Chicago Criminal Lawyer
Most people who need a criminal attorney in Chicago never dreamed that they would.
Often times, people who have been arrested and charged with a crime are ordinary citizens who found themselves in a difficult situation and ended up getting arrested. Often, the concept of guilt and innocence is not clear.
Every case is unique and has its own set of facts and circumstances. Every person who has been arrested and charged with a crime needs to be represented by an experienced criminal defense attorney.
My job as a Chicago criminal lawyer is to conduct a thorough investigation into the facts and circumstances of every case and to provide a strong defense that is based on the facts and the law for all of my clients. Additionally, my job is to ensure that the prosecutor and the police do their job properly and that your rights are protected.
If you have been arrested and charged with a criminal offense such as driving under the influence, you are in need of a criminal lawyer. Many people who are arrested and charged with criminal matters find themselves with expensive fines or, worst case scenario, imprisonment. Furthermore, a criminal conviction can have collateral consequences that extend far beyond any penalties imposed by the Court – this is a matter that can affect your entire life.
Choosing the right criminal attorney is not a decision to be taken lightly. You need to choose someone who has the skills and experience necessary to fight for your rights and to put you in the best position possible to prevail! Stephen J. Feldman has been a practicing Chicago criminal lawyer for more than 12 years. Since beginning his career as a criminal attorney, he has won countless cases for his clients by providing an aggressive and diligent defense at every stage of the criminal proceeding. In fact, in 2011 Stephen J. Feldman was recognized as a “Rising Star” in the 2011 issue of Super Lawyers Magazine and won “Outstanding Young Lawyer in the Area of Criminal Defense”. In addition to having his own law practice where he defends people who have been charged with criminal and DUI matters, Steve is also an Adjunct Professor at The John Marshall Law School in Chicago, Illinois where he teaches Trial Advocacy.
Learn more about Stephen J. Feldman here.
“Trial by jury is the only anchor ever yet imagined by man by which a government can be held to the principles of its constitution.” – Thomas Jefferson, 1788
Here at Feldman Criminal Defense, we represent people who have been arrested and charged with a wide range of misdemeanors and felonies in Chicago, Illinois and the surrounding suburbs. We also represent many people and have successfully defended many clients who have been charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
In Illinois, an arrest for DUI will automatically cause your driving privileges to be suspended. In addition, to losing your driver’s license and depending on the circumstances of the case as well as your legal/criminal history, you could possibly face prison time and a hefty fine. Among many lawyers in Chicago, DUI cases are known for being some of the most complex cases to defend. This is because much of the burden of proof relies on the arresting police officers observations as well as scientific evidence.
For unqualified, unskilled criminal defense attorneys, this can lead you straight to a conviction, and possibly, jail. Stephen J. Feldman has successfully defended many people who had been charged with DUI in Chicago and the Chicago area. On many occasions he has beaten the charge of DUI and has successfully gotten numerous clients their driver’s licenses back.
Choosing the right lawyer to defend against a DUI charge is very important. Stephen J. Feldman is not only a criminal lawyer with experience defending DUI charges, he is also a Driving Under the Influence Hearing Officer. Steve has presided over more than 1,000 administrative hearings to determine whether an individual Petitioner should regain driving privileges that have previously been suspended or revoked due to being convicted for DUI.
MISDEMEANOR
A misdemeanor is a crime where a conviction can result in up to one year in a county jail and a fine in the amount of $2,500. Examples of misdemeanor crimes include: Driving While Under the Influence of Alcohol and/or Drugs, Driving While Suspended or Revoked, Domestic Battery, Assault, Battery, Theft, Retail Theft and Disorderly Conduct. (Depending on the circumstances of the accused and of the offense, most misdemeanors can also be charged as felonies.)
In addition to a sentence of time in the county jail, being convicted of a misdemeanor may have many other negative consequences on your life including: loss of driving privileges, you may have to spend hours with a probation officer, you may be required to pay a fine, you may be required to complete community service, removal from the United States (for non U.S. citizens), you may lose your job and you may have trouble finding a new job.
Every case is unique and has its own set of circumstances. A person who has been arrested and charged with a misdemeanor needs to be represented by a Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney who has the experience and expertise necessary to provide an aggressive, competent and diligent defense.
Every person charged with a crime has rights and those rights need to be defended by an experienced, competent lawyer who criminal defense attorney. Stephen J. Feldman is a Chicago Criminal defense attorney and he has spent the last 12 years representing people fighting for and protecting the rights of people who have been arrested and charged with criminal offenses. I can help! Contact me now and start protecting your rights!
FELONIES
A felony crime is a crime for which you could be sent to prison for more than a year. Felonies are the most serious crimes the State can charge you with and you must take action to protect yourself. Examples of felony crimes include Murder, Rape, Arson, Armed Robbery. Vehicular Hijacking, Fraud, Forgery, Sex Offenses, Weapons Offenses and Narcotics Cases.
The consequences of a felony conviction are dire. In addition to a lengthy prison sentence, as a convicted felon you may suffer many other collateral consequences on your life: you may lose your driving privileges, you may be required to spend hours with a probation officer, you may be removed from the United States (for non US citizens), you may lose your job, and you may have trouble finding a new job.
Every case is unique and has its own set of unique circumstances. A person who has been arrested and charged with a felony needs to be represented by a Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney who has the experience and expertise necessary to provide an aggressive, competent and diligent defense.
A successful defense to a felony charge requires significant technical knowledge and courtroom expertise. It also involves a thorough investigation into the facts and circumstances surrounding the arrest and a keen insight into the applicable criminal law. As an attorney who has gained significant experience from both sides of a case, I will use my knowledge and expertise to help you protect your rights and win your case. Contact me now and start protecting your rights!
EXPUNGEMENT & SEALING OF RECORDS
A criminal record can dramatically impair one’s ability to maintain employment or to obtain a business or professional license. It also creates a stigma that can cause embarrassment and affect your personal relationships.
If you have a criminal record you might be eligible to have your record expunged (erased) or sealed. In both cases most people would no longer be able to see your past criminal history. These cases are very technical and I have helped many people clear up past mistakes and go on to lead successful lives.
In Illinois, an expunged or sealed record may not be considered by any private or public entity in employment matters, certification, licensing, revocation of certification or licensure, or registration. Furthermore, employers may not ask if an applicant has had records expunged or sealed.
If you have a criminal record and would like to have your record expunged or sealed contact me now to determine whether you are eligible to have your criminal record expunged or sealed.
Driver’s License Reinstatement
In Illinois, whenever a person is convicted of a DUI their driving privileges are automatically revoked. The revocation is indefinite, and the person cannot legally drive until they have received driving relief from the Illinois Secretary of State. The penalties for driving while suspended or revoked are harsh!
In order to obtain driving relief from the Illinois Secretary of State a person must apply for and participate in a driver’s license reinstatement hearing before the Illinois Secretary of State. Secretary of State hearings are held under complex and often confusing state statutes and administrative rules. Unlike a criminal prosecution, the person applying for driving relief has the burden of proof, not the government. The applicant must prove to the Secretary of State by clear and convincing evidence that they should receive driving relief. Stephen J. Feldman is an experienced and knowledgeable attorney who has the ability to guide you through the process of getting your driver’s license reinstated in Illinois. We work with one of Chicago’s top drivers license reinstatement lawyers, Michael R. Johnson. Learn more about about his practice here.
Contact Stephen J. Feldman today to start the process of getting your Illinois drivers license reinstated.