Sycamore, IL Criminal Defense Attorneys

Lawyers Defending Clients Facing Criminal Charges in Sycamore, Illinois

A brush with the law in Illinois can leave you feeling hopeless and even terrified. If you have been charged with a crime in Sycamore, you can expect that law enforcement and prosecutors will be working in tandem to see you convicted. The best thing you can do in response to any pending charge, felony or otherwise, is to retain a qualified criminal defense attorney who can fight for you in a court of law.

At Mirabella, Kincaid, Frederick & Mirabella, LLC, our attorneys are highly experienced in defending all manner of criminal charges, and we strive to keep our clients constantly informed of their rights. When you work with our criminal defense lawyers, we will take the time to understand your case and strategize with you to figure out your best defense.

DUI Defense

Driving under the influence is taken seriously in Illinois. If you have been arrested for drunk driving, you are likely to face serious penalties even if your case does not involve aggravating factors. For a first-time offense, you could be jailed for up to a year and fined no more than $2,500. In addition, your license may be revoked for a year.

Your blood alcohol content, or BAC, at the time of your arrest will play a large role in your sentencing. A BAC of .08% will usually result in DUI charges, but you can still be arrested for driving under the influence based on the use of controlled substances, prescription drugs, or anything else that may have impaired your driving ability.

If you have been charged with a first offense of DUI without any aggravating factors, you might consider requesting court supervision. If you successfully complete a period of court supervision, your case may be dismissed without a conviction. This allows you to avoid a criminal record, with the caveat that you can only request court supervision for DUI once in your lifetime. In any case, you should consult with an attorney to determine your best and most practical avenue for defense.

Shoplifting Charges

Mirabella, Kincaid, Frederick & Mirabella, LLC represents clients in cases involving misdemeanor and felony charges of shoplifting. A conviction of a shoplifting offense is deemed a "crime of moral turpitude" and thus carries significant consequences for non-US citizens going through the immigration or naturalization process. Moreover, repeated convictions of shoplifting can result in felony charges, even if the total value of the stolen merchandise would typically only result in a misdemeanor charge. To avoid the blemish of a criminal record and possible jail time, retaining a skilled criminal defense attorney is in your best interests.

Expungement in Illinois

Expungement gives people with a criminal record a chance to wipe the slate clean and start fresh. Illinois recognizes its citizens' right to expungement, with some restrictions. You may be considered eligible for expungement under certain circumstances, including, but not limited to:

• You were acquitted of all charges in court.
• You received a sentence of court supervision, certain offenses excepted.
• You were found guilty of a marijuana charge up to a Class 4 felony.
• You received a pardon from the Governor.
• The charges against you were dismissed.

When an expungement is approved, the state deletes any record of the charge from its archives. If expungement is not available, you may qualify to have records sealed, which will prevent them from being accessed by the public. If you are unsure about whether your offense qualifies for expungement or sealing, a criminal defense attorney at Mirabella, Kincaid, Frederick & Mirabella, LLC can meet with you to discuss the viable options in your case. We can work with you to apply for expungement and help you receive a fresh start.

Meet With a Sycamore, Illinois Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you have been arrested on criminal charges in Sycamore, a criminal defense attorney can be your best advocate as you defend against a conviction. At Mirabella, Kincaid, Frederick & Mirabella, LLC, our attorneys will take every measure to protect your rights, fighting to have your sentence reduced or seek a dismissal of your case. We will sit down with you to hear your story without judgment, and we will advise you on the best strategies to use during your defense. Call our offices at 630-665-7300 or reach out to us online to get started.