consequences that you never considered. You need an aggressive criminal defense attorney who knows all the ins and outs of Illinois law to give you the best legal advice and fight for you.

The criminal defense lawyers at Dolci & Weiland are dedicating to reaching the best possible outcome in your case. To schedule a consultation to speak with an attorney about your case, fill out our online contact form or call the office closest to you today. For our DuPage office, call (630) 261-9098, or for our Chicago office, call (312) 238-9007.

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