Arlington Heights Criminal Defense Attorneys

Were you arrested for a crime in Illinois? Without skilled legal representation, you face severe consequences for your personal and professional life. Whether you face a traffic, misdemeanor, or felony charge, our Arlington Heights criminal defense attorneys at Villadonga & Villadonga can prepare the best defense.  Our attorneys are a father-daughter team who will safeguard your rights and offer an aggressive defense and compassion for your situation.

Misdemeanor And Felony Overview In Illinois

In Illinois, crimes are classified as misdemeanors and felonies, while traffic violations are usually considered statutory violations. If you are convicted of a misdemeanor, you can receive up to 364 days in jail, while a felony conviction may result in at least 365 days in state prison. Traffic violations usually result in fines and points on your license, but more severe penalties may apply depending on the severity of the offense and traffic or criminal record.

These are the sentencing limits for an Illinois misdemeanor conviction:

• Class A: Less than a year in jail, up to two years of probation or conditional discharge, and a fine of up to $2,500. Examples include simple battery, violating a domestic violence protective order, theft, and shoplifting worth no more than $500.
• Class B: Up to six months in jail, up to two years of probation, and a fine of up to $1,500. Examples include possessing 10-29 grams of marijuana, cyberbullying, and dumping garbage on another’s property.
• Class C: Up to 30 days in jail, up to two years of probation, and a fine of up to $1,500. Examples include disorderly conduct, illegal gun storage when a child is less than 14, and simple assault.

When Does An Illinois Misdemeanor Become A Felony?

Some misdemeanors in Arlington Heights can be upgraded to felonies in some situations, such as if you have a previous conviction for the same crime. An example would be violating a no-contact order. Another example is committing a crime in certain places, such as theft at a school or church.

Illinois Felony Punishments

There are five types of felonies in Illinois. They are grouped by their severity from Class 4 to Class X:

• Class 4: The least severe felony, but the sentence can include up to three years in jail and up to a $25,000 fine. Stalking and aggravated assault are examples of a Class 4 felony.
• Class 3: Sentence can range between two to five years in state prison and up to a $25,000 fine. Aggravated battery is an example of a Class 3 felony.
• Class 2: Three to seven years is possible, as well as fines of up to $25,000. Arson is a Class 2 felony in Illinois.
• Class 1: Sentences are between four and 15 years in prison and fines are up to $25,000. Possessing large quantities of heroin and cocaine and criminal sexual assault are examples.
• Class X: The most severe felony with a six-to-30-year potential prison sentence and fines of up to $25,000.

Extended Prison Terms In Illinois

In some criminal matters, the judge may decide that extended sentencing is needed. If that is the case and you are convicted of a felony, you may receive more prison time than usual. The judge can consider certain aggravating factors to extend your sentence, such as a previous criminal history or participating in a hate crime.

For instance, a Class 4 felony usually results in one to three years in prison, but it can be increased to six years if aggravating factors exist. In the case of a Class X felony, up to 60 years in prison is possible when there are aggravating factors.

Traffic Violations In Arlington Heights

While most traffic violations are relatively minor, they are still negative marks on your driving record that carry consequences. Some of the possible consequences for a traffic ticket conviction in Arlington Heights are:

• Hundreds or thousands in fines and court costs
• Suspension or revocation of your license
• Increased insurance premiums
• Potential loss of CDL and some employment opportunities
• For some violations, a criminal record

Some traffic charges that Villadonga & Villadonga can fight for you in court include, but are not limited to, the following violations. They also can assist you with getting your driver’s license back after a conviction for:

• Speeding
• DUI
• CDL violations
• Reckless driving
• Construction zone violations
• Hit and run
• Stop sign and red-light violations
• Seat belt violations

Illinois Criminal Defense FAQ

Anyone accused of a crime or traffic violation in Arlington Heights will have many questions. Here are some of our most common questions and answers about criminal defense in Illinois:

Can My Criminal Defense Attorney Guarantee A Result?

No. Your Arlington Heights criminal defense attorney cannot guarantee a result. But Villadonga & Villadonga promise vigorous representation and dedication to your traffic violation, misdemeanor, or felony case.

When Should I Hire A Lawyer?

The sooner the better after you are arrested. You have the right to represent yourself, but this seldom goes well. You will face an experienced and skilled prosecutor, and the judge will expect you to know the law and court procedures as an attorney would. Therefore, it is almost always best to hire a criminal defense attorney as early as possible to avoid mistakes that harm your case.

What Should I Do If I Am Questioned Or Under Investigation?

If law enforcement arrests or questions you, it is vital that you only speak to them with your criminal defense attorney present. Even if you are sure your side of the story proves your innocence, in many cases, the information will be used against you. Remember, you have a constitutional right to remain silent and should exercise it until you have an attorney.

It Is Only A Speeding Ticket. So Why Do I Need A Lawyer?

You can just pay for the ticket and move on. However, some tickets can lead to more severe consequences that could be avoided by hiring an attorney. For instance, your driver’s license could be suspended if you have had three moving violations over the past year. Again, your attorney can help you avoid this serious matter.

Contact Our Arlington Heights Criminal Defense Attorneys

If you have been arrested for a misdemeanor or felony charge, you need immediate legal representation to mitigate potential adverse outcomes. Villadonga & Villadonga regularly represents people charged with minor and severe crimes in Illinois, including traffic violations, misdemeanors, and felonies. Please contact our Arlington Heights criminal defense attorneys today at 847-298-5740.