When you are charged with a criminal offense it is critical to seek the advice of an Arlington Heights criminal defense attorney immediately. The repercussions of a conviction can be severe including jail time, hefty monetary fines and roadblocks in your career and job hunt.
An experienced criminal matters in Arlington Heights will help you avoid a conviction and receive the best possible outcome in your case.
Mayor’s Court
A mayor’s court is a local-level court that hears cases about traffic violations and other offenses that do not result in jail time. In Ohio, someone who sits on a mayor’s court may be the area’s mayor or a magistrate who is appointed by the town’s mayor.
Studies of municipal and mayor’s courts across the country have shown that these courts are often biased. This is because they do not have stenographers or audio recordings of the proceedings, which are important in making sure people receive fair and unbiased hearings.
If an alleged offender is unhappy with the outcome of their case in mayor’s court, they can have it transferred to County Municipal Court. However, it is critical for individuals to have a knowledgeable and experienced attorney on their side even in mayor’s court cases. Joslyn Law Firm is a criminal defense firm that regularly practices in mayor’s courts fighting for the rights of its clients.
Traffic Violations
Having a record of traffic violations can have many consequences on your life. It can affect your ability to secure a job, obtain a loan or maintain quality car insurance. Even seemingly minor violations like speeding or running a red light can lead to your license being suspended if you get too many on your record.
Regardless of whether your case is a minor infraction or a serious offense, you need an Arlington Heights criminal defense attorney who knows Illinois traffic law and how to defend against these types of cases. The Jordan Law Firm is committed to helping you keep your driving records clean.
Criminal cases in Arlington Heights are handled in the Rolling Meadows Third Municipal District Courthouse located at 2121 Euclid Avenue, Rolling Meadows, IL 60004. The main courthouse also handles criminal cases for other surrounding suburban communities such as Palatine, Buffalo Grove and Elk Grove Village. It has two full-time felony courtrooms and several misdemeanor courtrooms.
Criminal Misdemeanors
If you are arrested and charged with a misdemeanor crime such as DUI, simple assault, retail theft or disorderly conduct, you will be facing fines and jail time. A criminal conviction will also show up on your record and could make it difficult to keep or obtain employment in your career field.
Assault: Illinois law states that you are guilty of assault when you knowingly put someone in fear of a battery and do so without any authority. It can be a Class A, B or C misdemeanor depending on the severity of the attack and your past record.
It is important to speak with a Arlington Heights criminal defense lawyer immediately upon being called in for questioning by police. Statements made at these interviews may be used against you later in court. Our attorneys will fight to exclude any evidence obtained in violation of your constitutional rights such as statements made when police did not properly Mirandize you prior to questioning.
Felonies
Crimes classified as felonies are punishable by significant fines and jail time. They can also make it difficult to find employment and can cause a loss of citizenship rights such as voting and owning firearms.
A criminal conviction can also have a serious impact on one’s reputation and can be a lifelong burden. For these reasons, it’s important to hire a skilled and experienced Arlington Heights felony defense attorney. Defense lawyer Anisa Jordan is a former prosecutor, so she understands the prosecution’s perspective and anticipates their tactics.
A variety of crimes are classified as felonies in Illinois, including sex crimes, drug offenses, and embezzlement. For example, a conviction for embezzlement results in the fraudulent taking of money or property that you are responsible for. The severity of the punishment will depend on the amount embezzled and other factors. Drug offenses include possession, manufacture, and sale of illegal drugs. A conviction for a drug offense can carry substantial monetary penalties as well as long prison sentences.