Assault And Violent Crime Defense Lawyer In Lake County And Waukegan

In Illinois, violent crimes are among the most serious criminal offenses and carry harsh penalties. If you have been arrested or are under investigation, you need an assault and violent crime defense lawyer who knows how to protect your rights and build a strong defense.

At Soffietti, Johnson, Teegen, Argueta, Bawcum & Barone, we have been defending clients in Waukegan and throughout Lake County since 1956. We understand how much is at stake, and we know how to fight for your freedom.

What Is Considered A Violent Crime In Illinois?

In Illinois, violent crimes cover a range of offenses where physical harm or the threat of harm is involved. Types of offenses that fall under this broad category include:

• Assault and aggravated assault: These involve causing apprehension of harm or actual harm, with aggravated forms often involving weapons or severe injury.
• Battery: Unlawful physical contact or causing bodily harm.
• Homicide: This includes murder (unlawful killing with malice aforethought) and manslaughter (unlawful killing without malice).
• Domestic violence: Violent acts committed against family or household members.

Illinois law carefully distinguishes between different degrees and types of violent crimes. For instance, the distinction between first-degree murder and manslaughter significantly impacts the potential sentences. Our Lake County assault and violent crime defense lawyers can explain these critical differences.

Assault Versus Battery In Illinois: Understand The Difference

Under Illinois law, assault is conduct that places another person in reasonable fear of harm without physical contact. For example, raising a fist while threatening to hit a person can qualify as assault. On the other hand, a battery offense involves actual physical contact, such as causing bodily harm or making contact through hitting, pushing or other acts. 

These offenses can become aggravated if certain factors are present, including the use of a weapon, causing severe injury, targeting protected individuals (law enforcement officers, etc.) and having prior convictions. 

In Illinois, if a firearm is involved in the assault or battery offense, you could face mandatory minimum sentencing enhancements that can add decades to a prison term. We provide aggressive and strategic defense for the unlawful use of a weapon (UUW) and other firearm-related allegations that often accompany violent crime charges in Lake County.

Can You Claim Self-Defense After A Violent Crime? 

Yes, even though Illinois does not have a formal “Stand Your Ground” statute, you can claim self-defense. Courts recognize that you generally do not have a duty to retreat if you reasonably believe force is necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm. It is an affirmative defense that requires proof that you were not the aggressor and that the force used was proportional. 

Our lawyer can carefully analyze the evidence, such as surveillance footage and witness statements, to establish the context of your actions. 

Building Your Defense In Lake County And Waukegan

A strong defense goes beyond claiming an alibi. Our legal team dissects the prosecution’s case for procedural errors and constitutional violations. We challenge forensic evidence, pursue suppression of statements collected in violation of your rights and meticulously review your case and determine what defense strategies may apply to your situation, such as:

• Self-defense or defense of others
• Mistaken identity
• Lack of intent to commit the alleged crime
• Alibi or proving you were elsewhere

At Soffietti, Johnson, Teegen, Argueta, Bawcum & Barone, we believe that defense attorneys should only negotiate from a position of strength. We are not lawyers who think “plea bargain first, trial second.” Instead, we prepare every case for trial and will not even begin to consider a plea agreement until we have exhausted all other options. Law enforcement does not always get it right, and a thorough investigation by our team often uncovers crucial evidence or inconsistencies in the prosecution’s narrative. Witness testimony, when properly presented, can also be pivotal in supporting your defense.

Long-Term Consequences And Our Steadfast Support

A conviction for a violent crime extends far beyond potential jail time or fines. It can create lasting barriers to employment opportunities, make it difficult to find housing and even impact your fundamental civil rights.

Our experienced defense lawyers are committed to minimizing these risks. We strive not only to fight the immediate charges but also to protect your future. We know each client has questions and deep concerns. Our lawyers treat you as a person, not just a case file, taking the time to answer all your questions and help ensure your case is in capable hands.

Navigating The 19th Judicial Circuit Court

When you are charged with a violent offense in Waukegan, your case will likely be heard at the Lake County Courthouse on Washington Street. The local State’s Attorney’s office is aggressive in pursuing convictions for assault and homicide. Our deep roots in this community, dating back to 1956, mean we are intimately familiar with the local court procedures, judges and prosecutors. We don’t just know the law. We know the specific environment where your case will be decided. This local insight allows us to anticipate the prosecution’s tactics and build a defense tailored to the nuances of the Lake County legal system.

Call Today

Let Soffietti, Johnson, Teegen, Argueta, Bawcum & Barone‘s heritage of helping work for you. If you are in Waukegan, Lake County or surrounding areas, call us toll-free via 888-351-2429 or contact us online.