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Can I Be Charged With a Felony for Shoplifting in Illinois?

2026-03-23 00:00:00

In Illinois, a shoplifting charge can be elevated to a felony that carries real prison time and a permanent mark on your record, depending on the value of the merchandise involved and other circumstances.

Under 720 ILCS 5/16-25, retail theft in Illinois can be charged as a felony when the value of the merchandise exceeds $1,000, or under certain other circumstances, such as prior convictions. A single incident involving higher-end merchandise can result in a felony charge rather than a misdemeanor. If you are facing a retail theft charge in 2026, our DuPage County, IL shoplifting defense lawyers can help you understand exactly what you are up against.

How Do I Fight an Assault Charge in Illinois?

2026-02-18 00:00:00

If you are charged with assault in Illinois, you have the right to defend yourself, challenge the evidence, and require the prosecution to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt. Being charged does not mean you will be convicted.

Many assault cases involve misunderstandings, false accusations, or weak evidence. If you are facing charges in 2026, our Aurora, IL assault defense lawyers can help you understand your rights and build a defense.

What Is Considered Assault Under Illinois Law?

Under Illinois law, assault is defined in 720 ILCS 5/12-1. You can be charged with assault if you intentionally act in a way that causes another person to reasonably fear immediate physical harm.

How Do I Use Self-Defense for an Assault Charge in Illinois?

2026-01-20 00:00:00

As of 2026, self-defense can still be used as a legal defense to an assault charge in Illinois, but only in specific situations. Illinois law allows people to protect themselves when they reasonably believe they are facing an immediate threat. Understanding how this defense works matters, especially because assault cases often depend on differing versions of what happened.

If you believe you acted to protect yourself, speaking with our St. Charles, IL assault defense lawyers early can help you understand whether you can use self-defense claims in your case.

When Does Illinois Law Allow Self-Defense in an Assault Case?

Illinois law allows you to use self-defense when you reasonably believe force is necessary to prevent unlawful force against you. This rule applies to many assault and battery cases, but it has clear limits.

What Happens After You Are Arrested For a Felony In Illinois?

2025-12-22 00:00:00

A felony is a serious crime that carries potential prison time of more than one year. Unlike a misdemeanor, a felony conviction can have lasting consequences on your ability to find a job and a place to live, according to the ICJIA. Many people who are facing felony charges feel like it is the end of the world.

If this sounds like you, don’t give up hope just yet. Our McHenry County criminal defense attorneys have handled over 20,000 criminal cases and many of these have resulted in dismissals and reduced charges. You may be surprised by how effective we can be in your case.

What Happens When You Are Arrested for a Felony?

After a felony arrest in Illinois, you will be taken to the police station for booking. The police will take your fingerprints, photograph you, and record your personal information. You will be held in custody until your initial court appearance, which must happen within 48 hours.

When Can You Appeal a Criminal Conviction?

2025-11-22 00:00:00

Illinois law gives you the right to appeal your criminal conviction in most cases, but that doesn’t mean filing an appeal always makes sense. Understanding when you can appeal and what issues you can raise helps you know your options after a conviction.

Appeals are complicated and have strict deadlines. Our Wheaton, IL criminal defense attorneys have strong experience in state criminal appeals courts. We can meet with you and help you think through what you want to do next.

Do You Have an Automatic Right to Appeal a Criminal Conviction?

Illinois law gives defendants in 2025 an automatic right to appeal most criminal convictions, both felonies and misdemeanors. You do not need to prove anything or get permission from a judge to file an appeal; you simply file a notice of appeal within the deadline.

How Do Attorneys Fight the Prosecution's Evidence?

2025-10-23 00:00:00

If you have been charged with a crime, you already know that it feels like the odds are stacked against you. The police report might sound convincing, and prosecutors often act as though the case is already proven. But evidence is not always what it appears to be. A skilled Illinois criminal defense attorney knows that challenging the prosecution’s evidence can completely change the outcome of a case.

If you are facing criminal charges, do not give up. Call Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C. today to see what we can do for you.

What Does "Probable Cause" Mean in a Criminal Case?

The U.S. Constitution protects every person from unreasonable searches and seizures under the Fourth Amendment. This means that before police can arrest someone or search their home, vehicle, or phone, they must have probable cause. Probable cause is a reasonable belief, supported by facts, that a crime was committed.

What Kind of Drug Crimes Send People to Prison?

2025-09-19 00:00:00

Drug crimes make up one of the largest categories of criminal charges in Illinois and across the country. In fact, about 244,000 Americans are sent to prison each year for drug-related crimes. If you are facing drug charges and are afraid you may end up in prison, we hope this blog will help you understand whether that is likely and what you should do about it.

At Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C., our Kendall County criminal defense attorneys have handled more than 20,000 cases. We have the resources, experience, and tenacity to defend clients in the most serious drug cases. With a 24-hour answering service and availability for consultations, we are here when you need us most.

Hard Drugs like Heroin, Cocaine, and Their Derivatives Make Prison Sentences More Likely

Marijuana arrests have dropped in recent years, but heroin, cocaine, and similar drugs continue to send many people to prison. Every year, more than 227,000 Americans are arrested on charges involving these types of substances.

Can I Get a Felony Reduced to a Misdemeanor in Illinois?

2025-08-14 00:00:00

Facing a felony charge can be daunting when you think about the long-term impact on your record, career, and personal life. In some situations, it is possible to have a felony charge reduced to a misdemeanor, which can significantly lessen potential penalties and the stigma of a felony conviction. However, the process depends on many factors, including the type of offense, the strength of the evidence, and your defense attorney’s strategy.

With over 20,000 misdemeanor and felony cases handled, experience arguing before both the Illinois Supreme Court and the Supreme Court of the United States, and a strong appeals division, the DeKalb, IL criminal defense attorneys at Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C. can help you understand whether a felony reduction might be possible.

How Felony Reductions Work in Illinois

Under Illinois criminal statute 730 ILCS 5/, a felony is a criminal offense that can result in more than one year in state prison, while a misdemeanor carries a maximum sentence of less than one year in county jail. Reducing a felony to a misdemeanor is known as a "charge reduction" and can occur through plea bargaining, amendments to charges, or reclassification under specific statutes.

Defending Against Common Sex Crime Charges in Illinois

2025-07-16 00:00:00

Sex crime allegations carry some of the harshest penalties in Illinois. A conviction can mean years in prison, mandatory sex offender registration, and lifelong damage to your reputation. If you are accused of a sex crime in Illinois, you need to understand the charges and the potential defenses that may apply to your case. You can do this with the help of an aggressive, experienced Kane County, IL defense attorney at Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C. who wants to hear your side of the story.

What Are the Most Common Sex Crime Charges in Illinois?

Illinois law defines a wide range of sex-related offenses in the Criminal Code (720 ILCS 5/). Some of the most commonly charged offenses include:

What to Do If the Media Is Calling You a Criminal Before Trial

2025-06-20 00:00:00

For high-profile individuals accused of a crime, the damage begins long before any courtroom proceedings. A single headline can destroy a reputation, derail a career, or end a business relationship. If you are facing charges for a serious offense like DUI, embezzlement, domestic violence, or any crime that tends to attract public scrutiny, you need more than legal defense. You need protection — legal, reputational, and strategic — from the very start.

Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C. has handled over 20,000 criminal cases, including those involving public figures, executives, and professionals with everything to lose. Our experienced, discreet DuPage County, IL criminal defense lawyers understand how media exposure changes the stakes, and we have the experience to fight back on every front.

Why the Public Narrative Matters Even Before Trial

In Illinois, you are presumed innocent until proven guilty, but the media often flips that standard on its head. Journalists may rely on police press releases, incomplete evidence, or dramatic mugshots to frame a story that sells. Once your name is published alongside words like "charged," "arrested," or "investigation," the damage begins. Friends disappear. Employers retreat. Jurors Google. Even if the charges are later dropped or reduced, the headline remains.