Facing a felony charge can be extremely stressful for you and your loved ones. You may face probation, imprisonment, and the lifelong penalties that come with being a convicted felon. In this distressing time, you need the security of having the best possible legal team on your side. Since 1980, the felony defense attorneys of Bruno Law Offices have helped people accused of crimes in Champaign-Urbana fight against serious felony charges and retain their freedom. We understand the seriousness of the charges that you face, and the stress and worry you are experiencing. We can help. Our mission is to minimize the consequences of criminal charges for our clients. We will work hard to get the charges against you dropped or reduced, while also helping you cope through this difficult ordeal.
You don’t want to leave your case up to chance, nor do you want to hire an attorney who is inexperienced or unprepared to handle the charges that you face. Our experienced trial attorneys are among an elite class of criminal defense attorneys who have successfully dealt with the most serious felony charges, including crimes that qualify for the death penalty. With experience like this on your side, you and your family can rest more comfortably knowing that you have a team that understands the charges against you, knows how the prosecution will approach the case, and knows how to build a robust and convincing defense on your behalf. Don’t wait to contact us, as the earlier you get started on your case, the stronger the defense will be. Call us at (217) 328-6000, chat with us live, or fill out a contact form to schedule your free, confidential consultation with us today.
Why Do You Need a Lawyer?
Many people have made the mistake of trying to fight against criminal charges on their own, or by letting an overworked public defender represent them. Felony offense charges are no laughing matter; they can carry hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines and, for the most serious charges, can lead to life in prison or capital punishment. You will want legal representation that can stand up for you in court and put forward the necessary resources to protect your rights. Don’t leave your freedom and your future up to chance. Contact the firm that has been trusted by so many of your friends and neighbors here in Champaign-Urbana. Contact Bruno Law Offices today.
Why Should You Choose Bruno Law Offices?
The lawyers of Champaign-Urbana’s Bruno Law Offices have fought to defend citizens in Illinois across four decades. We work hard for our clients, fighting back against unjust claims and threats to your livelihood and freedom. Representing hundreds of defendants in felony offense cases, we not only have the expertise to back our claims of success; we have the case dismissals, lessened sentences, and settlements to prove it. You’ll want someone with knowledge and exceptional efficiency on your side. We are a family firm, and we understand how important family is at a time like this. We will work hard to keep you and your family informed of the progress of your case, and our goal is to make sure that you retain your freedom and clear your good name from the charges you face.
Felony Cases We Handle
The lawyers at Bruno Law Offices have significant experience with the following types of felony offense cases:
- Theft & Burglary: Depending on the property type targeted and the resulting felony class type, burglary can lead to anywhere between three to 15 years of prison time and up to $25,000 in fines.
- Home Invasion: Penalties for this crime can include 6 to 30 years in prison, up to $25,000 in fines, and probation.
- Aggravated Assault & Battery: These crimes involve a deadly weapon, are hate crimes, cause significant bodily harm, or are committed against those in positions of authority or vulnerability. Convictions can lead to large fines and long prison sentences.
- DUI: Your DUI charge will be deemed a felony if you have been convicted of multiple DUI charges or are facing an aggravated DUI charge. For the most serious aggravated DUIs, a conviction could result in up to 30 years in prison.
- Firearm Offenses: Your firearm charge will be considered a felony if it is your second firearm possession offense or if you possess a firearm while masked or hooded, within 1,000 feet of public areas such as courthouses and schools, or in a place in which alcohol is legally sold.
- Drug Crimes: The drug crime attorneys at Bruno Law Offices have dealt with cases involving drug trafficking and the possession of marijuana, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and countless other controlled substances. A drug conviction can result in tens of thousands of dollars in fines and years in prison.
- Sex Crimes: Our lawyers have dealt with sexual assault, sexual abuse, child molestation, and child pornography cases. Sex crime convictions can carry not only long prison sentences but also mandatory lifetime sex-offender registration.
- Homicide: First degree murder convictions can result in 20 years to life in prison. Second degree, or voluntary manslaughter, convictions can lead to $25,000 in fines and 4 to 20 years in prison.
With the lawyers of Bruno Law Offices by your side, the above penalties and punishments may be nothing more than hypotheticals—not your reality.
Felony Offense Frequently Asked Questions
Contact an experienced member of our team to discuss the specific charges you face. We are ready to help answer any questions you may have about your rights, the criminal process, and how we can build a strong defense on your behalf. We have provided the answers to a few frequently asked questions below, and we are available to answer your questions if you call us at (217) 328-6000 today.
What is a felony?
A felony is much more serious criminal charge than a misdemeanor. Whereas punishment for Illinois misdemeanor convictions can include no more than up to a $2,500 fine, up to 364 days in jail, and two years probation, felonies are punishable by a year or more in prison. Additionally, once a person is convicted of a felony offense, a lifetime of civic impairment follows.
In additional to the direct consequences of a felony conviction (including hefty fines, probation, or prison time), felons are usually:
- Prohibited from owning or possession firearms
- Denied housing
- Denied certain government benefits
- Prohibited from voting
- Prohibited from certain employment
Felonies in Illinois fall into five classes:
- Class X:
- Penalty possibilities: 6 – 30 years prison time, possibly 30 – 60 years prison time extension, no probation available, up to $25,000 in fines (or more if specified)
- Example: Assault with a deadly weapon
- Class 1:
- Penalty possibilities: 4 – 15 years prison time, 15 – 30 years prison time extension, up to 4 years probation, up to $25,000 in fines (or more if specified)
- Example: Sexual battery
- Class 2:
- Penalty possibilities: 3 – 7 years prison time, 7 – 14 years prison time extension, up to 4 years of probation, up to $25,000 in fines (or more if specified)
- Example: Criminal transmission of HIV
- Class 3:
- Penalty possibilities: 2 – 5 years prison time, 5 – 10 years prison time extension, up to 2 ½ years of probation, up to $25,000 in fines (or more if specified)
- Example: Aggravated assault
- Class 4:
- Penalty possibilities: 1 – 3 years prison time, 3 – 6 years prison time extension, up to 2 ½ years of probation, up to $25,000 in fines (or more if specified)
- Example: Possession of a controlled substance
What is a criminal statute of limitations?
A statute of limitations is a time limit on which a criminal charge can be filed, and a prosecution made. According to Illinois law, this limit is three years for many felonies in the state of Illinois. This limit is extended under certain circumstances, such as hazardous waste violations, theft, and some sexual abuse and sexual assault crimes. However, a statute of limitations does not apply to some more serious crimes including but not limited to treason, forgery, arson, involuntary manslaughter, attempt to commit murder, some sexual crimes, and 1st or 2nd-degree murder.
If you, the defendant, aren’t charged with a crime within the statute of limitations applicable to the offense you’re being accused of committing, you may be facing unjust charges.
If I’m arrested, what are my rights?
Before you are questioned, you must be read the Miranda warning:
- You have the right to remain silent. You do not have to speak to anyone when arrested.
- Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. Anything you say can be used as evidence.
- You have the right to an attorney. You may try to get in contact with your lawyer.
- If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you. However, don’t hesitate. Contact Bruno Law Offices for your free consultation today.
If you are not read your rights after being arrested and before questioning while in custody, nothing you say during questioning can be used against you. The lawyers at Bruno Law Offices will work to ensure any evidence obtained as a result of your rights being violated or as a result of unlawful questioning is deemed impermissible in a court of law.
Contact a Champaign Felony Offense Lawyer
The lawyers at Bruno Law Offices not only have experience with general felony offense cases; they will fight to the end so that these charges don’t turn into convictions. Felony cases can end in large fines, severe prison sentences, and an overall diminished quality of life, but Bruno Law Offices will work night and day on your case to ensure the law stays on your side. Don’t wait another second: contact our Champaign-Urbana offices today for a free consultation by calling (217) 328-6000 or filling out our website’s contact form.