West Chicago Criminal Defense Lawyers

Attorneys Defending Against Sex Crimes, Drug Crimes, Violent Crimes, and Other Charges in West Chicago, IL

A criminal arrest can feel overwhelming. You may have been surprised by the allegations, and you may not know what to do when questioned by police officers and taken into custody. You may be concerned about how to protect your rights and avoid incriminating yourself. As you determine what steps to take as you build a defense against criminal charges, you need an experienced legal advocate who can help you resolve these matters effectively.

Whether your case involves a misdemeanor charge or a serious felony offense, you may face multiple types of serious penalties. If you are convicted, you could face jail or prison time and be required to pay steep fines. You will have a criminal record, which can have long-term consequences that are likely to affect your employment, your ability to find housing, and other parts of your life. The stakes are high, but with representation from a skilled criminal defense attorney, you can determine the best approach to take during your case.

At Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C., we can provide you with trusted legal guidance and aggressive advocacy when it matters most. Our lawyers have multiple decades of legal experience, and we have handled thousands of criminal cases on behalf of clients from all walks of life. We have built our reputation through successful defenses of public figures, professionals, and entertainers, and we have appeared in numerous news outlets in the Chicago area and throughout the country.

We understand criminal cases, and we can develop defense strategies to help our clients achieve success in even the toughest cases. With our investigative abilities, negotiation skills, aggressive courtroom representation, and commitment to securing the best possible outcome for every client, we can provide the legal help you need to defend against criminal charges and put this situation behind you.

Attorney Spotlight

Attorney Spotlight

Donald Ramsell

Attorney Profile

Donald Ramsell is the author of leading publications on DUI defense in Illinois and has defended more than 10,000 DUI cases. Over the course of his career, he has represented clients in more than 500 bench trials and 100 jury trials, and he has even 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

Defense for Sex Crime Charges

Few allegations carry consequences as severe as those involving sex crimes. In addition to the possibility of a prison sentence and large fines, a conviction may require a person to register as a sex offender. This label can permanently affect where a person will be allowed to live, the types of jobs they can hold, and nearly every other aspect of their life. Our lawyers can help prevent this outcome by defending against sex crime charges. We can address accusations of offenses such as:

• Sexual Assault and Abuse: Allegations of non-consensual sexual intercourse or sexual contact are some of the most serious sex crime charges. People who are accused of engaging in sexual activity through the use of force or threats or in situations where the other party could not give consent are likely to face serious penalties if they are convicted. Allegations of engaging in sexual conduct with minors may also lead to sexual assault or abuse charges, even if consent was given.
• Possession of Child Pornography: Some of the most serious crimes against children involve child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Possession of sexually explicit materials depicting minors can lead to severe penalties. The charges become even more serious for those who are accused of producing CSAM.
• Prostitution or Solicitation: Charges of engaging in sexual conduct in exchange for payment may affect people on either side of these transactions. Even when these are charged as misdemeanor-level offenses, a person may face serious consequences that may affect them for years to come.

Defending against sex crime charges requires a thorough review of the prosecution's evidence, including forensic reports, digital files, witness statements, and law enforcement procedures. Our attorneys take steps to uncover weaknesses in the cases against our clients. We will challenge questionable evidence, demonstrate consent, and fight to prevent convictions. Our goal is to protect our clients' rights and their personal dignity.

Defense for Drug Possession and Related Charges

The penalties for drug crimes can vary widely depending on the substances involved. Cases involving "hard drugs" that are classified as Schedule I controlled substances, including heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine, are more likely to result in serious penalties for people who are charged with drug possession or drug distribution. However, even drugs that are considered to be less dangerous, such as certain types of prescription medications, can still result in serious criminal charges. People who are convicted of drug-related offenses may face penalties such as jail time and fines, as well as the requirement to participate in drug treatment.

Our lawyers understand how drug charges are handled in DuPage County courts, and we work to help our clients resolve these cases in ways that will minimize their penalties. In some cases, we may advocate for probation, drug treatment programs, or deferred prosecution options that will help our clients avoid incarceration. In cases involving felony-level charges related to large quantities of drugs or allegations of distribution, we will carefully examine the procedures followed by law enforcement during searches and chemical testing. We work to reduce charges or achieve dismissals whenever possible.

Defense for Violent Crime Charges

Allegations of violent crimes can lead to some of the harshest penalties under Illinois law. Our attorneys can defend against charges involving threats, injuries, or other forms of violence, including:

• Domestic Violence: These cases may involve accusations of abuse or threats against family members, such as a person's spouse, children, other family members, or people who live in their home. In addition to the penalties that may come with a criminal conviction, a person may need to defend against an order of protection. Our lawyers can challenge unfair accusations and fight to prevent penalties that could affect our clients' lives.
• Assault and Battery: The offense of assault involves placing someone in fear of bodily harm, while charges of battery may apply if someone was injured or if other forms of physical contact occurred during an argument or confrontation. Aggravated assault or aggravated battery charges may apply if a person is accused of using a weapon or inflicting serious bodily harm. Our attorneys can defend against these charges by arguing that a person acted in self-defense, that there was a mistaken identity, or that witness accounts were unreliable.
• Homicide: Accusations of murder or manslaughter will require a strong defense from a lawyer who has experience in these types of cases. We can take steps to present evidence of self-defense, challenge forensic evidence, or question the credibility of witnesses as we work to demonstrate our client's innocence.

Representation in DuPage County Courts

Following an arrest in West Chicago, the proceedings in a person's case will typically be held at the DuPage County Courthouse, located at:

• 505 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton, IL 60187

We serve clients from our office in Wheaton, located at:

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

Other Criminal Matters

Our attorneys can provide an effective legal defense in a wide range of cases, including:

• DUI: An arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, or drugs can result in multiple types of penalties, including license suspension, high fines, and potential jail time. Our lawyers can challenge chemical test results, arrest procedures, and the legality of traffic stops to help prevent a DUI conviction.
• Theft: Our attorneys can help people who have been accused of shoplifting, theft of property or services, or other property crimes. We work to address these charges and defend against convictions.
• Weapons Charges: For those who are accused of possessing illegal firearms or other weapons, using weapons while committing criminal offenses, or other types of unlawful use of a weapon, our lawyers can take steps to protect their rights.
• Arson: Allegations of intentionally setting fires can result in felony charges with long prison sentences, especially if someone was injured or if valuable property was destroyed. Our attorneys will examine forensic evidence and possible alternative explanations for the cause of a fire.
• Traffic Crimes: While some violations of traffic laws are minor infractions, others are serious criminal offenses. Our lawyers can address charges of reckless driving, fleeing and eluding police, or driving with a suspended license, and we will work to defend against criminal convictions.

Contact Our West Chicago, Illinois Criminal Defense Attorneys

When your future is at stake due to the possibility of a criminal conviction, you will need to make sure you have legal representation from a skilled and experienced attorney. At Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C., we are committed to achieving positive results for clients in even the most difficult cases. Contact our West Chicago criminal lawyers today at 630-786-6062 to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward protecting your rights and your future.