There is no such thing as a “minor” criminal charge. If you have been arrested or are under investigation for a crime, it is time to seek the counsel and representation of an experienced criminal defense lawyer before that charge becomes a conviction with lifelong consequences for you and your family.
Our experienced team of criminal defense attorneys at Donahue & Kililis, PC have a proven ability to go toe-to-toe with prosecutors and obtain the best possible outcome for our clients in felony, misdemeanor, and traffic cases. You can rely on our to limit your exposure to harsh criminal penalties and protect your good name from the collateral consequences of having a criminal record.
Anything you say to the police can and will be used against you. Speak to one of our criminal defense attorneys about your legal defense options. Contact us now for a free consultation.
A strong defense is a must. Criminal charges can result in a conviction that brings consequences such as jail time, fines, prison time, and a criminal record that will follow you around for the rest of your life. Being labeled a “criminal” can limit your employment opportunities, your housing opportunities, and even your educational opportunities.
Our criminal defense lawyers do their best to defend people charged with or under investigation for criminal offenses such as:
In addition to aggressively defending against felony and misdemeanor charges, we also handle probation violation defense and defend people against damaging Orders of Protection. Our full-service criminal defense practice also provides assistance for people seeking to obtain a fresh start through the expungement of their criminal record.
When you’re arrested, everything you say and do will affect your legal options. Police may question you at the scene or at the station. You have the right to remain silent and to have an attorney present. The best thing you can do is to use those rights immediately. Anything you say can be used against you in court, so it’s important to have a criminal defense lawyer to help you avoid saying something that could damage your case. The post-arrest process typically includes:
After prosecutors file charges, the court may set bond or conditions of release. These conditions may also include monitoring for alcohol or other substances. Depending on the charge, you could be prevented from contacting witnesses or the alleged victim.
Our defense strategies always take these early decisions into account, since they dramatically affect your daily life. While many people are released from jail to await trial, it’s not guaranteed. Having our team of attorneys on your side early allows us to fight for fair release conditions and protect your legal rights.
Illinois criminal law separates offenses into misdemeanors and felonies. These charges vary in several different ways, including incarceration length. Although misdemeanors are often considered “minor” crimes, every charge can affect your life long after the case resolves.
Misdemeanors are separated into Class A, B, and C. They can be punished by county jail time (usually less than one year) and probation. Lower-level theft, some DUI charges, and simple assault are common misdemeanors in McHenry and Lake Counties.
Felonies include Classes 1 through 4 and Class X felonies, which are the most severe. Convictions can result in long-term imprisonment and extended probation. They can also involve mandatory sex offender registration and mandatory supervision, depending on the charge. Fines for felonies can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Some common felonies include burglary and drug possession with intent to deliver.
Prosecutors sometimes overcharge people early to gain leverage for plea negotiations—so even if you’re charged with a felony, there’s no guarantee you’ll be convicted of one. Our defenses identify every possible avenue for a better outcome, whether that’s dismissal, reduced charges, or acquittal at trial.
Facing charges is a stressful time. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we receive:
How does the bond process work in McHenry? Is it the same as bail?
Bond and bail are often used interchangeably. After an arrest, a judge may set bond. This allows temporary release from custody. The bond is collateral, like cash or property. Some defendants are released with conditions such as travel restrictions or monitoring if the court doesn’t consider them a flight risk. Our defense attorneys can argue for reasonable bond or modified conditions to minimize disruptions to your life.
How will a criminal charge or conviction affect my daily life?
Even minor misdemeanor charges can limit your travel and subject you to electronic monitoring or probation. Those restrictions can significantly affect your job and family responsibilities. Convictions can also involve long-term collateral effects. You may be barred from entering other countries and lose your right to vote or possess firearms. If you’re not a United States citizen, you could also face immigration consequences.
What happens if I violate probation or a court order?
Violating probation or court conditions can have serious repercussions. You could spend additional time in jail or face extended supervision. The good news is that courts usually require a hearing to determine whether a violation occurred. We can represent you at the hearing and argue for fair conditions.
Can I clear my criminal record after a case ends?
That depends on the outcome and type of crime. You may be able to expunge or seal your record. Expungement or sealing removes certain records from public access. Our lawyers can review your record and determine what options are available.
No two cases are exactly alike. Our extensive experience in criminal law helps us quickly identify the crucial issues in a criminal case and devise a successful strategy for limiting the criminal and collateral consequences facing our clients.
You cannot afford anything less than a proven defense when everything you hold dear is on the line. If you need a criminal attorney, call our criminal lawyers at 815-344-8860 anytime or contact us online to arrange a free, confidential consultation with a criminal defense lawyer. Our criminal defense attorneys proudly represent clients in McHenry, Lake, Cook, Kane, DuPage, DeKalb, Boone, and Winnebago counties and throughout northern Illinois.
