Straight answers.
A clear defense
plan.
Misdemeanor defense in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. We review the evidence, explain your options, and prepare a defense built around your case.
Clear advice so you can make informed decisions.
Prefer to call? (708) 374-7317
DEFENSE
Understand your options.
Know your next step.
An arrest can leave you with questions about your freedom, your record, and what happens next. You deserve to understand the process and the options in front of you.
This practice is built around misdemeanor criminal defense in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. We also consider selected felony matters. The starting point is simple: understand your circumstances, examine the evidence, and develop a defense around the specific charge.
What a thoughtful defense involvesLet’s discuss your case.
Our virtual law firm serves Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. Start with a free consultation by calling or completing the questionnaire below. You can select multiple offenses, including the listed felony matters, and tell us your goals.
Call (708) 374-7317 or complete the form below. Tell us what you are facing and how to reach you. Our office will review your request.
Open questionnaire in a separate tabSubmitting this questionnaire sends your answers to our office for review. Do not include confidential case details. Submitting does not create an attorney-client relationship or confirm representation. Privacy information.
Understand your charge.
Know your next move.
Explore common misdemeanor charge types. Each guide explains the basics and what an attorney may need to review.
DUI defense
Alcohol- and drug-related DUI charges filed as misdemeanors.
Retail theft & shoplifting
Shoplifting and other retail theft allegations at the misdemeanor level.
Assault & battery
Simple assault and battery allegations arising from disputes or encounters.
Domestic battery
Domestic battery cases charged as misdemeanors, with attention to court restrictions.
Disorderly conduct
Misdemeanor allegations involving disturbances and breaches of the peace.
Criminal trespass
Misdemeanor trespass allegations involving buildings, land, or vehicles.
Criminal damage to property
Property damage allegations that qualify for misdemeanor treatment.
Reckless driving & speeding
Misdemeanor reckless driving and aggravated speeding charges.
Suspended-license driving
Driving-while-suspended or revoked cases filed as misdemeanors.
These guides address misdemeanor charges. Some offenses can be charged as felonies depending on the facts or prior record. We also consider selected felony matters; the charging documents determine which guidance applies.
9 charge guidesSelected Felony
Defense
Misdemeanor defense is our focus. We also consider selected felony cases involving drug possession, theft, retail theft, criminal damage to property, and certain weapons-possession charges.
Request a free consultation- Drug possession
- Theft
- Retail theft
- Criminal damage to property
- Certain weapons-possession charges
Every matter is reviewed individually. Where available, we evaluate probation, diversion, and first-offender programs alongside other defense options. Eligibility and outcomes depend on the charge, prior record, and circumstances.
Less uncertainty.
More direction.
You should understand what is happening in your case—and why each decision matters.
Request a free consultationUnderstand the situation.
Start with the charge, upcoming court dates, and any release conditions. Discuss the impact on your daily life and the questions that matter most to you.
Examine the evidence.
Review the available reports, recordings, statements, and legal issues. The details of your case should shape the defense.
Make informed decisions.
Discuss possible motions, negotiations, and trial options where appropriate. Consider the immediate consequences and the effect on your future. No result can be guaranteed.
A local charge.
A personal priority.
From the city to the suburbs, knowing where your case is pending is one of the first steps. Cook County has multiple court locations, including the following communities.
Always confirm your assigned location and appearance instructions from your current court notice. A location listed here is not a law office.
Official Cook County court directoryClarity for
what comes next.
Straightforward information about misdemeanor cases in Illinois.
Explore official resourcesIs a misdemeanor really a criminal charge?
Yes. A misdemeanor is a criminal offense, even when it arises from a traffic stop or a first arrest. A Class A misdemeanor can carry jail time of less than one year. Fines, probation, and other consequences may also apply. The exact charge and your circumstances matter.
Do you handle felony cases too?
Misdemeanor defense is our focus. We also consider selected felony cases involving drug possession, theft, retail theft, criminal damage to property, and certain weapons-possession charges. Every matter is reviewed individually. Probation, diversion, and first-offender programs may be evaluated where available; eligibility and outcomes depend on the charge, prior record, and circumstances.
What should I bring to an initial consultation?
Gather your citation or complaint, case number, court notice, release paperwork, and any court orders. Have your next court date available. Keep potentially relevant records intact and ask the attorney how to share them securely.
Does a first offense mean the case will be dismissed?
No. A first offense does not guarantee dismissal, supervision, or any other outcome. A lawyer can review the evidence, the exact charge, your history, and any available resolution options.
Can the other person simply drop the charges?
A complaining witness does not control the prosecution. Do not assume a case has ended because someone no longer wants to proceed. Continue following court orders and confirm the status of the case with your attorney.
Can a misdemeanor record be expunged or sealed?
Eligibility depends on the charge, the disposition, your record, and applicable waiting periods and exceptions. Some records qualify; others do not. An attorney should review the actual record before giving an answer. See the Illinois court resources linked below.
How do I know where to go to court?
Start with your current court notice and confirm the date, location, courtroom, and appearance instructions. Cases are assigned to different locations. The Cook County court directory is linked in the local courts section; do not choose a courthouse based only on where you live.
Take the first step toward
moving forward.
Start with the basics. A conversation about your charge can help you understand the questions to ask and the next steps to consider.