Best Criminal Lawyer in Cook County, IL
Gal Pissetzky
Criminal Lawyer
Gal Pissetzky combines his vast legal knowledge with his superior understanding of the court systems to provide the best possible resolution for his clients. He will listen to his clients, conduct a thorough and comprehensive investigation, and analyze the applicable law in light of the specific facts in order to pursue the best results possible for clients involved in criminal and civil matters. Attorney Pissetzky is a trusted advocate who goes above and beyond for each of his clients.
Mr. Pissetzky is a well-respected member of the legal community. He has represented many clients in high-profile cases, and is frequently quoted in the press. He regularly appears on TV as the legal consultant/advisor regarding high profile criminal cases.
Glenn R. Roderman
Criminal Lawyer
Glenn R. Roderman hails from the town of Port Jervis, New York, but he has been a resident of South Florida for several decades. Mr. Roderman obtained his Juris Doctorate in Law from Stetson University in 1972, and he has been practicing law in the state of Florida since that time. Mr. Roderman was admitted to the Florida Bar and to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida, in 1972. In 1975, Mr. Roderman was admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court.
Mr. Roderman has over 50 years in the criminal justice system in Florida. He has served as a state prosecutor and municipal judge for several years in the cities of Davie, Florida, and North Lauderdale, Florida. Along with his own clients Mr. Roderman is available to other attorneys as a mentor or coach on any or all of their criminal cases. He continues to serve as a respected legal analyst for ABC News Channel 10, WPLG, in Miami.
It is this experience, Mr. Roderman says, that matters as much as any law degree when it comes to representing someone in a criminal court. Mr. Roderman believes many newer attorneys seem to have given less credence to experience, believing that education, alone, qualifies them to practice good law. As he says in this video from his Spoken Law series, Mr. Roderman points out experience and education are both required for qualified legal representation.
Elizabeth Lidd Factor
Criminal Lawyer
Elizabeth Lidd Factor, the principal attorney at the Law Office of Elizabeth Lidd Factor, P.C., has over thirty years of experience in the areas of civil litigation and family law. Elizabeth integrates her practical courtroom experience into both traditional legal and mediation services. She practices primarily in Cook, Du Page, and Will Counties.
In addition to having served as an Administrative Hearing Officer with the Expedited Child Support Program of Cook County Circuit Court, Elizabeth also facilitated a cooperative parenting class, and has presented family law mediation at Parent University and local divorce support groups. She is deeply in tune with the issues that parents face during divorce and other family law matters.
Elizabeth listens carefully to the unique facts of each case and devises a plan of action based on those facts, the applicable law, and her clients’ goals. Depending on the circumstances, she may advise resolving a case using traditional court proceedings or utilize alternative dispute resolution, primarily mediation. Elizabeth makes it a priority to return calls promptly and keep clients informed of all developments in their cases.
While Elizabeth accepts all types of family law cases, she gets particular satisfaction from guiding clients successfully through complex family law matters requiring sophisticated legal strategy and negotiation.
Steve Klein
Criminal Lawyer
Attorney Steve Klein focuses his law practice in the field of criminal defense. Mr. Klein concentrates in DUI cases, traffic offenses, drug possession, theft, domestic battery, driving on a suspended license, probation or supervision violations, and all types of felonies. He has litigated countless cases, and is an active participant in all aspects of the litigation process. Mr. Klein has familiarity with the criminal court system and has experience performing summary suspension hearings, briefing and arguing substantive motions, negotiating plea bargains, suppressing evidence, and winning many bench trials and jury trials. Throughout the last ten years, he’s honed his skills in conducting jury selection, perform opening statements, direct examinations, cross-examinations of expert and lay witnesses, and making persuasive closing arguments.
Ever since Steve Klein has been working in the legal profession, he has devoted himself to the area of criminal law. After graduating from the University of Southern California with B.A. in Psychology, Steve immediately attended the John Marshall Law School in Chicago. Even before Steve began law school, he worked as a clerk at the Cook County State’s Attorney Office in Chicago. He used his psychology degree to organize evidence for Dr. Park Dietz, the State’s top psychological expert in the death penalty case of People of the State of Illinois v. Paul Runge.
After working with the State’s Attorney for three years, Steve changed his mind on where he should place his allegiance. While working with the Cook County State’s Attorney, he was continually drawn to the opposing defense attorney’s creativity and the relationships they formed with their clients. The next year, Steve switched sides and worked at the Cook County Public Defender during his final year at John Marshall. At the Public Defender, Steve excelled in the Felony Trial Division and Homicide Task Force.
As an attorney, Steve received police training in Standardized Field Sobriety Tests and earned a certificate from the National Highway Traffic Administration in the administration of Standardized Field Sobriety Tests. He has also attended numerous seminars about the recent advances in DUI laws, local ordinance law, BAIID (Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlocking Devices) law, SCRAM (Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor), Drug Court, Mental Illness diversion programs, advanced trial tactics, and jury selection. Steve is an active member of the Illinois State Bar Association, the National College for DUI Defense, the National Advocacy for DUI Defense, the Chicago Bar Association, the DuPage County Bar Association, the DuPage County Criminal Defense Association, the National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys and the National Trial Lawyers Association. Steve has also been awarded the Super Lawyers: Rising Star Award from 2012 – 2015. Although Steve has defended thousands of DUI and traffic cases, he is always anxious to accept a variety of different criminal cases and loves the challenge a new case brings. Some of the other cases he has worked on include batteries, unlawful consumption of alcohol by a minor, domestic batteries, felony drug possession and delivery, aggravated assault, aggravated robbery, theft, unlawful use of a weapon, predatory criminal sexual assault, forgery, disorderly conduct, telephone harassment, obstructing justice, and resisting/obstructing a peace officer.
Erin E. Masters
Criminal Lawyer
Erin E. Masters is the principal of Masters Law Group, located in Chicago, Illinois. The firm handles family law matters in Cook County and surrounding counties. Masters Law Group concentrates in area of domestic relations, which includes divorce, allocation of parental responsibilities, child support and Hague Convention/ international child abduction matters.
Ms. Masters earned her Bachelors of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of California, San Diego, where she attended on a merit based scholarship, was a member of the Athlete Honor Roll, a participant of the NCAA Division II Track and Field Team and graduated in three (3) years with Provost’s Honors.
Ms. Masters received her Juris Doctorate and Certificate in Child and Family Law from Loyola University of Chicago, School of Law, in May of 2004. She was admitted to the Illinois Bar in November 2004 and to the General Bar for the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois in 2005 and the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin in 2020. Ms. Masters was admitted to the United States Supreme Court in March 2009.
Throughout her career Ms. Masters has represented a variety of clients, both pre-decree and post-decree. Additionally she has prepared Prenuptial Agreements, drafted Marital Settlement Agreements and Final Allocation of Parental Responsibilities Orders, as well as prosecuted and defended Orders of Protection. Ms. Masters has also successfully litigated matters concerning modification and enforcement of child support,
allocation of parental responsibilities and parenting time.
In addition to representing clients, Ms. Masters is also a court-appointed Child Representative and has experience advocating for children in these high-conflict matters. Further, she has also been appointed by the Circuit Court of Cook County to mediate complex family law cases. Since 2016, Ms. Masters has been named “Rising Star” by Illinois Super Lawyers and has been named as an “Emerging Lawyer” by Leading Lawyers. In 2020, Ms. Masters was named “Super Lawyer” by Illinois Super Lawyers.
Alfredo Acosta
Criminal Lawyer
Mr. Acosta graduated from Loyola University Chicago with a B.S. in Anthropology in 1996. He immediately went on to graduate from John Marshall Law School where he obtained his J.D.. Prior to, and 6 months after graduating from law school, Mr. Acosta worked for the Cook County State’s Attorneys Office in Chicago, Illinois where he gained valuable experience on how the Criminal Justice System works, including the procedural aspects of the criminal justice system. Mr. Acosta also prosecuted dozens of drug cases as well as gun cases and many other types of felony offenses.
After working for the Cook County State’s Attorneys Office, Mr. Acosta then went on to work for several very prominent Chicago criminal defense attorneys. There, Mr. Acosta learned how to defend people who have been accused of crimes vigorously and effectively. Mr. Acosta began to distinguish himself amongst older, experienced attorneys and the results were showing.
In 2003, Mr. Acosta opened up his first law office. A small unpretentious space in Berwyn, Illinois which is still functioning. Soon thereafter Mr. Acosta began to excel and show people in the legal community as well as his clients that he was in fact a different type of lawyer. His practice expanded and within a few years Mr. Acosta then opened 2 more offices in the Chicago area.
Sarah Toney
Criminal Lawyer
Sarah Toney has been proudly serving clients throughout the Chicagoland area for years. She has extensive experience handling nearly every type of criminal offense, ranging from first-time DUI offenses to major felonies. Backed by years of legal knowledge and first-hand trial experience, she has easily become a stand out attorney in her field.
Sarah’s first legal job was the summer between her first and second year of law school. It was at a criminal defense firm. On her first day on the job, they gave her a murder case of a clearly innocent man. From that early moment on, she was totally hooked on the case. She even took a month off of law school during her second year to try the case with her boss.
She loved the case not only because her client was innocent, but because she loved the work and she loved helping the client during an obviously serious crisis. That first case was life-changing and even caused her to decide to practice another area of law. It was at that exact moment that she knew she had found her true calling. Sarah stayed at that firm for 10 years before starting her own criminal defense practice.
David R. Drwencke
Criminal Lawyer
David R. Drwencke is the Founding Partner of DRD Law, LLC. He has committed his career to the singular focus of criminal defense. Mr. Drwencke takes pride in working for those individuals accused of crimes and doing so in a passionate and non-judgmental way. His clients will often hear him say, “I am not worried about what the State may accuse you of; I am focused on what – if anything – they can prove!”
David knew he wanted to be an attorney from an early age and set out to prepare himself to one day manage his firm by working with and for some of the best-known attorneys in Illinois and Michigan. Even before entering law school, David began his legal career as a Judicial Law Clerk to the now retired Rudy J. Nichols at the 6th Circuit Court of Michigan, where he witnessed hundreds of trials, countless motion arguments and learned how to defend his clients in both bench and jury trials properly.
Known best for his larger-than-life presence in the courtroom, David has earned a reputation as a ferocious litigator, a wizard of evidentiary procedure, and someone who does not back down from a fight.
Outside of the courtroom – a rare occasion for Mr. Drwencke – he is an avid sports fan and loves to learn more about cutting-edge technology that he can use both for the firm and in his private life.
What’s the Lowest Sentence for Attempted Murder in Chicago?
Attempted murder is one of the most serious criminal charges a person can face in Chicago, Illinois. The severity of this offense is reflected in the potential sentences handed down by the courts. While many factors influence sentencing, understanding the minimum possible sentence for attempted murder in Chicago is crucial for defendants, legal professionals, and concerned citizens alike.
Understanding Attempted Murder in Illinois
In Illinois, attempted murder is defined as taking a substantial step toward killing another person with the intent to commit murder. This charge is distinct from actual murder, as the victim survives the attempt. However, the law treats attempted murder very seriously, considering it among the most heinous non-fatal crimes.
Sentencing Guidelines for Attempted Murder in Chicago
Chicago, as part of Illinois, follows state laws regarding sentencing for attempted murder. The Illinois Compiled Statutes provide the framework for these sentences. According to 720 ILCS 5/8-4, attempted murder is classified as a Class X felony, the most serious category of felonies in Illinois short of first-degree murder.
The Lowest Possible Sentence
The absolute minimum sentence for attempted murder in Chicago is 6 years in prison. This is the lowest end of the sentencing range for a Class X felony without any aggravating factors. However, it’s crucial to understand that this minimum sentence is rarely imposed due to several factors:
- Aggravating Circumstances: Many attempted murder cases involve aggravating factors that increase the minimum sentence.
- Judicial Discretion: Judges have some leeway in sentencing and often consider the specific details of the case.
- Prosecutorial Influence: Prosecutors may push for higher sentences based on the severity of the crime and the defendant’s criminal history.
- Firearm Enhancement: If a firearm is used in the attempted murder, it significantly increases the minimum sentence.
Factors Affecting Sentencing
Several factors can influence the sentence for attempted murder in Chicago:
- Use of a Firearm: If a firearm is used, the minimum sentence increases dramatically. The use of a firearm adds a mandatory 15 years to the sentence. If the firearm is discharged, it adds 20 years. If great bodily harm results from the discharge, it adds 25 years to life.
- Prior Convictions: A defendant’s criminal history, especially prior violent offenses, can lead to harsher sentences.
- Victim Characteristics: Attempted murder against certain protected classes (like police officers or children) can result in enhanced penalties.
- Extent of Injuries: The severity of injuries inflicted on the victim can influence the sentence.
- Defendant’s Role: Whether the defendant was the primary actor or an accomplice can affect sentencing.
- Mitigating Circumstances: Factors such as mental health issues, coercion, or acting under extreme emotional distress might lead to reduced sentences in rare cases.
Typical Sentencing Ranges
While the absolute minimum sentence is 6 years, in practice, sentences for attempted murder in Chicago often fall within these ranges:
- Basic Attempted Murder (no firearm): 6 to 30 years
- Attempted Murder with a Firearm: 21 to 45 years
- Attempted Murder with Firearm Discharge: 26 to 50 years
- Attempted Murder with Great Bodily Harm from Firearm: 31 years to life
It’s important to note that these ranges are for first-time offenders. Repeat offenders or those with aggravating circumstances may face even longer sentences.
The Sentencing Process
When determining a sentence for attempted murder in Chicago, the court follows a specific process:
- Pre-Sentence Investigation: A detailed report is prepared, examining the defendant’s background, the circumstances of the crime, and other relevant factors.
- Sentencing Hearing: Both prosecution and defense present arguments and evidence regarding the appropriate sentence.
- Victim Impact Statements: Victims or their families may address the court about the crime’s impact on their lives.
- Judicial Consideration: The judge weighs all factors, including statutory guidelines, aggravating and mitigating circumstances, and the arguments presented.
- Sentence Pronouncement: The judge announces the sentence, explaining the reasoning behind it.
Alternatives to Incarceration
In extremely rare cases of attempted murder, particularly those involving significant mitigating factors, alternatives to traditional incarceration might be considered:
- Mental Health Treatment: If severe mental illness played a role in the offense, court-mandated treatment might be part of the sentence.
- Rehabilitation Programs: In exceptional cases, intensive rehabilitation programs might be incorporated into the sentence.
- Probation: While highly unusual for attempted murder, probation might be considered in extraordinarily mitigated circumstances.
It’s crucial to emphasize that these alternatives are extremely rare in attempted murder cases and typically only considered in the most exceptional circumstances.
Conclusion
While the absolute minimum sentence for attempted murder in Chicago is technically 6 years, this sentence is rarely imposed due to the serious nature of the crime and various aggravating factors often present. In practice, sentences for attempted murder in Chicago are typically much longer, often ranging from 21 years to life imprisonment, depending on the specific circumstances of the case.
The severity of these sentences reflects the gravity with which the Illinois legal system views attempted murder. It underscores the state’s commitment to public safety and the deterrence of violent crimes. For anyone facing such charges, the importance of competent legal representation cannot be overstated, as the potential consequences are extremely severe and long-lasting.
FAQ: Lowest Sentence for Attempted Murder in Chicago
Q1: Is probation ever an option for attempted murder in Chicago?
A1: Probation for attempted murder is extremely rare and only considered in the most exceptional circumstances with significant mitigating factors.
Q2: How does using a firearm affect the sentence for attempted murder?
A2: Using a firearm significantly increases the minimum sentence. It adds at least 15 years to the base sentence, with more years added if the firearm is discharged or causes great bodily harm.
Q3: Can a juvenile be sentenced as an adult for attempted murder in Chicago?
A3: Yes, in certain circumstances, juveniles can be tried and sentenced as adults for attempted murder, especially if the crime is particularly severe or the juvenile is close to adulthood.
Q4: Is there a possibility of parole for attempted murder convictions?
A4: Illinois abolished parole for crimes committed after 1978. However, inmates may earn “good time” credits to reduce their sentences.
Q5: How do prior convictions affect sentencing for attempted murder?
A5: Prior convictions, especially for violent crimes, can significantly increase the sentence, potentially leading to extended term sentences beyond the standard maximum.
Q6: Can mental health issues reduce a sentence for attempted murder?
A6: While mental health issues might be considered as a mitigating factor, they rarely lead to significantly reduced sentences for such a serious crime. They may, however, influence treatment options within the sentence.
Q7: Is it possible to appeal a sentence for attempted murder?
A7: Yes, sentences can be appealed. However, appeals are typically based on legal errors in the trial or sentencing process, not on the length of the sentence itself if it falls within legal guidelines.