Misdemeanor Charges Lawyer in Peoria

A misdemeanor is a criminal charge, and a conviction can put you in jail. While a misdemeanor is just above a “petty offense,” which never includes jail time, it is still taken very seriously by law enforcement. Illinois divides misdemeanors into three classifications.

Christopher A. Nelson Speaking to Robert J. Hanauer - Misdemeanor Charges Banner

Crime Classification and Legal Defense

The same type of offense may fall into all three categories, but it is the seriousness of the particular crime that determines the penalties and determines which class of misdemeanor with which someone is charged. Similarly, one type of crime can be a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the severity of the act. Felony charges often have harsher penalties than misdemeanors. Your attorney’s job is to defend you and try to get the charges against you reduced or prevent a conviction altogether.

Get a Defense Attorney with a Proven Track Record of Successfully Fighting a Misdemeanor Charge Like Yours

If you have been accused of committing a misdemeanor crime in the greater Peoria area, then time is of the essence. The sooner you begin working with a lawyer, the better your chances of getting the best possible outcome for your case. Of course, we leave absolutely nothing to chance at Hanauer Law. Our experienced team has the skills and tenacity to handle even the most complicated cases. We have obtained successful outcomes defending clients who have been charged with misdemeanor crimes such as:

Aggravated assault
Theft Crimes
Child Endangerment
Reckless Driving
Driving Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol (DUI / DWI)
Public Intoxication
Minor in Possession of a Controlled Substance
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Property Damage
Public Indecency
Prostitution or Solicitation

Contact a Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer with Hanauer Law in Peoria

No matter what misdemeanor charge you are facing, we know what to do. The knowledgeable team at Hanauer Law understands the confusion and anxiety you are experiencing and have put our clients at ease time and again because of our confidence and competence when it comes to tireless defense. Our founder, Rob Hanauer, is not your average defense attorney, and you’ll see that in your first interaction with him when you walk in the door. Being charged with a crime is frightening, so it is natural for us to be that friend who knows exactly what to do in a time of crisis. But when it comes to the courtroom, a misdemeanor defense attorney with us becomes the other side’s worst nightmare. You can trust us to provide honest and direct advice and be there for you every step of the way. Contact us now and find out what we can do about your case.

Sentencing For Misdemeanors

If someone is convicted of a misdemeanor, they face the possibility of the following punishment:

Class C Misdemeanor

This is the lowest misdemeanor charge and just above a petty offense. Penalties can include a fine of up to $1,500 and up to 30 days in the county jail.

Class B Misdemeanor

A fine of up to $1,500 and up to 180 days in the county jail.

Class A Misdemeanor

A fine of up to $2,500 and a maximum of 364 days in jail.

We Are Here to Get You Through This Difficult Time

Some people may give you the impression that a misdemeanor charge is not that serious. As you can see from the fines and imprisonment possible for even the lowest misdemeanor offense, a conviction can be disastrous. A criminal defense attorney on our team can help you fight these charges and might even be able to get them dropped or reduced. Contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation and find out how we can help prevent criminal charges from ruining your life.