Darien, Illinois Criminal Defense Attorneys

Lawyers for Violent Crimes, Drug Crimes, Sex Crimes, and More in Darien

Being accused of a crime can be a very frightening experience. If you learn that you are under investigation by law enforcement, you may wonder what information they will find, what details of your life may be examined, and what accusations you may face. If you have been arrested, you may be concerned about how what you say or do could affect your case. A criminal conviction can lead to multiple types of serious penalties, so you will need to make sure you take the right steps during your defense.

One of the most important steps you can take is to make sure you have legal representation as you defend against criminal charges. At Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C., our lawyers understand what is at stake in your case, and we can provide you with the strong, thorough defense that you deserve. We will review the facts of your case, find weaknesses in the prosecution's accusations and evidence, address any violations of your constitutional rights, and build a defense strategy that will help you resolve your case successfully.

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

Violent Crime Charges in Illinois

Assault and Battery

In cases involving accusations of violence or threats against others, you could be charged with assault, battery, or both. Assault charges may apply if you have been accused of acting in a way that caused another person to believe that they would suffer an injury or another form of harm. No physical contact is required for an assault charge, so you could be arrested and charged with an offense based on accusations of threatening conduct or words.

Battery charges will typically involve making physical contact of an insulting or provoking nature or causing an injury to another person. You could be arrested and charged with battery if you allegedly hurt someone on purpose or made contact with them in an aggressive manner, such as by shoving them or poking a finger in their chest. Assault and battery may be charged together, and the charges will be more serious in cases involving aggravating circumstances, such as the use of a weapon.

Domestic Violence

An accusation of assault/battery could be classified as domestic violence if it allegedly involved a member of your family or household. If you are accused of threatening, injuring, or making provocative contact with your spouse, former spouse, the other parent of your child, your current or former dating partner, someone in your family, or someone living in your home, you may not only face criminal charges, but you could also be placed under restrictions due to an order of protection.

Murder and Homicide Charges

Murder is among the most serious charges you can face in Illinois or anywhere else. First-degree murder, which will usually involve premeditated killing, could lead to a sentence of life in prison. Charges of second-degree murder or manslaughter may not be as serious as first-degree murder, but they will still carry severe penalties that may include lengthy prison sentences and large fines.

Drug Crime Charges in Illinois

Possession of Controlled Substances

The penalties that you could face if you are charged with drug possession will usually depend on the type of drugs that you allegedly possessed and the quantities involved in your case. Possession of even small amounts of Schedule I or II substances, including heroin, fentanyl, or methamphetamine, can result in felony charges. The possession of prescription drugs without a valid prescription can also lead to drug possession charges

Possession With Intent to Distribute and Drug Distribution

If you allegedly possessed a large quantity of a controlled substance, or if your case involves other evidence, such as packaging materials, scales, or large amounts of cash, prosecutors may pursue charges of possession with intent to deliver or drug delivery. The penalties for these are likely to be harsher than you would face if you were charged with simple possession.

Drug Manufacturing

Charges related to drug manufacturing carry severe penalties, since these offenses may involve the distribution of dangerous substances that could cause users to suffer harm. While these offenses may involve operating meth labs or other methods of creating controlled substances, you could also be charged with this offense if you are accused of preparing or packaging drugs for distribution, such as by separating drugs into individual containers to be sold.

Sex Crime Charges in Illinois

Sex crime accusations can lead to some of the heaviest consequences of any criminal charges. In addition to the penalties that may apply following a criminal conviction, which may include large fines and years or decades in prison, you may face the ongoing problems that come with being a registered sex offender. Our attorneys take these cases seriously, and we will provide you with a professional defense that will help you minimize the ways your life may be affected.

Sexual Assault

Criminal sexual assault charges may apply if you are accused of having sexual intercourse or another form of sexual contact with a person without their consent. These charges may involve accusations that you used force or threatened to cause an injury, that the alleged victim was unable to consent because they were intoxicated or impaired, or that the alleged victim was underage.

Online Solicitation of a Minor

If you are accused of communicating with a minor online and attempting to engage in activities that would be considered a child sex crime, you could face charges of online solicitation of a minor. These charges may occur following undercover operations by law enforcement, and people are sometimes arrested and charged with sex crimes based on online conversations that indicated that they were attempting to commit crimes against children.

Child Pornography

Offenses involving child sexual abuse materials (CSAM) are treated very seriously by law enforcement officials. Charges may involve the possession, distribution, or production of materials that depict minors engaging in sexual activity. A conviction could result in a prison sentence lasting for decades, lifetime sex offender registration, and other consequences.

Other Criminal Charges

Theft Offenses

Charges related to theft may range from misdemeanor retail theft to felony charges in cases involving higher-value property. Charges of robbery may apply if you are accused of taking property from someone using force or through threats to inflict injuries. Our lawyers defend people facing all levels of theft charges. We will work to minimize the impact of these charges on your life.

Arson

If you are accused of purposely damaging property using fire or explosives, you could face charges of arson. While this is a felony offense, the charges and penalties may become even more serious if you are accused of aggravated arson involving someone's injury or death.

DUI

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can lead to serious penalties, even fo a first offense. While you may face misdemeanor charges if you are arrested for a first-time DUI, the penalties may include jail time, thousands of dollars in fines, the loss of your driver's license, and more. Multiple DUI convictions or aggravating factors like causing an accident or driving with a child passenger can lead to felony DUI charges. Our attorneys can provide representation to address DUI charges and help defend against convictions.

Traffic Crimes

In many cases, traffic violations will result in tickets that will involve fines, and multiple tickets could lead to the suspension of your driver's license. However, certain offenses are classified as traffic crimes that may carry more serious penalties. Our lawyers can help defend against charges involving reckless driving, street racing, aggravated speeding, driving with a suspended license, and more.

Contact Our Darien, IL Criminal Defense Lawyers

When you have been accused of a crime, you should not wait to get legal help. The earlier you speak to the lawyers at Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C., the more opportunities we will have to develop a strong defense and protect your rights. To learn more about how we can assist with your criminal case, contact our Darien criminal law attorneys at 630-256-8001 and set up your free consultation.