Wheeling Criminal Defense Attorneys

Were you recently charged with a misdemeanor or felony in Wheeling, Illinois? Your head may be spinning as you face an uncertain future. However, by retaining an experienced criminal defense attorney early in the case, you can get the answers you need, potentially mitigate the negative consequences, and avoid a conviction. Our Wheeling criminal defense attorneys at Villadonga & Villadonga can help you today with a traffic violation, misdemeanor, or felony charge.

What Is A Misdemeanor?

In Illinois, a crime is considered a misdemeanor if it is punishable by less than a year in jail. On the other hand, more severe crimes, such as felonies, can be punished by at least one year in state prison. Petty traffic offenses only result in a fine. Other potential punishments for a misdemeanor are probation or conditional discharge, fines, a work release jail sentence, and an order to pay restitution to the crime victim:

• Class A: A conviction can result in up to a year in jail, but many offenses do not result in that long of a sentence. Common Class A misdemeanors are first and second DUI offenses, with the latter requiring at least five days in jail. You also may have your driver’s license revoked. Other Class A misdemeanors are possession of drug paraphernalia without intent to sell and shoplifting.
• Class B: A Class B misdemeanor can result in up to six months in jail and probation for up to two years. Frequent Class B misdemeanors are possession of 10 to 30 grams of cannabis, trespassing, and property theft of up to $500.
• Class C: The jail sentence for this misdemeanor cannot be more than 30 days, but probation can be up to two years, and the maximum fine is $1,500. You can be convicted of a Class C misdemeanor for assault and disorderly conduct.

What Is A Felony?

There are five classifications of felonies in Illinois, with the most severe being Class X. Felonies are distinguished from misdemeanors by requiring at least one year in jail or state prison, and the most severe felonies may result in up to 30 years in prison. Many felony convictions remain on your record forever, meaning they will appear on background checks for employment and other purposes. However, certain arrests that did not result in a conviction could be sealed or expunged. Fines for felonies can be up to $25,000:

• Class X: The sentence for Class X is between six and 30 years, and you cannot be paroled. Even first-time offenders are sent to prison and cannot receive parole. Examples are murder, armed robbery, aggravated arson, and aggravated kidnapping.
• Class 1: Your sentence for Class 1 felonies is between four and 15 years, but you might be eligible for parole. Probation is not available for residential burglary, however. Second-degree murder, theft up to $100,000, and sexual assault are examples.
• Class 2: The sentence ranges between three and seven years, and you are eligible for parole. Aggravated driving under the influence is a Class 2 felony. Crimes include arson, burglary, theft over $500, kidnapping, and possessing a stolen gun.
• Class 3: Your sentence could be between two and five years, and parole is possible. Examples are forgery, perjury, involuntary manslaughter, theft of less than $500, and aggravated battery.
• Class 4: One to three years in prison is the sentence, and you may be eligible for parole. Looting, stalking, criminal sexual abuse, and filing a false police report are examples.

You should always retain an attorney when charged with a felony in Wheeling. In addition to a long prison sentence and fines, you may face these consequences:

• No government benefits: You cannot receive Section 8, federal loans, or food stamps if you have been convicted of some felonies.
• Housing: Many landlords would rather leave a unit empty than rent to a convicted felon; the risk of problems is too high. The best apartments can be hard to access if you have a serious criminal record.
• Jobs: Most job applications today require you to disclose if you have a criminal record, and most employers conduct background checks. The employer will probably find out if you lie about your criminal history. Also, you may be ineligible for specific jobs according to state and federal laws.
• Education: Many colleges and universities may not enroll someone with a serious criminal history.
• Owning firearms: Many convicted felons cannot own or possess firearms. You can face additional charges if you possess a gun as a felon in Illinois.

Traffic Offenses

While petty traffic offenses are less severe than misdemeanors and felonies, a conviction still carries negative consequences. So, it is usually worth the time and expense to contest your petty traffic ticket, such as:

• Speeding (less than 25 MPH over)
• Running stop signs
• Running red lights
• Not yielding to traffic
• Distracted driving or texting
• Failure to provide proof of insurance
• Following too closely

When many Wheeling drivers receive a traffic ticket, they may simply pay online. However, there are possible adverse outcomes when you plead guilty and pay the fine.

First, consider the fine amount; some can be hundreds of dollars, and even $1,000 is possible. If you have other traffic violations on your record in the past few years, talk to a Wheeling traffic ticket attorney before paying the fine. You could lose your license for pleading guilty to these violations:

• Failing to stop for a school bus that was loading or unloading children
• Failing to yield to an emergency vehicle
• Speeding in construction areas

The Secretary of State may suspend your license if you have three moving violations in a year. If you are under 21, you can get your license suspended after only two moving violations. Fortunately, you cannot be jailed for petty traffic offenses, but fighting the ticket is recommended.

Contact Our Wheeling, Illinois Criminal Defense Attorneys

If you have been charged with a traffic offense, misdemeanor, or felony in Wheeling, you must retain legal counsel immediately to ensure the best outcome for your case. Villadonga & Villadonga represents people charged with crimes and traffic offenses in the Chicago and Cook County regions. Please contact our Wheeling Illinois criminal defense attorneys today at 847-298-5740.