Schaumburg Criminal Defense Attorneys

Knowledgeable Criminal Defense Lawyers Defending Clients in Schaumburg, Illinois

A criminal charge in Schaumburg can put your record, your driver's license or professional license, and your freedom in the hands of a system that moves on its own schedule. The decisions made in the first weeks after an arrest, including what you say to police and how the early hearings are handled, will often shape the outcome more than anything that comes later.

Our Schaumburg criminal defense attorneys can examine how the case against you was built and challenge the parts that do not hold up. Attorney Donald J. Cosley brings more than 30 years of courtroom experience to every case, ensuring that your rights are always protected.

Criminal Charges Our Firm Handles in Schaumburg

Our criminal defense services cover a wide range of charges, and each one turns on different evidence and different defenses:

• DUI Defense: An arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs will involve two separate cases, one in criminal court and one against your driver's license. These cases have separate deadlines.
• Traffic Violations: Serious traffic charges can lead to the suspension of your driving privileges or add points that can put your license at risk, even if jail is never on the table.
• Drug Crimes: After an arrest for a crime involving drugs, the substance, the amount, and whether the state alleges an intent to deliver may determine whether you will face a misdemeanor or a serious felony.
• Theft: The value of the property and the circumstances of the alleged crime will determine the class of the offense and whether a prison sentence may be possible.
• Violent Crimes: Charges such as battery and assault will often depend on conflicting accounts by an alleged victim, witnesses, or others who were involved. Claims of self-defense may be used to defend against charges depending on what actually happened.
• Sex Crimes: These cases carry some of the most severe penalties in the criminal code. A conviction can lead to sex offender registration requirements that may follow you for years or the rest of your life.
• Stalking: Charges related to harassment or stalking may lead to no-contact orders, and violating an order can lead to separate criminal charges.
• Juvenile Offenses: Cases involving minors proceed under a separate court system that follows different procedures and has different goals. Minors will need representation from an attorney who can protect their rights and minimize the impact of criminal charges on their future.
• Violation of Probation: A person who is on probation could face charges of a violation based on certain activities or the failure to meet certain requirements. The consequences of a violation may include being returned to jail, facing harsher restrictions, or new criminal charges in some cases.

A single arrest may lead to several types of criminal charges or multiple counts of different offenses. Our lawyers can provide guidance on the best options for defense for different offenses, and we will work to minimize the penalties that a person may face.

Misdemeanors vs. Felonies Under Illinois Law

Illinois divides crimes into misdemeanors and felonies, and the line between them changes almost everything about a case. Misdemeanors come in three classes. A Class A misdemeanor, the most serious, can lead to up to 364 days in a county jail and a fine of up to $2,500. The sentence for a Class B misdemeanor tops out at six months, and a Class C misdemeanor may lead to a 30-day sentence. Probation or court supervision is often available in these cases

Felonies carry much more serious penalties than misdemeanors. They begin at Class 4, which carries a prison range of one to three years. They rise through Class 3, Class 2, and Class 1, and Class X is the most serious category. Probation may be available for some felonies, but a Class X felony carries six to 30 years in prison and generally does not allow probation or conditional discharge.

Because of the gap between misdemeanors and felonies and between different classes of offenses, taking the right steps to address charges before a trial can help a person improve their chances of a positive outcome to their case. It may be possible to negotiate with prosecutors to reduce a charge to a lower class of felony or to a misdemeanor. Our attorneys can provide guidance on the options for defense that may be available.

Probation Violations Follow a Lower Standard of Proof in Illinois

A probation violation hearing is not a retrial of the original case. The state does not have to prove that a violation occurred beyond a reasonable doubt. It will only need to show a preponderance of the evidence, which is a much lower bar.

If the judge finds that a violation occurred, you may be resentenced based on the original offense. A missed appointment or a failed test could put you at risk of jail time or other serious penalties. Presenting context and defending against accusations of violations with the help of your attorneys can ensure that you will be able to resolve the matter successfully.

Working Directly With an Experienced Trial Lawyer at Cosley Law Office

Some firms hand clients from a lawyer to a paralegal and back again. Donald J. Cosley personally handles every aspect of his cases. When you call with a question, you will speak with the attorney representing you, and we will return your phone calls within 24 hours.

Attorney Cosley works to achieve out-of-court resolutions to criminal cases when they will serve your interests. However, he will prepare your case as though it will go to trial. He knows the local courts, judges, and prosecutors in Cook County and DuPage County, and he can determine the best steps to take to resolve your case successfully. You can benefit from working with an attorney who is known across the Chicago area for thorough preparation and organized evidence and arguments.

Contact Our Schaumburg, IL Criminal Defense Lawyers Today

At Cosley Law Office, you can get clear answers to questions about your criminal case and quick responses when you need them. We have more than 75 five-star reviews, and we offer free consultations. Contact our Schaumburg, Illinois criminal defense attorneys at 847-253-3100 to talk through your charges and begin developing a defense strategy.