Elk Grove Village Criminal Defense Attorneys

Have you been charged with a misdemeanor or felony in Illinois? Or are you facing a traffic violation with fines and possibly a license suspension? Retaining a qualified criminal defense attorney as soon as possible is vital to protect your rights. The father-daughter Elk Grove Village criminal defense attorneys at Villadonga & Villadonga can help you to mitigate the consequences of your charge and, in some cases, could even get the case thrown out.

What Are Misdemeanors And Felonies In Illinois?

In Illinois, crimes are divided into misdemeanors and felonies. Most traffic tickets are statutory violations, but more serious traffic offenses, such as speeding over 25 MPH, can be charged as misdemeanors.

Misdemeanors in Illinois are divided into Class A, Class B, and Class C, with the least serious being the latter. Even if you are convicted of a ‘minor’ misdemeanor, remember that it will be on your criminal record, but many can be expunged with an attorney’s help. While being charged with a misdemeanor is preferable to a felony, you still may face a jail sentence of up to a year in some circumstances.

Some examples of Elk Grove misdemeanors are below. Talk to an Elk Grove Village criminal defense attorney today if you were charged with one of the following crimes:

Class A

Being convicted of a Class A misdemeanor in Illinois means you can get up to one year in jail. Some common Class A misdemeanors are a first and second DUI conviction; the second requires at least five days in jail and 240 hours of community service. You also can have your driver’s license revoked or suspended. Other Class A offenses are shoplifting and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Class B

If you are convicted of a Class B misdemeanor, you can be sentenced to six months in jail and probation of up to two years. Common offenses are cannabis possession over 10 grams to 30 grams, and theft of property up to $500. Another Class B misdemeanor is criminal trespass.

Class C

The punishment for a Class C misdemeanor cannot be more than 30 days, and probation may be up to two years. In addition, the fine is up to $1,500. Class C misdemeanors include assault and disorderly conduct.

Felonies

There are five felony classes in Illinois. The most severe felony is Class X, and the least is Class 4. These offenses usually require more than a year in jail or state prison, and fines can be up to $25,000. In the most severe cases, a prison sentence of at least 30 years is possible. A felony conviction remains on your record permanently, but some arrests that did not lead to conviction might be expunged or sealed with your attorney’s assistance.

• Class X: The mandatory sentence is six to 30 years, and you are ineligible for parole. It is irrelevant if you are a first-time offender; you still will receive prison time and no parole.
• Class 1: Sentencing is between four and 15 years, but probation is sometimes possible. But if your crime was residential burglary, you cannot get probation.
• Class 2: Sentence can be between three and seven years in state prison, and probation is possible. Aggravated driving under the influence causing death is an example, and the sentence can be three to 14 years.
• Class 3: Sentence can be two to five years, and you can receive probation.
• Class 4: You can receive one to three years in prison and probation for these offenses.

Elk Grove Village Traffic Offenses

There are many types of petty traffic tickets that you can receive in Illinois. While some recipients may simply pay the fine, it can be beneficial to fight the ticket in court to avoid negative consequences:

• Minor speeding
• Stop sign violations
• Red light tickets
• Failing to yield
• Following too closely
• Texting and driving or distracted driving
• Not providing proof of insurance

While some drivers view a petty traffic violation as a minor issue, it still may have negative consequences worth considering. How severe the effects depend on the type of offense and your criminal history.

Traffic offenses are accompanied by a fine. How much will vary, but some penalties reach $1,000. If you have recent violations on your record, it’s recommended to retain an Elk Grove Village traffic ticket attorney before mailing your payment. You could have your license suspended if you are guilty of one of these offenses:

• Not stopping for a school bus in the process of unloading or loading children
• Speeding in a construction zone
• Not yielding to an ambulance or other emergency vehicle

Furthermore, your driver’s license might be suspended if you receive three traffic convictions in one year. If you are under 21, your license may be suspended after just two traffic convictions within two years. However, you cannot be sentenced to jail for a petty traffic offense.

Traffic Ticket Outcomes In Illinois

You could pay the ticket and move on with life, but you have pleaded guilty without a fight. Therefore, the case is concluded, and you must deal with the insurance increases and points on your driving record.

You also can go to court on your own and plead not guilty. If you do so, you must handle your defense and case. But if you hire an Elk Grove Village criminal defense attorney, the case has other potential outcomes. A benefit of having a traffic ticket attorney is they may negotiate with the prosecutor to obtain the best resolution. Negotiating with the prosecutor may result in better outcomes, such as:

• A dismissal
• The county prosecutor agreeing to reduce the charges
• A lower fee or fine
• Court supervision that you could not have gotten representing yourself
• Court supervision for a shorter period of time
• Traffic safety school rather than fines
• Community service in place of fines

Contact Our Elk Grove Village Criminal Defense Attorneys

If you were arrested for a criminal or traffic violation in Elk Grove Village, you need quality legal assistance today because the prosecutor will work hard to convict you. Villadonga & Villadonga represents people charged with crimes and traffic violations throughout Cook County and the surrounding counties. Please contact our Elk Grove Village criminal defense attorneys today at 847-298-5740.