Violent Crimes Defense Attorney
When you are facing a violent crime charge in Illinois, the stakes could not be higher. A conviction can mean decades in state prison, a permanent criminal record, and consequences that follow you for the rest of your life. For the best outcome possible, you need a violent crimes defense attorney who prepares every case for trial and fights the government at every stage.
At The Law Offices of Beau B. Brindley, we work tirelessly to defend individuals charged with serious violent crimes in Illinois state courts and federal courts throughout the country. Our trial record spans over a hundred cases, ranging from street-level charges to high-profile homicide defense. We also handle violent crime allegations that cross into federal jurisdiction. If federal firearms or organized crime charges are involved, our practice extends through the federal court system. Call 312.765.8878 for a confidential consultation with an expert violent crimes defense attorney who knows how to fight.
Violent Crime Charges We Defend
Illinois violent crime charges range from misdemeanor assault to first-degree murder, each of which carry distinct legal elements, sentencing exposure, and defense opportunities. Our firm handles the full spectrum.
Murder and Manslaughter
First-degree murder under 720 ILCS 5/9-1 is the most serious charge in the Illinois criminal code. A conviction carries 20 to 60 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections and up to natural life when aggravating factors, such as the use of firearms, apply. Second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter charges carry reduced but still severe penalties. A murder defense attorney must challenge every element of the government’s case: intent, causation, identity, and the reliability of evidence. Our firm has fought ruthlessly to secure not guilty verdicts for clients facing homicide charges.
Aggravated Battery and Assault
Aggravated battery under 720 ILCS 5/12-3.05 is a felony charge that arises when great bodily harm is caused, a weapon is used, or the victim is a protected class of person, such as a police officer, teacher, or senior citizen. Charges can escalate quickly from misdemeanor to Class X felony, leading to 6 to 30 years in prison. In these cases, an effective defense strategy focuses on intent, the nature and cause of injury, witness credibility, and whether self-defense applies.
Armed Robbery and Aggravated Robbery
Robbery in Illinois becomes armed robbery under 720 ILCS 5/18-2 when the accused carries a firearm or dangerous weapon. Armed robbery is a Class X felony that adds 20 years of imprisonment on top of any established charges when a firearm is discharged. These cases often turn on eyewitness identification, surveillance footage, and the reliability of informant testimony. These details allow skilled defense counsel to challenge the prosecution’s case.
Vehicular Hijacking and Carjacking
Vehicular hijacking under 720 ILCS 5/18-3 and aggravated vehicular hijacking are Class 1 and Class X felonies, respectively. Just as in robbery, when a firearm is involved, mandatory sentence enhancements apply. Federal carjacking charges under 18 U.S.C. § 2119 can be brought when the vehicle was transported in interstate commerce, adding federal mandatory minimums on top of any state exposure.
Domestic Violence and Aggravated Domestic Battery
Illinois domestic battery under 720 ILCS 5/12-3.2 can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony, depending on prior history and the nature of the alleged conduct. To best protect clients, a domestic violence defense lawyer must navigate both the criminal case and collateral consequences. This includes orders of protection, child custody implications, and firearm restrictions under federal law. Our firm defends these cases aggressively while protecting every right our clients have.
Gang-Related Charges and RICO
Illinois state gang enhancement charges under 720 ILCS 5/33-2 can significantly increase sentencing exposure for any underlying violent offense. When alleged gang activity crosses into federal jurisdiction, RICO charges under 18 U.S.C. § 1961 may apply, bringing federal mandatory minimums and the full investigative resources of the FBI and DEA. Federal violent crime charges require experienced federal defense counsel. See our Firearms & Violent Federal Offenses page for federal charge defense
Violent Crime Defense Strategies
Every violent crime case is different, and defense attorneys for violent crimes must be aware of possible strategies. The defense approach depends on the specific charge, the evidence, and the facts. However, several defense strategies apply across a broad range of violent crime charges.
- Self-defense and defense of others: Illinois law recognizes the right to use force to protect yourself or another person from imminent unlawful force, and a violent crimes defense attorney can argue self-defense when the facts support it.
- Mistaken identity and eyewitness reliability: Eyewitness misidentification is one of the leading causes of wrongful convictions. To combat this and achieve a favorable outcome, we challenge lineup procedures, suggestive identification practices, and the reliability of eyewitness testimony.
- Suppression of evidence: If law enforcement obtained evidence through an unlawful search or seizure, that evidence can be suppressed. Our firm has a strong record of winning suppression motions in violent crime cases.
- Challenging forensic and physical evidence: DNA, ballistics, and forensic evidence are not infallible. We retain qualified experts to challenge the methodology and reliability of government forensic evidence.
- Credibility of witnesses and informants: Government witnesses in violent crime cases often have significant incentives to testify, allowing us to expose bias, prior inconsistent statements, and agreements with prosecutors.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between first-degree and second-degree murder in Illinois?
Under 720 ILCS 5/9-1, first-degree murder requires proof that the defendant intended to kill or cause great bodily harm to an individual, or knew that their acts created a strong probability of death. Second-degree murder applies when mitigating factors are present, such as an unreasonable belief in self-defense. First-degree murder carries 20 to 60 years; second-degree carries 4 to 20 years. The distinction is critical and must be argued aggressively.
Can a violent crime charge be reduced or dismissed?
Yes. Charges can be reduced or dismissed when the evidence is insufficient, constitutional violations have occurred, or witnesses are unreliable. Suppression of key evidence, impeachment of witnesses, and pre-trial motions have all resulted in charge reductions and dismissals in our cases. However, every case is different, and the strength of the defense depends on the specific facts.
What happens if my state’s violent crime case gets picked up by federal prosecutors?
Federal prosecutors can charge conduct that also violates federal law — such as Hobbs Act robbery, federal carjacking, or § 924(c) firearms charges. Federal cases often carry mandatory minimum sentences and are subject to the Sentencing Guidelines, which typically result in longer sentences than state court. If your case has been referred to federal prosecutors, contact a violent crimes defense attorney with federal trial experience immediately.
Do I need a separate attorney for state and federal charges?
Not at The Law Offices of Beau B. Brindley. We handle both state violent crime defense and federal violent crime defense. If your case involves parallel state and federal charges, we can defend both. Our firm has tried cases in state and federal courts throughout the country, and our appellate practice extends further through the Seventh Circuit and the United States Supreme Court.
Facing Violent Crime Charges?
Call Brindley Law Today.
A violent crime conviction can end your freedom for decades, and with the government bringing its full resources against you, you need a violent crimes defense attorney who has tried these cases and won. Call The Law Offices of Beau B. Brindley at 312.765.8878 for a confidential consultation. As a violent crime lawyer and criminal defense attorney Chicago clients across Illinois rely on, we are ready to fight.