Clarendon Hills Criminal Defense Attorneys

Lawyers Defending Clients Against Misdemeanor or Felony Charges in Clarendon Hills, IL

When a person is convicted of a crime, the consequences they face may affect their life for years. A felony conviction could lead to a sentence of years or decades in prison, and a person may be required to pay fines of $25,000 or more. Even if an offense is classified as a misdemeanor, a person's life may be disrupted by the requirement to serve time in jail, and they may face fines of several thousand dollars. Many convictions also require people to pay restitution to alleged victims, and the long-term consequences of a criminal record will continue to have an impact on their employment and other areas of their life.

Defendants in criminal cases have rights, and they can take steps to challenge the accusations against them and defend against convictions. When doing so, representation from a skilled criminal defense attorney can be essential. A lawyer can help a person take the right steps to address the evidence in a case, respond to claims made by witnesses, and defend against accusations made by prosecutors. At Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C., we can provide criminal representation for people in Clarendon Hills who are facing criminal charges. We work to ensure that our clients will be able to resolve their cases successfully while minimizing the ways their lives may be affected.

Attorney Spotlight

Attorney Spotlight

Donald Ramsell

Attorney Profile

Donald Ramsell is a highly experienced criminal defense attorney who has represented clients in more than 500 bench trials and 100 jury trials. He is the author of leading publications on DUI defense in Illinois, and he has defended more than 10,000 DUI cases. He has handled numerous appeals in Illinois, and he also argued a case before the United States Supreme Court.

• National College of DUI Defense, Sustaining Member
• Top 100 Trial Lawyer Award, National Trial Lawyers
• Super Lawyers
• Elite Lawyer
• Leading Lawyers

DUI Charges

Offenses involving intoxicated driving are more serious than simple traffic violations. A person who is charged with driving under the influence (DUI) may face misdemeanor criminal charges, and they could be sentenced to jail time, even for a first offense. While many DUI cases involve claims related to alcohol impairment, a person can also be charged with DUI if they are accused of driving while under the influence of cannabis, prescription medications, other controlled substances, or any substances or combinations of substances that affected their ability to drive safely.

A DUI conviction will result in a license suspension and fines, and some people may also be required to serve jail time. The penalties will increase if a person has been convicted of DUI one or more times in the past. Aggravating factors, such as a minor passenger in a person's vehicle or an accident that resulted in someone's injury or death, can lead to felony DUI charges, even for a first offense.

Our lawyers can help clients understand the best ways to defend against DUI charges. We can look at field sobriety tests that took place during traffic stops, breathalyzer or blood testing procedures performed after arrests, and other factors involved in a case. We will work to defend against criminal convictions and limit the effects that DUI charges may have on a person's life.

Violent Crime Charges

People who are accused of acting violently toward others may face serious criminal charges. Violent crimes may involve assault and battery, which can include threatening behavior, offensive physical contact, or intentional injuries. These offenses may lead to misdemeanor or felony charges depending on the circumstances involved in a case. Homicide charges, including murder or manslaughter, are serious felony offenses that can result in lengthy prison sentences and other harsh penalties.

Accusations of domestic violence may also be addressed in criminal cases. When a person is accused of committing assault or another violent crime against their spouse, their child, another member of their family, or someone else who lives in their home, they may not only face criminal charges, but an order of protection may be put in place that will impose restrictions on their life, including where they may live and whether they may be able to communicate with their family members.

Our attorneys understand the sensitive nature of violent crime allegations. We can help clients defend against criminal charges involving violence while also responding appropriately to requests for orders of protection. We will take steps to address the allegations against our clients and help them defend against convictions.

Other Criminal Charges

Property Crimes

Certain types of criminal offenses may involve accusations that a person has stolen or damaged someone else's property. The charges in these cases may include theft, burglary, robbery, vandalism, or arson. The penalties for a conviction will often be based on the value of the property involved in a case. Our lawyers can review ownership records, surveillance footage, statements made by witnesses, and other evidence as we take steps to defend against accusations of property crimes.

Sex Crimes

Crimes of a sexual nature are taken seriously, and people who are convicted may face harsh penalties, including sex offender registration. Accusations of sex crimes like sexual assault, sexual abuse, prostitution, or child pornography can lead to consequences that may affect a person's reputation and career, even before criminal charges are filed. Our attorneys can take steps to protect our clients' rights and develop effective defense strategies against sex crime charges.

Drug Crimes

Offenses related to controlled substances may include charges of possession, distribution, or manufacturing. When defending clients against drug crime accusations, our lawyers can review how searches were conducted, how evidence was gathered, how drugs were tested in labs, and other factors as we work to resolve these cases.

Traffic Violations

People who are accused of violating traffic laws may face charges of offenses such as reckless driving, driving with a suspended license, aggravated speeding, texting while driving, or other charges that can range from minor infractions to misdemeanor offenses. Our attorneys can provide guidance on the best ways to defend against traffic violations while protecting our clients' licenses.

Contact Our Clarendon Hills, Illinois Criminal Defense Lawyers

A criminal charge is a serious matter, and to ensure that a case can be resolved successfully, people who have been charged with crimes will need a legal representative in their corner. At Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C., we work with clients to address a wide variety of criminal offenses, and we can help ensure that their rights will be protected as they take steps to avoid convictions and minimize the penalties that may affect their lives. Contact our Clarendon Hills, IL criminal law attorneys at 630-786-6062 to set up a free consultation.