Joliet Criminal Defense Lawyer
Criminal Defense Attorneys Representing Clients in Joliet, IL
A conviction on criminal charges can leave you with a permanent record that will haunt you for years. It could result in a lengthy prison sentence. It might prejudice you in the eyes of potential employers. It might very well affect your relationship with your family. If you have been charged with a misdemeanor or felony in Joliet, you deserve to know your rights. A criminal defense attorney can fight for you in the courtroom, making a case for your innocence.
Attorney Stephen M. Komie has over four decades of experience in criminal law, and he has defended thousands of clients across his career. When you work with Komie and Associates, you can rest assured that you will be backed by a confident advocate who knows the law in and out.
DUI Charges
Illinois has strict laws about driving under the influence, and if you are convicted of a DUI charge, you face the possibility of jail time, thousands of dollars in fines, and the revocation of your driver's license. Our criminal defense attorney can advise you on what to do from the moment of your arrest, working with you at every stage of your case to secure a favorable outcome on your behalf. Our attorneys will scrutinize the case from every angle. If your rights were violated at any point during the traffic stop, the evidence against you could be dismissed. We will make sure that you are prepared to defend yourself in court, using strategies based on real results.
DUI is usually a misdemeanor charge. In some cases, however, you can be charged with a felony for DUI, known as aggravated DUI. Different factors related to your arrest can result in this escalated charge. For instance, if you allegedly caused an accident in which someone was seriously injured, you may be charged with a felony. Having two or more previous DUI convictions on your record will lead to a felony DUI charge for any future drunk driving arrests. Our criminal defense lawyers will represent your best interests in court, negotiating with the prosecutor and judge to secure the best possible outcome for your case.
Murder and Manslaughter
A murder conviction in Illinois comes with grave consequences, and the specific penalties may depend on the circumstances behind the death. In our state, murder is classified as either first or second-degree, but both degrees will result in felony charges. First-degree murder refers to unjustified killing with the intent to cause serious injury or death. There is a minimum sentence of 20 years for first-degree murder, up to a maximum of 60 years. Second-degree murder involves killings that may have been provoked in the heat of the moment, as well as situations where excessive force may have been used in self-defense, resulting in a person's death. If you are convicted of second-degree murder, you may face anywhere from 4 to 15 years of incarceration.
Manslaughter involves unintentional killings that occur as a result of reckless conduct. This is a lesser charge, but it is still serious. Manslaughter is a Class 3 felony punishable by two to five years in prison. Reckless homicide is a related crime, and it refers to unintentional deaths that occur in fatal car accidents, including cases involving felony DUI charges. If you have been charged with manslaughter or reckless homicide, a criminal defense lawyer at Komie and Associates will fight for you in court, working to help you defend against a conviction.
White Collar Crime
"White collar crime" is an umbrella term that describes non-violent charges that are typically associated with fraud and corruption. This could include mortgage fraud, forgery, counterfeiting, embezzlement, money laundering, and many other crimes motivated by financial gain. Our attorneys will fiercely contest the allegations against you. Proving guilt in cases of white collar crime is highly complex, and we will attack any weaknesses in the prosecution's claims as we work to secure an acquittal for you.
Speak With a Joliet, Illinois Criminal Defense Lawyer Today
A criminal charge has serious implications for your freedom, your reputation, and many other aspects of your life. The Joliet, IL criminal defense attorneys at Komie and Associates will advocate for your innocence. We are prepared to consult with outside experts to help strengthen your case, including forensic accountants, medical professionals, psychologists, and more. To schedule a free consultation, call 312-263-2800 today or contact us online.