Downers Grove, Illinois Criminal Defense Attorneys

Lawyers Defending Against DUI, Sex Crimes, Property Crimes, and More in Downers Grove

Being arrested and charged with a crime can turn your life upside down. Criminal accusations threaten your freedom, your reputation, your employment, and your future opportunities. The criminal justice system in Illinois is complex, and without skilled legal representation, you could be at risk of a conviction that could lead to multiple types of serious penalties. To make sure you understand your rights and the defenses that may be available, it is important to work with an experienced Criminal defense lawyer.

The attorneys at Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C. have the knowledge, experience, and dedication needed to handle serious criminal charges. We represent clients in multiple types of criminal cases, helping them navigate the DuPage County court system while defending against convictions. We will take the time to listen to your side of the story, investigate your arrest, and find weaknesses in the prosecution's case. Our goal is to achieve the best possible outcome for you, and we will stand beside you throughout the entire legal process.

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

Building Strong DUI Defense Strategies

Charges of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can result in serious consequences. If you have been arrested for DUI, you could be looking at possible jail time, the loss of your driver's license, substantial fines, and a criminal record. However, being charged with DUI does not mean you will be convicted. Our lawyers will examine every aspect of your case to build a defense strategy that will help you avoid a conviction or reduce the potential penalties.

One common defense strategy involves challenging the traffic stop itself. A law enforcement officer must have reasonable suspicion of a traffic violation or another lawful reason to pull you over. If the stop was not justified, any evidence the officer obtained may be suppressed. Our lawyers can review dash camera footage, police reports, and witness statements to determine whether the stop was lawful.

Field sobriety tests performed during DUI traffic stops may be affected by factors such as medical conditions, uneven road surfaces, poor weather conditions, nervousness, or improper procedures by police officers. We can take steps to address these tests or challenge the results of breathalyzers or other chemical tests. In some cases, we may advocate for options such as court supervision for first-time offenders, or we may file motions to dismiss charges or suppress evidence that was obtained illegally.

Defending Against Traffic Offense Charges

Traffic violations in Illinois may range from minor infractions to serious criminal offenses that can result in jail time, the loss of driving privileges, and other penalties. Our attorneys can handle a wide range of traffic charges, and we will work to minimize the impact these accusations may have on your life. We can assist with offenses such as:

Reckless Driving

Operating a vehicle in a way that puts other people's safety at risk could result in charges of reckless driving. Unlike simple speeding tickets or minor traffic violations, reckless driving is a misdemeanor offense. In these cases, prosecutors must prove that your driving went beyond carelessness and showed a disregard for people's safety. We can challenge the evidence in your case and argue that your actions did not meet the legal standard for reckless driving.

Aggravated Speeding

Speeding violations may lead to criminal charges if you allegedly exceeded the speed limit by a certain amount. In general, driving at least 26 miles per hour over the limit is a misdemeanor offense. When defending against charges of aggravated speeding, our attorneys examine the methods used to measure your speed, including radar and laser devices, and we will investigate whether the equipment had been calibrated and was operated correctly.

Texting While Driving

Illinois law prohibits the use of handheld electronic devices while driving. Violations can result in fines, and multiple offenses can lead to license suspension. If you have been charged with texting while driving, we can review the evidence to determine whether you were actually using a device in violation of the law or whether exceptions may have applied, such as using a hands-free device.

Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Violations

If you are a commercial driver, you will face stricter standards, and the consequences of traffic violations may be more severe. A conviction that would result in the suspension of your CDL could end your professional driving career. Our team understands the regulations that apply in these cases, and we can defend against CDL violations and help you protect your ability to earn a living.

Property Crime Defense

Offenses involving other people's property crimes can be charged as misdemeanors or felonies. The severity of the charges will often depend on the value of the property involved and the facts of a case. Our lawyers can determine the best defense strategies to use in these situations. We can help address charges of:

Theft

If you are accused of taking someone's property without the owner's authorization and with the intent to keep it for yourself or deprive the owner of it, you could be charged with theft. The penalties for theft will usually depend on the value of the property, with lower-value items resulting in misdemeanor charges, and high-value offenses being classified as felonies. Our attorneys can challenge whether you had the intent to steal property, whether you had a good-faith belief that you had a right to the property, or whether the value of the property was determined correctly.

Retail Theft

Allegations of taking merchandise from a store without paying, altering price tags to pay less than the actual cost, or otherwise taking items without paying their full value can lead to charges of retail theft. These cases may rely on security camera footage and witness testimony from store employees. Our lawyers will examine the evidence to determine whether it clearly shows criminal conduct or whether there may be other explanations for what happened. In some cases, mistaken identity or misunderstandings about payment can lead to false accusations.

Robbery

Charges of taking property from another person when using force or threatening to cause harm are more serious than those involving other forms of theft. Robbery is a felony offense, and the penalties can increase substantially in situations involving accusations of armed robbery. In these cases, our defense strategies may include challenging the identification of a suspect by witnesses, establishing an alibi, or demonstrating that no force or threats were used.

Representation in DuPage County Courts

Criminal cases in Downers Grove will be handled at the DuPage County Courthouse, located at:

• 505 N County Farm Rd, Wheaton, IL 60187

We can assist clients in Downers Grove from our offices in Wheaton and Naperville. Our Wheaton office is located at:

• 128 South County Farm Road, 3rd Floor, Wheaton, IL 60187

Our Naperville office is located at:

• 1717 North Naperville Road, Suite 200, Naperville, IL 60563

Violent Crime Defense

Crimes involving harm to other people or other forms of violence may lead to severe penalties. Immediate legal help will be needed after you have been arrested for a violent crime. Our attorneys understand what is at stake in these cases, and we can provide you with the representation you need to protect your rights and your freedom.

Charges of assault or battery may apply if you have been arrested following a fight or argument. Our lawyers can take steps to show that both parties involved in a fight were responsible or that self-defense was necessary. We will investigate the alleged incident, gather witness statements, and present evidence that supports your version of events. Evidence such as video footage or medical records may contradict the alleged victim's account.

Cases involving accusations of domestic violence may result in serious penalties, including orders of protection that may be issued based only on the claims of the alleged victim. Our attorneys will carefully review all available evidence, including text messages, phone records, and witness testimony, to build a defense that will protect you against these accusations.

Sex Crime Accusations

Few criminal charges carry more serious consequences than sex crime allegations. In addition to potential prison sentences and large fines, a conviction for a sex offense will typically lead to registration as a sex offender, which can affect virtually every aspect of a person's life for years or decades.

Many sex crime cases involve accusations of sexual assault. These charges may occur when there are disputes about whether a person consented to sexual activity, including in cases involving allegations of date rape or the use of drugs or alcohol. Our legal team can conduct thorough investigations in these cases and challenge accusations that our client engaged in sexual activity without the consent of the alleged victim.

Accusations of crimes involving children can be especially serious. Charges of sexual assault of a child, criminal sexual abuse, or offenses related to child pornography can lead to mandatory minimum sentences and lifetime sex offender registration requirements. These cases may be based on statements made by child witnesses or other evidence that may be inconclusive. Our lawyers will examine how interviews were conducted and whether the proper protocols were followed when gathering evidence, and we can take steps to defend against a conviction.

Contact Our Downers Grove, IL Criminal Defense Lawyers

When responding to criminal charges, the decisions you make during your case may affect the rest of your life. You need a lawyer who will fight for your rights and use the proper defense strategies to help you achieve the best possible outcome in your case. At Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C., we can provide the legal representation you deserve as you take steps to avoid a conviction. Contact our Downers Grove misdemeanor and felony defense attorneys at 630-786-6062 to arrange a free consultation.