State Criminal Defense
Illinois state offenses are often categorized as either misdemeanors or felonies. If you are investigated or charged with a crime, you should contact appropriate legal representation immediately. O’Gara & Gomric, P.C. are experienced criminal defense lawyers, ready to offer you the best defense possible.
State criminal offenses span a broad range of severity and include:
- Drug violations
- DUI
- Theft
- Aggravated battery/Assault
- Murder and manslaughter
- Unlawful weapons charge
- Sex crimes
- Domestic violence
Drug Violations
These include the possession of controlled substances and other precursor chemicals used in drug cultivation and manufacturing, along with certain accessories related to drug use. Violations encompass growing, producing, and manufacturing illegal and controlled substances. Drug distribution and trafficking laws also penalize the transportation, selling, and illegal import of these unlawful substances.
DUI
If you are pulled over and your BAC is 0.08 or more, the officer will immediately suspend your license for 180 days. You will be given a receipt that allows you to continue driving following your arrest. This gives you time to fight the arrest and suspension. On the 46th day after your arrest, the suspension snaps into effect.
The best thing you can do if you have been arrested for a DUI is to seek strong legal counsel. Do not let one slip up lead to another. Get the best legal help you can and get your life back on track. Call O’Gara & Gomric. We can help.
Theft
Theft is defined as taking anything of value without the consent of the owner. Robbery, personally taking the possessions of another, is the most serious of all theft offenses. You may receive a long prison sentence if convicted of robbery. Having strong legal representation can help you challenge proofs against you and may result in a lesser sentence.
Assault/Aggravated battery
Assault is charged when a person acts in a threatening manner, puts another in fear of immediate harm, or physically strikes or tries to strike another person.
A violent crime can result in serious punishments including a prison sentence of up to 30 years. Things that will be taken into account include:
- The extent of the victim’s injuries
- Whether or not guns or weapons were used
- Whether or not the accused has a previous criminal record
A qualified attorney can help you minimize the penalties and present your case in the most favorable light.
Murder and manslaughter
- First Degree: The unlawful killing of another that can be intentional, knowing or have a strong probability of death or great bodily harm.
- Second Degree: A killing not planned ahead of time or committed in the heat of passion.
- Involuntary Manslaughter: An unintentional killing resulting from recklessness or criminal negligence.
The most serious of all felonies, it is imperative that you seek legal counsel if you are being charged with murder or manslaughter. Only with exceptional legal representation may your charges be resolved in the most favorable way possible.
Unlawful Weapons Charges
These charges result from things like carrying handguns without permits, or illegal knives or clubs. Additionally, explosive devices, machine guns, short-barreled firearms, and switchblades will likely result in an unlawful weapons charge.
Sex Crimes
Sex crimes can range from misdemeanor offenses to very serious felony offenses. These allegations can result in lengthy prison terms, lifetime registration as a sexual offender and other life changing ramifications. Sex crimes can include indecent exposure, prostitution, possession and distribution of child pornography, criminal sexual assault, criminal sexual abuse, aggravated criminal sexual assault and predatory criminal sexual assault.
An experienced attorney will compose a thorough defense by often working with veteran investigators to consult key witnesses and often find records revealing a history of dishonesty or a motive to lie regarding the accuser. Medical records are thoroughly reviewed and medical experts and DNA experts are also often consulted. O'Gara and Gomric has handled numerous allegations of sex crimes, including a number of jury trials throughout Illinois. We have been featured as a lecturer at a legal seminar on how to defend these types of matters, and the lawyers are familiar with the knowledge and efforts needed to defend sex crime cases.
Domestic Violence
Referring to physical harm inflicted on one member of a household or family by another member of the same household or family.
If you have already made one mistake, do not make another. In all these examples of state criminal offenses, one thing remains constant: the need for exceptional legal representation. Contact O’Gara & Gomric, P.C. today for a free consultation.
