Illinois Misdemeanor Lawyer: Protecting Your Rights

Have you been charged with a misdemeanor in Illinois? While not as serious as felonies, misdemeanor convictions can still create lasting problems in your life. At Lofgren Legal, we provide a strong defense for clients facing misdemeanor charges in Bridgeview, Burbank, and surrounding communities.

For a free consultation, contact our misdemeanor lawyer serving Illinois today!

What Are Misdemeanors in Illinois?

Misdemeanors are crimes that carry less than one year of jail time. They still appear on your criminal record and can affect your job prospects, housing opportunities, and reputation.

Illinois groups misdemeanors into three main classes: Class A, B, and C misdemeanors. Each carries different potential penalties, with Class A being the most serious.

Illinois Misdemeanor Classes & Consequences

Class A Misdemeanors

Class A misdemeanors can result in:

Up to 1 year in jail or periodic imprisonment
Fines up to $2,500
Up to 2 years of probation or conditional discharge
Possible community service

Some Class A misdemeanors in Illinois include:

Driving under the influence (DUI)
Retail theft under $300
Simple battery
Possession of drug paraphernalia (with no intent to sell)

Class B Misdemeanors

Class B misdemeanors come with lighter penalties, and jail time cannot exceed 6 months.

Up to 6 months in jail or periodic imprisonment
Fines up to $1,500
Up to 2 years of probation
Possible community service

Examples of Class B misdemeanors in Illinois include:

Harassment through electronic communications (cyberbullying)
Criminal trespassing
Aggravated speeding (26-34 mph over the speed limit)
Computer tampering

Class C Misdemeanors

Class C misdemeanors are the least serious type of misdemeanor charge and can result in:

30 days in jail or periodic imprisonment
Fines up to $1,500
Up to 2 years of probation
Possible community service

Common Class C misdemeanors in Illinois include:

Disorderly conduct
Assault

Our Illinois misdemeanor lawyer handles a wide range of cases, from DUI to assault and drug charges. If you're facing a misdemeanor charge, contact our experienced criminal defense attorney for a free consultation.

Beyond Immediate Penalties

Many people underestimate the long-term impact of misdemeanor convictions. Even after you've completed your sentence, a misdemeanor can lead to:

Trouble finding employment (many employers run background checks)
Difficulty renting
Problems with professional licensing
Trouble receiving a higher education or financial aid
Issues with loan applications

For these reasons, it's essential to fight misdemeanor charges rather than simply plead guilty.

Defense Strategies for Misdemeanor Charges

At Lofgren Legal, we develop defense strategies based on the specific details of your case. These might include:

Challenging evidence collection procedures
Questioning witness statements and credibility
Investigating whether your rights were violated
Negotiating for reduced charges or penalties
Seeking alternative sentencing options
Fighting for dismissal when appropriate

Alternative Sentencing Options

Many first-time misdemeanor offenders qualify for alternatives to jail time, such as:

Court supervision (which can lead to dismissal of charges upon completion)
Community service
Diversion programs
Treatment programs (especially for drug or alcohol-related offenses)
Probation
Restitution for the victim of the crime

Our goal is to minimize the impact of misdemeanor charges on your life, both now and in the future.

The Importance of Experienced Legal Representation

Many people make the mistake of thinking they don't need a lawyer for a misdemeanor. This thinking can lead to serious consequences. Without proper representation, you might:

Face maximum penalties that could have been reduced or avoided
Miss opportunities for alternative sentencing
End up with a permanent criminal record
Accept a plea deal that isn't in your best interests

Why Work With Our Illinois Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer?

Attorney Niklas Lofgren brings a valuable perspective to misdemeanor cases. With experience working in both the State's Attorney's Office and the Public Defender's Office, he understands how prosecutors approach these situations.

His background in both prosecution and defense gives him unique insights that benefit his clients. With 10 years of criminal defense experience, Attorney Niklas Lofgren has handled cases ranging from minor misdemeanors to serious felonies. This breadth of experience allows him to navigate the court system efficiently and effectively on your behalf.

We're Here To Protect Your Rights

If you're facing misdemeanor charges in Illinois, don't wait to get legal help. Early intervention can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

The sooner we begin building your defense, the more options we have to help you. Contact Lofgren Legal today for a free consultation. Let us put our experience and knowledge to work for you. We're your dedicated misdemeanor defense team in Illinois.