Criminal Defense Attorney
Belleville attorney Lyndon P. Evanko, of the law firm Lyndon P. Evanko, P.C., has represented people charged with crimes in state and federal courts in the Illinois counties of St. Claire, Madison, and Monroe, for 14 years. We are proud to offer our services as a Criminal Defense Attorney in Belleville, Illinois, Criminal Defense Attorney in Madison County, a Criminal Defense Attorney in Monroe County, Criminal Defense Attorney in St. Clair County and a Criminal Defense Attorney in Cahokia, Illinois along with all other Metro St. Louis Areas. Mr. Evanko's experience includes:
Drug Crimes
Most drug crimes may be tried in either state or federal court. Illegal drugs are classified as Schedule I through V depending upon their potential for abuse, and include marijuana, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines, and many others. Prescription drugs obtained without a valid prescription are also controlled substances which may be the subject of criminal charges.
Drug offenses include possession, manufacture, transporting, and distribution or sale, as well as being under the influence, and penalties vary according to the severity of the crime. Federal Sentencing Guidelines are stringent and can subject convicted individuals to lengthy sentences in a federal penitentiary. State prison terms are generally shorter, although much depends upon the particular facts of the case, the judge or jury involved, and the competency of the attorneys.
Theft/Property Crimes
Traditional common law distinctions between property crimes, such as robbery, larceny, and false pretenses, have been largely abolished in favor of general statutes defining and outlawing theft as the wrongful taking of another's property. Illinois' theft statute classifies offenses based on the value of the property stolen, where or from whom it was stolen (school, church, elderly), how it was taken (force, deception), and whether the suspect has prior convictions.
Weapons Crimes/Battery
Violent crimes, such as assault and battery, are classified as felonies and can engender lengthy prison sentences. When a weapon is involved in the commission of the offense, the severity of the crime and the potential punishment increases.
Nearly all weapons violations are class 4 felonies or higher, leading to a potential sentence of one year in jail or more. Even possessing a weapon can be a crime in itself. Weapons offenses include carrying a concealed weapon, possessing an unlicensed firearm, carrying or transporting firearms, explosives, and other substances for sale or illegal purposes. Illinois' Unlawful Use of Weapons (UUW) Act and Firearm Owner's Identification Act describe the manner in which a firearm may be lawfully possessed and transported. UUW also defines other objects which can be used as weapons in violation of the law.
Homicide
Homicide refers to the unlawful killing of another human being. Within this broad category, there are several different offenses that differ by degree. Murder requires that the killing be premeditated or committed with recklessness as to the likelihood of death; a death that occurs in the commission of a felony can also be tried as murder. Other types of homicide include voluntary manslaughter, involuntary manslaughter, and negligent homicide.
Homicide convictions can result in life in prison or even the death penalty. Although Illinois is currently in a state of moratorium regarding executions, people can still be sentenced to death and live out their lives on death row in a state of uncertainty, never knowing when executions in the state may resume.
Not all homicides are considered criminal; justifiable homicide, for example, is excused from criminal punishment, and can include a killing in self-defense or in defense of others.
Sex Crimes
The classification of sex crimes can include indecent exposure and crimes such as prostitution and solicitation, as well as violent crimes such as sexual assault and rape. Apart from potentially lengthy prison sentences, a conviction for a sex crime can result in registration as a sex offender, which can limit where a person may live and work and destroy one's reputation.
White Collar Crimes
White collar crime generally refers to a nonviolent crime committed for financial gain, and usually involves deception perpetrated within one's occupational status. Besides the traditional offenses of embezzlement, bribery, forgery, and blackmail, modern examples of white collar crime include securities fraud and insider trading, wire fraud, business fraud, and a wide variety of computer crimes.
Conviction of a white collar crime, even if the sentence is light or deferred, can seriously damage one's reputation and ability to obtain employment, especially in a position requiring contact with money, accounting, trust, or fiduciary responsibility.
Traffic Violations/DUI
Penalties for driving under the influence (DUI) can range from suspension or revocation of your license and impoundment of your vehicle to hefty fines and jail time. Even on the first offense, penalties may be enhanced if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is above a certain level (.16), or if there is a child under 16 in the car. If you must drive during your license suspension, your car may be fitted with an ignition interlock device to prevent further driving under the influence.
Other traffic violations with potentially serious consequences include hit-and-run and vehicular homicide, reckless driving or speeding, driving without insurance, or driving with a suspended license. Even where only a fine is involved, a conviction can lead to other negative consequences, including an increase in your car insurance rates or a criminal record, impairing your ability to obtain certain types of employment.
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence refers to verbal, written, or physical abuse perpetrated upon someone in a close relationship, such as a relative, spouse or ex-spouse, current or former boyfriend or girlfriend, and current or former roommates. Victims of domestic violence may obtain an Order of Protection in court, either in connection with a criminal trial or civil divorce, or in a separate proceeding. The Order of Protection can order an abuser to move out of the house and refrain from all contact with the victim, the victim's children, and other relatives and people living with the victim. The Order can also require the abuser to attend counseling and turn over weapons to the police.
Experienced, Qualified, Committed Legal Counsel
At the Evanko law firm, we believe in justice for the accused and will advocate strongly for your rights in court. Mr. Evanko has the depth and breadth of experience to identify the important issues in your situation, and will work to help you obtain the most favorable outcome possible in your case. We are the most qualified and experienced legal team that offers our clients a Criminal Defense Attorney in Belleville, Illinois, Criminal Defense Attorney in Madison County, a Criminal Defense Attorney in Monroe County, Criminal Defense Attorney in St. Clair County or a Criminal Defense Attorney in Cahokia, Illinois. If you have been arrested or charged with a crime, contact Lyndon P. Evanko, P.C. today or call us at (618) 397-1997 for effective legal representation.
