Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney

Defense for Misdemeanor Charges in Chicago, IL

Many people who have been charged with a misdemeanor offense do not realize the impact that it will have on their future if not properly and quickly handled in a professional manner. Misdemeanor charges range from DUI to certain drug and theft offenses to certain cases involving juvenile crimes. Many misdemeanors have the chance to be expunged or cleared from a convicted individual's record after some time, but this process is not guaranteed for all crimes. As such, it is important for you to contact a Chicago criminal defense lawyer from Goldman & Associates immediately if you have been charged with an y offense.

If you are unsure whether the crime you have been arrested for constitutes a misdemeanor or a felony offense, our firm can answer this question with your free case consultation. Some offenses are tried as a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the circumstances of the offense, such as drunk driving. If a driver is arrested for a subsequent DUI within several years or has caused bodily injury to another in a drunken driving accident, they will likely face felony charges.

Misdemeanor charges are defined by those that are penalized with less than a year of imprisonment. While this may sound like a minor offense, it will have lifelong consequences for a conviction. Some of the unnamed penalties that many convicted criminals face for years after they have been convicted include financial hardship, job loss, loss of car or home, strained relationships and being exiled from their family. When applying for new jobs, home applications or loans, the employer or lender will be able to find that you have been convicted of a crime with a simple background check.

Protect Your Future - Contact a Chicago Criminal Lawyer

At our office, the legal team has dedicated their professional careers to helping individuals just like you on a daily basis. We realize that your case will be unique, and we have the skills and resources to create the tailor-made solution you need. Our firm will do everything in our power to fight for a favorable outcome in your case, whether that means reduced charges, or exoneration in court.

If you have already been convicted of a misdemeanor crime in the past and are looking for a fresh start, you have come to the right place. Our firm also works with clients post-conviction to seek expungements and cleansing of the criminal record. The law is strict on expungements and you must follow the guidelines and meet the requirements of the court to obtain an expungement, but it will be worth the struggle in the end. After a person's criminal record is expunged, he or she is able to legally say that they have never been convicted of a crime.

For more information on misdemeanor offenses and proper defense strategies, contact a Chicago misdemeanor defense attorney at the firm.