There are many severe and life-altering consequences for a person who is charged with a violent crime.
Life after being convicted of a violent crime is even more difficult because a conviction can have far-reaching consequences on employment, housing, and other fundamental needs that most people take for granted. If you have been accused of a violent crime, Rolling Meadows Criminal Defense Attorney and former prosecutor Gbenga Longe knows exactly how to reduce the chance that you will be convicted. She has helped many clients throughout the Rolling Meadows and Chicago area to avoid conviction and, in situations where avoiding conviction was not possible, she has helped her clients to obtain outcomes that minimize the negative effects of their convictions on their present and future lives.
VIOLENT CRIMES IN ILLINOIS
There are a number of violent crimes with which individuals in Illinois may be charged, including the following:
- Child abuse;
- Assault and battery;
- Aggravated assault;
- Sexual assault;
- Cruelty to animals;
- Murder;
- Manslaughter; and
- Robbery.
The aforementioned list of violent crimes is not exhaustive and you may find yourself facing charges for a different violent crime. The Chicago DUI Attorneys are dedicated to providing a strong defense to anyone who has been charged with any type of violent crime in Illinois.
Contact The Chicago DUI Attorneys, or call our office today at 708-787-3412
CONSEQUENCES OF CONVICTION
Violent crimes are punishable by harsh penalties. While there are guidelines for which penalties will be imposed depending on the circumstances of the crime, the actual sentence that is possible depends on the specific facts of the case. The age of the victim and the defendant’s relationship to that person are factors, as are any prior offenses that a person may have committed, the severity of the current offense, and whether the accused has a valid defense to the crime with which he is charged.
People who are convicted of violent crimes face a range of sentences, from a year in jail to life in prison. Even if you are not convicted, accusations and criminal charges can have far-reaching effects on your life. For example, you may encounter difficulty in finding employment and housing, and if you are working towards a career that requires a professional license, you may be unable to obtain the certifications that you need in order to have that career.
When you are charged with a violent crime, there is a lot at stake, including your freedom and your future. Charges or convictions on your criminal record could interfere with your plans and dreams for years to come if the charges are not aggressively defended against from the time they are brought. Rolling Meadows Defense Attorney Gbenga Longe can help you by building a strong defense to the charges and pursuing all avenues of resolution, including a potential dismissal or a reduction of penalties whenever possible. Attorney Longe is dedicated to representing the interests of individuals who have been charged with violent crimes and to working with these individuals to obtain results that reflect their needs and their priorities. Please call our office today to arrange a consultation. Attorney Longe represents clients in the Chicago area including Rolling Meadows, Arlington Heights, and Schaumburg.
Chicago Violent Crimes Attorney FAQs
Q. What constitutes a violent crime under Illinois law? Consult a Chicago Violent Crimes Attorney.
A. Violent crimes in Illinois generally involve the use or threat of force against another person, including offenses such as aggravated battery (720 ILCS 5/12-3.05), aggravated assault, robbery, aggravated kidnapping (720 ILCS 5/10-2), and homicide. These charges often carry severe penalties, including lengthy prison terms, especially when weapons, great bodily harm, or aggravating factors are involved. The Chicago DUI Attorneys provide aggressive defense for individuals facing violent crime allegations in Chicago, carefully examining evidence, police procedures, and circumstances to challenge the prosecution's case and protect your freedom in Cook County courts.
Q. What are the penalties for aggravated battery in Chicago, IL?
A. Aggravated battery in Illinois can be charged as a Class 3 felony (3-7 years in prison) or higher, such as Class 2 or Class X depending on factors like use of a firearm, great bodily harm, or targeting protected individuals like police officers or children. Penalties include mandatory prison time, fines up to $25,000, and long-term impacts on employment and rights. A Chicago Violent Crimes Attorney from The Chicago DUI Attorneys can investigate defenses such as self-defense, lack of intent, or improper identification to seek reduction to a lesser charge, dismissal, or acquittal.
Q. Can aggravated assault charges be dismissed in Chicago? Ask a Chicago Violent Crimes Lawyer.
A. Yes, aggravated assault charges can often be dismissed or reduced if there are issues with evidence, such as insufficient proof of threat or fear, unreliable witness statements, or violations of constitutional rights during the arrest or investigation. Prosecutors may drop charges when the defense highlights reasonable doubt. The Chicago DUI Attorneys conduct thorough reviews of police reports, video footage, and witness credibility to build a strong case for dismissal or favorable resolution in Chicago violent crimes matters.
Q. What is aggravated kidnapping under Illinois law? Contact a Chicago Violent Crimes Attorney.
A. Aggravated kidnapping (720 ILCS 5/10-2) occurs when a kidnapping involves aggravating factors such as intent to ransom, harm to a child under 13, use of a weapon, or causing great bodily harm, classifying it as a Class X felony with penalties from 6-30 years or more, including possible life sentences in extreme cases. The Chicago Violent Crimes Attorneys at The Chicago DUI Attorneys defend clients by challenging elements like intent, confinement, or the aggravating factors to mitigate charges and penalties in Cook County.
Q. How does self-defense apply to violent crime charges in Chicago?
A. Illinois law allows self-defense if a person reasonably believes force is necessary to prevent imminent harm, using only proportionate force. This can be a complete defense to charges like battery, assault, or homicide if supported by evidence. A Chicago Violent Crimes Lawyer from The Chicago DUI Attorneys gathers witness testimony, medical records, scene photos, and expert analysis to establish self-defense and seek not guilty verdicts or charge reductions in Chicago courts.
Q. What should I do if arrested for a violent crime in Chicago? Speak with a Chicago Violent Crimes Attorney immediately.
A. If arrested for a violent crime in Chicago, exercise your right to remain silent, do not consent to searches, and request an attorney right away to avoid making statements that could be used against you. Bond may be high, and conditions strict. The experienced team at The Chicago DUI Attorneys can work toward reasonable bond, challenge detention, review probable cause, and start mounting a defense to safeguard your rights from the outset.
Q. Can a violent crime conviction affect my firearm rights in Illinois?
A. Yes, convictions for many violent crimes, including felonies like aggravated battery or robbery, result in permanent loss of firearm ownership and possession rights under both Illinois and federal law. Even some misdemeanors may trigger restrictions. The Chicago DUI Attorneys can pursue strategies to avoid conviction, such as plea negotiations to non-qualifying offenses or post-conviction relief where possible, to help preserve or restore your rights.
Q. What defenses are available for robbery charges in Chicago?
A. Defenses to robbery (often a Class 2 felony under 720 ILCS 5/18-1) include lack of force or threat, mistaken identity, insufficient evidence of intent to deprive permanently, or alibi. Armed robbery escalates penalties significantly. A Chicago Violent Crimes Attorney from The Chicago DUI Attorneys examines surveillance video, witness reliability, and chain of evidence to challenge the prosecution and aim for acquittal, reduction, or dismissal.
Q. How long does a violent crime case take to resolve in Chicago?
A. Violent crime cases in Chicago can take several months to years, depending on complexity, discovery, motion practice, plea negotiations, or trial scheduling in the Cook County Circuit Court. Felony cases often involve grand jury indictments and multiple court appearances. The Chicago DUI Attorneys manage the timeline efficiently, file necessary motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges, and keep clients informed while working toward the fastest favorable resolution possible.
Q. What are the long-term consequences of a violent crime conviction in Chicago? Consult a Chicago Violent Crimes Lawyer.
A. A violent crime conviction in Chicago can lead to extended prison sentences, substantial fines, permanent criminal record, loss of voting rights (for felonies), employment barriers, housing restrictions, professional license revocation, and immigration consequences. Future offenses face harsher penalties under habitual offender laws. The Chicago DUI Attorneys develop comprehensive defense strategies to avoid conviction, explore alternatives like diversion if eligible, or pursue appeals and expungement/sealing options later to lessen lifelong impacts.
Contact The Chicago DUI Attorneys for a confidential consultation about expungement or sealing your record in Chicago, Illinois. Call our office at 708-787-3412.
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