Waukegan Criminal Defense Lawyer

Skilled Lawyer in Waukegan Defending Against Criminal Charges

If you are facing criminal charges in Waukegan, Illinois, having a skilled attorney by your side is crucial to ensure that you can protect your rights and resolve your case in a positive manner. The experienced attorney at The Law Offices of Matthew R. Gebhardt, P.C. provides knowledgeable, skilled representation for people facing a variety of criminal charges, including felony and misdemeanor offenses. In addition to helping defend against convictions in criminal cases, The Law Offices of Matthew R. Gebhardt, P.C. also works to help our clients clear their criminal records, giving them a chance at a fresh start. We can assist with many different types of criminal cases, including:

Drug Charges

Controlled substances are highly regulated in Illinois and throughout the United States. Drug crimes may be investigated by multiple different law enforcement agencies, and even low-level offenders may face serious penalties, including lengthy jail sentences and large fines. Our attorney can help defend against drug charges such as:

• Drug possession: Being caught with illegal substances on your person, in your vehicle, or in your home or other property can lead to serious consequences. The Law Offices of Matthew R. Gebhardt, P.C. will work diligently to challenge the evidence against you while taking steps to reduce or dismiss the charges when possible.
• Drug distribution and trafficking: Offenses involving the distribution of drugs to others are likely to result in more serious charges than drug possession. Charges of manufacturing or delivery may be related to synthesizing, packaging, or selling drugs. Drug trafficking charges may involve importing drugs into Illinois for distribution. Our lawyer can determine the best strategies to use when defending against these charges, including challenging the evidence or identifying procedural errors that could be used to a defendant's advantage.
• Prescription drug offenses: Illegally obtaining or distributing prescription medications is a serious offense. The Law Offices of Matthew R. Gebhardt, P.C. can help address accusations of prescription drug fraud that may involve doctor shopping, falsifying prescriptions, or selling prescription drugs to others. We can review factors such as how drugs were obtained and whether there was any intention to distribute when developing defense strategies.

Violent Crimes

Allegations of offenses involving violence can affect a person in many ways. Depending on the level of harm or the ways others were affected, a conviction can lead to a lengthy prison sentence or other penalties. The Law Offices of Matthew R. Gebhardt, P.C. can help defend against violent crime charges such as:

• Assault and battery: Accusations of intentionally injuring others, making violent threats, or physical content that is considered to be insulting can lead to criminal charges. The Law Offices of Matthew R. Gebhardt, P.C. can help establish the context of these incidents, provide evidence that supports a claim of self-defense or defense of others, or utilize other defense strategies.
• Domestic violence: Accusations that a person has engaged in physical abuse of family members or taken other actions to harm members of their household can lead to arrests, criminal charges, and orders of protection. The Law Offices of Matthew R. Gebhardt, P.C. provides compassionate representation in these cases, working to challenge statements made by an accuser, uncover inconsistencies in their allegations, and defend against penalties that may affect different family members.
• Homicide: Defending against first-degree murder, second-degree murder, or manslaughter charges will often require an in-depth examination of forensic evidence and other factors. The Law Offices of Matthew R. Gebhardt, P.C. will explore all possible angles in these cases, working to defend against a conviction.

Sex Crimes

Allegations of sexual misconduct can affect a person in many ways, and in addition to sex crime charges, they may suffer harm to their reputation and their relationships with others in their community. Our attorney can handle these cases discreetly and compassionately, helping protect the rights and reputation of the accused. We can assist cases involving allegations of sexual offenses such as:

• Sexual assault: Accusations of non-consensual sexual intercourse or sexual contact can be life-altering. Our lawyer will work to challenge these accusations and present mitigating factors that could lead to a reduction or dismissal of charges.
• Child molestation: A person may be charged with indecent liberties with a child for a number of reasons, but our attorney can help them present their side of the story and demonstrate their innocence.
• Internet sex crimes: Criminal charges involving offenses such as online solicitation of minors, possession or distribution of child pornography, or online solicitation of prostitution will require a defense from an attorney who understands the role of digital evidence and the ways to challenge the prosecution's arguments. We will work to develop effective defense strategies in these cases and defend against convictions.

Clearing Criminal Records

A criminal record can affect various aspects of a person's life, including employment and housing opportunities. The Law Offices of Matthew R. Gebhardt, P.C. can help clients clear their records through expungement or record sealing, offering a path to a fresh start.

Expungement is the process of completely removing a criminal record, and it is typically available in cases that did not result in convictions. The Law Offices of Matthew R. Gebhardt, P.C. guides clients through the eligibility requirements and the legal process of applying for expungement, ensuring that petitions are submitted correctly and providing representation during court appearances.

Record sealing is another option that may be available for those who may not qualify for expungement. This process does not completely erase a record, but information about arrests and convictions may hidden from public view. [[Title]] assists clients in determining their eligibility for record sealing and taking steps to petition for this form of relief.

Contact Our Waukegan Criminal Defense Attorney

The attorney at The Law Offices of Matthew R. Gebhardt, P.C. is dedicated to protecting your rights and advocating for the best possible outcome in your criminal case. Schedule a free consultation today by contacting us at 847-239-4703.