Lake County, IL Violent Crimes Defense Attorney

Criminal Defense Lawyer for Felony Cases in the Waukegan Courthouse

If you have been charged with an Illinois violent criminal offense, you are likely shaken and scared. You may have been aware the charges were pending, or perhaps you were truly taken aback when you were charged with the crime. Whatever the circumstances surrounding your charges for a violent crime, it is important that you hire a highly experienced criminal defense attorney to be by your side from beginning to end. A skilled criminal defense attorney can significantly reduce both the short and long-term consequences associated with a criminal conviction.

Calling the The Law Offices of Matthew R. Gebhardt, P.C. is the best decision you can make; if you have not yet been charged, he can contact the prosecutor’s office before an irrevocable filing decision is made. Attorney Matthew R. Gebhardt served five years as a Cook County prosecutor thus has a very unique perspective on your charges. Coupled with over two decades of criminal defense skills, you will reap the benefits of this level of experience as your case proceeds. Our Mundelein criminal defense lawyer has a thorough understanding of the defenses that work with juries and judges and may be more likely to be able to persuade a prosecutor to drop the charges against you. Finally, Matthew R. Gebhardt believes strongly in the concept of justice and that you should never give up your right to a jury trial.

What are the Different Violent Crimes?

The criminal offenses which are considered violent crimes include the following:

• Assault/Aggravated Assault
• Aggravated Battery
• Robbery
• Sexual Assault and Abuse
• Domestic Violence and Domestic Battery
• Murder
• Manslaughter
• Reckless Homicide
• Weapons Charges
• Kidnapping

Penalties Associated with a Conviction for a Violent Crime

The penalties for most violent crime convictions are both harsh and at times, punitive in nature. Of course the level of punishment will be dependent on the circumstances surrounding your charges. As an example, if you are facing charges of battery, the crime may be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the age of the victim, how severe the injuries were and whether a weapon was used in the commission of the crime. Penalties can range from one year in jail to life imprisonment. If you are charged with murder, your attorney may be able to prove self-defense or the defense of others however the level of force must be reasonable, given the circumstances. Other defenses for violent crimes could involve challenging the investigative procedures used by the police.

Other Consequences of a Conviction for a Violent Crime Conviction

As your Illinois criminal defense attorney can attest to, criminal accusations, criminal charges and a criminal conviction can have far-reaching effects. In some cases the consequences for a conviction can last a lifetime. Your career could be ended, particularly if it required special certification (teachers, law enforcement officers, members of the military, doctors, teachers and pilots as examples). You may be unable to secure a federal student loan in order to attend college and may even be prohibited from renting a home. Further, you could be unable to run for public office or own a firearm. Even in cases where you are acquitted of the crime, the accusations alone could leave your life in pieces.

How an Experienced Criminal Lawyer Can Help

Attorney Matthew R. Gebhardt believes there are no hopeless criminal cases, no matter how bleak it appears. Our Northbrook criminal defense lawyer will use thorough evidence-gathering, expert witnesses, and private investigators to tip the scales in your favor, understanding the State of Illinois has significant resources and power to use in your prosecution. If you have been charged with a violent crime, contact Matthew R. Gebhardt today at 773-383-8745 or 847-239-4703 for a free, no-obligation consultation.