630-584-4800

630-584-4800

Addison Criminal Defense Lawyers

Goostree Law Group

"I can’t say enough great things about Jeff Muntz. He’s an outstanding attorney, and just a wonderful person. He understands how difficult this process is and does a great job..."

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Attorneys Defending Clients Against Criminal Charges in Addison, IL

The process of being arrested and charged with a crime can be an overwhelming experience. In these situations, people may not know how to respond to questions asked by police officers, how to protect their rights, what penalties they may face, and what steps they can take to resolve these matters successfully. Because of the harsh penalties that can come with a criminal conviction, legal representation is crucial from the moment a person is arrested.

People in Addison can turn to Goostree Law Group when they need guidance on how to defend against criminal charges. Our lawyers can assist with a wide variety of cases ranging from traffic violations to serious felonies. We can help clients understand the specific accusations and charges they are facing, the consequences of a conviction, and the legal defenses that may be used in their cases.

We will take the time needed to fully review the specific facts involved in a criminal case, the evidence that may play a role, the diversion programs that may be available, and any other important details as we work with clients to defend against criminal charges. We can review what happened during an arrest and how evidence was gathered, and we can determine whether a person's rights may have been violated or whether there are other factors that may affect their case. We will advise clients on the best options for defense and make sure they are fully prepared to appear in court and defend against convictions.

DUI Charges

A person may be charged with DUI if they are accused of operating a vehicle while they are impaired by any substance that has affected their ability to drive safely. Our attorneys can help address DUI charges involving:

  • Alcohol DUI: A person can be charged with DUI if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08 percent or higher.
  • Marijuana DUI: Even though cannabis is legal for adults to use in Illinois, people may face DUI charges if they drive with a certain amount of THC in their system.
  • Drug-Related DUI: The use of substances that can affect a person's ability to drive safely can lead to DUI charges. These may include controlled substances like cocaine or meth or certain types of prescription drugs that may lead to impairment.

Call 630-584-4800 and let us help your family.

Other Traffic Violations

In addition to DUI charges, our team provides representation for people who have been charged with other traffic-related offenses, including:

  • Speeding: While people may receive citations for violations of the speed limit, misdemeanor charges may apply if a person is accused of speeding by more than 25 miles per hour.
  • School Zone and Construction Zone Violations: People may face enhanced penalties for speeding or other traffic violations in certain areas at certain times. The fines in these cases are higher, and criminal charges may apply if a violation allegedly resulted in injuries to a child in a school zone or a construction worker in a construction zone.
  • Red Light Violations: People who are accused of running red lights may face fines. In cases where violations lead to accidents involving injuries or deaths, a person could face criminal charges.
  • Driving Without a Valid License: When a person is charged with operating a vehicle with a suspended or revoked license, they may face criminal penalties.
  • Reckless Driving: When a person is accused of committing a traffic violation that endangered other people or led to an accident, they could face reckless driving charges. This offense generally involves driving in a way that showed that a person disregarded the safety of others, and it is a misdemeanor offense.
  • Illinois State Bar Association
  • DuPage County Bar Association
  • Kane County Bar Association
  • Top 100 Lawyers
  • Lead Counsel

Attorney Spotlight

Goostree Law Group

Jeffrey D. Muntz

  • Best Lawyers, Ones to Watch, 2023 - Present
  • Elite Lawyer, 2018 - Present
  • "10 Best" for Client Satisfaction, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
  • "10 Best" for Client Satisfaction, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
  • Leading Lawyers, Emerging Lawyers, 2016
  • Lead Counsel Rated

Theft and Shoplifting Charges

There are a variety of situations where people may face accusations of theft, including when they have allegedly stolen money or property from someone or when they have allegedly committed fraud or embezzlement to obtain property belonging to someone else. Theft offenses can be classified as either misdemeanors or felonies depending on the value of the property involved. In general, theft of property valued at less than $500 is typically charged as a misdemeanor, while theft of property valued at $500 or more is generally charged as a felony.

Retail theft or shoplifting is a similar offense, and it may apply if a person allegedly took items from a retail store. This offense may also involve taking actions to pay less than the full retail price of a product, such as by switching price tags or ringing up items incorrectly at a self-checkout. Shoplifting charges may be classified as a misdemeanor if a person is accused of stealing less than $300 of merchandise, but felony charges may apply in cases involving retail theft of more than $300.

Other Types of Criminal Charges

Our lawyers can also provide representation for clients who have been charged with offenses such as:

  • Assault and Battery: These charges may address allegations that a person threatened to cause harm or made physical contact with someone in a way that led to an injury or was considered to be offensive.
  • Domestic Violence: When a person is accused of assault, harassment, stalking, unlawful restraint, or other offenses involving a member of their family or someone else who lives in their home, they may face serious criminal charges. They may also need to address an order of protection that may restrict them from returning to their home or contacting their family members.
  • Unlawful Use of a Weapon: Conduct involving firearms and other weapons may lead to criminal charges. These offenses include carrying a weapon without a firearm owner's ID card or concealed carry permit, carrying a weapon in certain prohibited locations, possessing a prohibited weapon, or possessing a weapon after being convicted of a felony.
  • Drug Possession: People who are accused of possessing controlled substances could be charged with misdemeanor or felony offenses depending on the types and quantities of substances involved in a case. Drug charges may be related to substances such as heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, or the possession of prescription drugs without authorization.
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Criminal Defense Frequently Asked Questions

Q

Will a DUI Charge Automatically Result in a Driver's License Suspension?

A DUI arrest can lead to an automatic statutory summary suspension of a person's driver's license, and this suspension may apply even if a person is not convicted of a crime. A person may face a statutory summary suspension if they fail a chemical test of their blood, breath, or urine after being arrested for DUI or if they refuse to submit to chemical testing. Our attorneys can provide guidance on how to defend against the suspension of a driver's license in these cases.

Q

Can a First-Time Shoplifting Charge Be Reduced or Dismissed?

Depending on the circumstances, first-time offenders who are charged with shoplifting may be eligible for alternative resolutions, such as probation or court supervision. Our lawyers can provide guidance on the steps that may be taken to help a person avoid a criminal conviction for retail theft.

Q

How Does a Criminal Record Affect a New Criminal Charge?

Depending on the charges a person is facing, a previous conviction could result in harsher penalties for a new criminal conviction. A criminal record may also limit the options for diversion programs or other ways to resolve a case without a conviction. Courts may be less likely to treat repeat offenders leniently, so harsher penalties may apply if a person is convicted for a second time. Our attorneys can provide guidance on the best defense strategies in these situations, and we will work to resolve criminal cases successfully.

Q

Is it Possible to Have Criminal Charges Dismissed Before Trial?

In some criminal cases, a dismissal may be possible. Prosecutors may choose to dismiss charges if there is limited evidence or if evidence is excluded from a case because it was obtained through a violation of a person's rights. Our lawyers may be able to negotiate agreements that will dismiss charges, and we will work to achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients.

Contact Our Addison, Illinois Criminal Defense Attorneys

Criminal charges of any kind deserve serious attention, and legal representation can be crucial to help avoid a conviction and make sure a case can be resolved successfully. At Goostree Law Group, we can provide strong defenses for our clients while advocating for their rights. Contact our Addison misdemeanor and felony defense lawyers at 630-584-4800 to schedule a free consultation.

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