Rolling Meadows Criminal Defense Attorneys

When you are charged with a crime in Illinois, it can turn your life upside down. Many of the things you focus on in your personal life, education, and career, can be jeopardized. The attorney you select to defend you against criminal charges can make all the difference. If you are charged with a serious crime, you must retain an attorney immediately; what you say or do after your arrest can negatively impact your case.

Whether you have been charged with a serious crime or a traffic violation, our Rolling Meadows criminal defense lawyers at Villadonga & Villadonga can assist you. Our attorneys are a father-daughter team and will vigorously fight for your rights for the best results in your case in the following types of charges:

Misdemeanors

In Illinois, you can be charged with a misdemeanor or felony crime, depending on the severity of the offense. Misdemeanors are generally less serious crimes than felonies but can still lead to severe punishments, including jail time. Note that a misdemeanor charge of Class A, B, or C, will stay on your criminal record unless it is expunged or you are pardoned. More details about misdemeanors in Illinois are below.

Class A Misdemeanors

Class A misdemeanors are the most serious. You can receive up to 364 days in jail if you are convicted. Some of the most common Class A misdemeanors are a first DUI, second DUI, and shoplifting property and retail theft. Also, a Class A misdemeanor is possession of drug paraphernalia without intent to sell.

Class B Misdemeanors

If you are convicted of a Class B misdemeanor, you can get up to six months in jail and up to two years of probation. Common Class B misdemeanors are possession of marijuana over 10 grams and up to 30 grams, theft or loss of mislaid property under $500, and criminal trespass to real property.

Class C Misdemeanors

Illinois law states that a Class C misdemeanor jail sentence can be up to 30 days, and the probation period may be up to two years. The fine cannot be more than $500. Common Class C misdemeanors are disorderly conduct, firearms, and child protection violations, and assault as defined in 720 ILCS 5/12-1.

Felonies

Being charged with a crime in Illinois is always stressful, but being accused of a felony is a grave matter. Felonies are more serious crimes that may be punished by more than a year in prison and substantial fines. In addition, if you are guilty of a violent felony, you can receive a long term in state prison and be subject to a mandatory minimum sentencing.

However severely you are punished for a felony in Illinois depends on the severity of the crime and many aggravating factors, such as your criminal record or use of a firearm. Felonies are classified in Illinois as follows:

• Class 4: One to three years in prison. Includes ID theft, selling stolen property for $300 or less, and illegally possessing an altered prescription form.
• Class 3: Two to five years in prison. Includes aggravated battery, property theft between $500 and $10,000, and possession of under five grams of methamphetamine.
• Class 2: Three to seven years in prison. Includes robbery, aggravated domestic battery, and unlawful purchase of a firearm.
• Class 1: Four to 15 years in prison. Includes burglary, criminal sexual assault, and second-degree murder.
• Class X: Six to 30 years in prison. Includes home invasion with a weapon, committing a felony with a firearm, and firing a gun while engaged in aggravated battery.

Traffic Violations

Illinois traffic violations can also lead to undesirable consequences, including fines, points on your license, and higher insurance fees. While many of us simply pay the ticket and move on, hiring a Rolling Meadows traffic ticket attorney is highly recommended to fight the charge. Some of the traffic tickets our attorneys at Villadonga & Villadonga can assist with are:

• Speeding tickets: Getting too many speeding tickets in a period of time can lead to a suspended license, so fighting the ticket is wise.
• Failure to yield: If you do not yield to other vehicles, you can cause a serious accident, such as when another car is trying to turn in front of you.
• Stop sign violations: Running a stop sign usually leads to a fine, including not coming to a complete stop.
• Red light violations: A typical red-light ticket leads to a steep fine and drivers may be caught by a police officer or red-light camera.
• Following too closely: If you follow someone too closely, you do not have enough time to stop suddenly. This can cause serious accidents, so you can get a large fine for this violation.
• Texting and driving: Texting and driving and other kinds of distracted driving is dangerous, and you can be seriously fined.
• Unsafe lane changes: This is one of the top causes of Rolling Meadows car accidents and is common in busy intersections and heavy traffic.

An attorney from Villadonga & Villadonga can help you to avoid a traffic ticket conviction, but why should you bother fighting the charge? Consider the following:

• Without a lawyer, you will probably wait hours in court for your case to be called.
• Fines for traffic violations are hundreds or up to $1,000. However, your attorney may be able to negotiate a lower fine.
• Going to traffic school sounds easy, but you must spend four or six hours in class because of a single traffic mistake. You also have to pay for the class.
• More severe traffic violations can suspend your driver’s license; in the worst cases, jail time is possible.
• If you accept a conviction without going to court, you miss a big chance of being declared not guilty.

Contact Our Rolling Meadows Criminal Defense Attorneys

You need a strong legal defense today if you were arrested for a crime or traffic violation in Rolling Meadows. Villadonga & Villadonga represents those charged with various crimes and traffic offenses throughout Cook County and the surrounding counties. Please contact our Rolling Meadows criminal defense attorneys today at 847-298-5740.