Criminal Law

Crimes are usually categorized as felonies or misdemeanors based on their nature and the maximum punishment that can be imposed. A felony involves serious misconduct that is punishable by death or by imprisonment for more than one year. Most state criminal laws subdivide felonies into different classes with varying degrees of punishment. In Illinois, Felonies are divided into classes. For example:

• Class X Felony carries a term of imprisonment of 6 to 30 years in the Illinois Depatment of Corrections; such as Home Invasion
• Class 1 Felony carries a term of imprisonment of 4 to 15 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections; such as Residential Burglary
• Class 2 Felony carries a term of imprisonment of 3 to 7 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections; such as certain Sex offenses
• Class 3 Felony carries a term of imprisonment of 2 to 5 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections; such as Retail Theft
• Class 4 Felony carries a term of imprisonment of 1 to 3 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections; such as certain Cannabis charges

Crimes that do not amount to felonies are misdemeanors or violations. A misdemeanor is misconduct for which the law prescribes punishment of up to one year in jail. In Illinois misdemeanors are also divided into classes. For example:

• Class A misdemeanor carries a jail term of up to 364 days in the County Jail; such as DUI
• Class B misdemeanor carries a jail term of up to 6 months in the County Jail; such as certain Driving with an expired or invalid License
• Class C misdemeanor carries a jail term of up to 30 days in the County Jail; such as Disorderly Conduct

Lesser offenses, such as traffic and parking infractions, are often called violations and are considered a part of criminal law and are usually punishable by a fine and/or community service and/or other conditions along with in some instances a term of Supervision (suspended sentence) or a conviction. For example:

• Certain traffic offenses; such as speeding under prescribed limits
• Certain business violations; such as driving without insurance
• Certain ordinance violations; such as curfew violations

IF YOU ARE CHARGED WITH ANY CRIMINAL OFFENSE, IT IS IN YOUR BEST INTEREST TO HIRE AN EXPERIENCED AND KNOWLEDGABLE ATTORNEY. IN MOST INSTANCES, WHEN YOU ARE CHARGED WITH AN OFFENSE CARRYING A POSSIBLE TERM OF INCARCERATION, THE COURT WILL REQUEST THAT YOU ARE REPRESENTED BY AN ATTORNEY.

DUI

• If you are suspected of driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you may be arrested for DUI (driving under the influence). In Illinois the specific crime is also called DUI (driving under the influence). A DUI conviction has serious consequences (for example, losing your driving privileges); but an experienced DUI attorney can often get the charges dropped or reduced, or may be able to negotiate lesser penalties depending on your circumstances and your past history. Call John Fioti today to see how he can help you.

Personal Injury

• Whether you were injured at work, hurt in an automobile accident or injured as a result of anothers negligence you can count on the Law Offices of John L. Fioti to pursue an outcome that is in your best interest. Please call John for a free initial consultation regarding your personal injury matter.

IF YOU ARE INJURED AS A RESULT OF SOMEONE ELSES NEGLIGENCE, IT IS IN YOUR BEST INTEREST TO HIRE AN EXPERIENCED AND KNOWLEDGABLE ATTORNEY. IN MOST INSTANCES, YOU SHOULD NOT SPEAK WITH THE INSURANCE COMPANY OR OTHER PARTY UNTIL YOU ARE REPRESENTED BY AN ATTORNEY.

CALL JOHN FIOTI TODAY @ 630-842-7849
TO PRESERVE YOUR RIGHTS, PROTECT YOUR INTERESTS AND LIBERTY