Criminal Law

Fighters. Advocates. Trial Lawyers.

A criminal conviction will end your life as you know it. If you have been accused of a crime, charged with a crime, or are under investigation, everything is on the line. You cannot afford anything less than a proven criminal defense lawyer fighting to protect your rights, your reputation, and your future. At Tess, Crull & Arnquist, we are no strangers to criminal courts in Illinois.

Defending Against Felonies and Misdemeanors in Illinois

Our experienced Illinois attorneys are comfortable in the courtroom and fight aggressively to protect our clients from the criminal penalties and collateral consequences that come with a criminal conviction. We defend against a broad range of felony and misdemeanor criminal charges, including:

• Assault and battery
• Fraud
• Weapons offenses
• Domestic battery
• Disorderly conduct
• Sex crimes
• Drugs and controlled substances

DUI Defense

We know that good people make mistakes and you are so much more than your most questionable decision. Getting arrested for a DUI is an extremely serious matter that can result in long-term consequences due to the presence of a criminal record and collateral consequences such as the loss of your driver’s license or increased insurance rates.

Punishments and Penalties

First Offense

• Class A Misdemeanor
• Up to 24 months of Court Supervision
• Fines up to $2,500

Second Offense

• Class A Misdemeanor
• Minimum of 5 days in jail or 240 Hours of Public Service Work
• Mandatory Conviction with Revocation of Driving Privileges
• Fines up to $2,500

Third Offense

• Class 2 Felony
• 3 to 7 Years Illinois Department of Corrections or up to 48 Months of Probation
• Mandatory minimum of 10 days in Jail or 480 Public Service Work Hours
• Fines up to $25,000

Fourth Offense

• Non-Probationable Class 2
• 3-7 years Illinois Department of Corrections
• Maximum Fine of $25,000

Fifth Offense

• Non-Probationable Class X
• 6-30 Years in the Illinois Department of Corrections
• Maximum Fine of $25,000

Statutory Summary Suspension

In Illinois, a Statutory Summary Suspension is an administrative punishment which may be imposed by the Illinois Secretary of State when an individual is arrest for a DUI. If an officer asks you to submit to chemical testing and you refuse or have a BAC of more than .08 then the Secretary of State will suspend your drivers license for a period of no less than 6 months. A Statutory Summary Suspension is imposed on top of any punishment or penalties that you may receive in your criminal case and may be imposed even if you are found not guilty of a DUI.

Monitoring Device Driving Permit Program (MDDP)

The MDDP program allows 1st time DUI offenders to drive during their Statutory Summary Suspension using a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID). For the purposes of the MDDP, a first-time offender is an individual that has not had a Statutory Summary Suspension within five years.

Speak with an Illinois DUI Defense Attorney

Getting arrested for a DUI does not mean that you are guilty of a DUI. It means that an officer believed that he or she had probable cause to make an arrest. The State’s Attorney’s Office has the burden of proving you guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. In many instances, officers do not follow the strict protocols that must be followed during a DUI investigation which may lead to a verdict of not guilty being entered in your case. At Tess, Crull & Arnquist, we will take every step possible to defend you to the fullest extent possible from the moment we enter our appearance on your case until the final verdict is rendered.

Traffic Defense

Tickets and traffic charges are not a minor inconvenience; they can have lasting consequences including the loss of your driver’s license. The only way to avoid the cumulative effects of traffic citations is to fight against each and every one of them. Whether you are a parent who needs to chauffer your kids or you make a living with a CDL, you cannot afford to be without your driving privileges.

You Cannot Afford to Wait

They’re already building a case against you. It’s time to make sure you have an Illinois criminal defense attorney building the strongest possible defense. Stop by our Rochelle office or call 815-562-8754 to schedule an appointment. We’ll take care of the rest.