Oswego, IL Criminal Defense Attorneys

Knowledgeable Criminal Defense Attorneys Defending Clients in Oswego, Illinois

When you have been arrested and charged with a crime in Oswego, your future may be at risk. A conviction for a misdemeanor or felony offense can lead to multiple long-lasting penalties, including months or years in jail, hundreds or thousands of dollars in fines, long-term probation, and a criminal record that may impact your ability to find a job or a place to live. You need a defense attorney who will advocate for your rights and fight to prevent a conviction.

At Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C., we have been defending clients against criminal convictions since 1986. We know how to provide effective legal representation to clients in Oswego and throughout Kendall County. With our decades of courtroom experience, which includes more than 20,000 criminal cases, we can build strong defense strategies designed to secure the best possible outcome in your case.

Defense Against Property Crimes

Property crime charges can carry serious penalties, especially if the alleged offense involves high-value items, the use of force, or the possession of weapons. At Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C., we defend clients against a wide range of property-related charges, including:

Theft and Shoplifting

• Theft involves knowingly obtaining or exerting control over another person's property without authorization.
• Retail theft may involve concealing merchandise, altering price tags, or failing to scan items correctly at self-checkout kiosks.

Misdemeanor charges may apply in cases involving property valued at relatively small amounts. However, accusations of retail theft of items worth more than $300 or theft of property valued at $500 or more will typically result in felony charges. We can challenge the prosecution's ability to prove the intent to commit theft, such as by presenting evidence of misunderstandings or mistakes. We can advocate for alternative sentencing when appropriate.

Motor Vehicle Theft

Auto theft is almost always charged as a felony. These charges may apply if a person is accused of directly stealing a vehicle, possessing a vehicle that they know was stolen, or engaging in a conspiracy to steal one or more vehicles. More serious charges may apply if a person is accused of carjacking based on the use of force to take a vehicle from someone.

We can help defend against charges of grand theft auto by investigating ownership disputes or challenging evidence obtained through unlawful searches. We will work to prevent felony convictions and the long-term consequences that follow.

Robbery

Allegations of taking property from another person by force or threat of force can lead to charges of robbery. An offense may be enhanced to aggravated robbery or armed robbery if a weapon was allegedly used. Robbery charges are serious felonies with potential prison sentences of multiple decades or even life behind bars. We can evaluate witness statements, surveillance footage, and forensic evidence to raise reasonable doubt and fight for reduced charges or acquittals.

Arson

A person may be charged with arson if they are accused of knowingly damaging property by setting a fire or causing an explosion. This offense becomes more serious if it involves injury, occupied buildings, or places of worship. Arson is a felony offense, and it may carry significant prison sentences upon conviction. In these cases, we can consult with fire experts and raise defenses such as accidental fires or mistaken identity.

Criminal Traffic Offenses in Oswego

Not all traffic violations are minor infractions. In Illinois, some traffic offenses are considered crimes, and convictions may result in jail time, driver's license suspension, and a criminal record. At Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C., we defend clients accused of traffic charges such as:

• Aggravated Speeding: Exceeding the speed limit by 26 mph or more is a misdemeanor offense. A conviction can result in jail time, fines, and long-term driving restrictions. We can help negotiate reduced charges or court supervision to avoid a conviction.
• Driving on a Suspended or Revoked License: This is a Class A misdemeanor for most first offenses, but felony charges may apply if a license was suspended because of an offense involving someone's death. Our attorneys can investigate the cause of the suspension and help clients reinstate their licenses while defending against a criminal conviction.
• Reckless Driving: Operating a vehicle while showing a lack of care for the safety of others can lead to criminal charges. While reckless driving is usually a misdemeanor offense, it can be upgraded to a felony if it results in serious injuries. We can analyze police reports and dashcam footage to challenge claims that a driver's conduct was reckless.
• CDL Violations: Commercial drivers face stricter standards under Illinois and federal law. We defend CDL holders who are facing charges of speeding, reckless driving, leaving the scene of an accident, committing a felony using a commercial vehicle, or other serious or major traffic offenses. We fight to protect our clients' livelihoods and help them avoid issues that could affect their commercial driving privileges.

Defense Against Violent Crime Allegations

Criminal charges involving threats, injuries, or other forms of violence can lead to some of the most severe penalties upon conviction. The penalties for violent crimes may include long-term imprisonment and a felony record. These cases often involve high-stakes accusations and complex legal issues. At Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C., we represent clients charged with offenses like assault and battery, robbery, homicide, or domestic violence.

We will explore all possible defenses, including self-defense, defense of others, and lack of intent. Our attorneys can examine forensic evidence, medical records, surveillance footage, and witness statements to uncover inconsistencies and raise reasonable doubt. We will challenge any constitutional violations, such as unlawful arrests or interrogations.

Contact Our Oswego, IL Criminal Defense Attorneys

The decisions you make during a criminal case can affect the rest of your life. The attorneys at Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C. are ready to protect your rights, defend your freedom, and fight for the best possible outcome in your case. Contact us at 630-786-6062 and arrange your free consultation today.