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Illinois Criminal Defense

We fully understand that when the government charges you with the commission of a crime it can be a frightening, frustrating, and overwhelming feeling.

A jury is the great equalizer, and this is most true in criminal cases. It is our belief that every single person deserves to have his or her case taken seriously, fought for passionately, and heard by a jury of their peers — if he or she wishes. It is also our strong belief that there is no such thing as an “unwinnable” case. As a matter of fact, the best results often come from the most aggressive approaches. We have successfully litigated criminal cases at every level, from speeding tickets to Class X felonies, and even murder charges. We realize that each case is the most important case to the person facing the charges, whether it is disorderly conduct, DUI, burglary, or murder.

No one should ever feel that their case isn’t our most important case.

What is Criminal Law?

Criminal law is what we in the legal community call a prosecution by the government (either state or federal) for an act that has been classified as a crime. If convicted of a crime, certain penalties are possible — jail, fines, community service, probation, and often all of the above.

The most serious crimes are called felonies. Less serious crimes are called misdemeanors. Because felonies are considered more serious, the penalties for a conviction are more severe. Felonies can be punishable by a year or more in jail. Typically, misdemeanors are punishable by less than a year.

At The Law Office of J. Patrick Nelson, PC we defend individuals against all charges, in state or federal courts. Whether you are charged with a traffic violation, DUI, drug crime, sex offense, financial crime, battery, or anything else, we can help you achieve the very best possible outcome so that you can move on with your life.

Learn More or Contact Our DuPage County Defense Attorneys Today

Learn more about our practice below. Based in DuPage County, Illinois, we work with clients throughout the Chicago area, including Will County and Cook County.

Domestic Violence

At Casey Nelson LLP, we offer a different philosophy in defending domestic violence cases. Our criminal defense attorneys, alongside our family law attorneys, understand that cases involving Domestic Battery, Aggravated Domestic Battery, Assault, Unl… Read More

Drug Crimes

The disproportionate penalties that result from convictions for drug crimes in Illinois can be devastating. A lapse of judgement or desperation can send a person down the dark spiral of the criminal justice system. Add to that the frequent addiction… Read More

DUI / Traffic

You are not alone if you have been charged with a DUI. Many people from every walk of life are arrested and charged with Driving Under the Influence / Driving While Intoxicated every day. What you do next, however, is what will distinguish you from t… Read More

Felonies

Chances are that if you have been charged with a felony, you are experience one of the worst moments of your life. At Casey Nelson LLP, we understand and are sympathetic to your situation. A felony conviction puts your future and your freedom in jeop… Read More

Juvenile

The Criminal Justice System can be terrifying for even the most savvy and experienced adult—imagine what it is like for a thirteen year old and his parents. Juvenile clients need special consideration from their legal counsel. Despite the reality t… Read More

Murder / Homicide

For obvious reasons a charge of First Degree Murder is the most serious of all crimes in Illinois. The penalty for First Degree Murder is a minimum of 20 years in prison — and that is only if no weapon was used. To compound the seriousness, a perso… Read More

Probation Violations

Probation violations are an offense within an offense. Once you plead guilty, or are found guilty after a trial, you receive a sentence. That sentence could include, among other things, a period of probation, conditional discharge or court supervisio… Read More

Sex Crimes

One of the most devastating offenses a person can be charge with is a sex crime. The list of violations is long, including: Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault and Abuse; Solicitation of a Minor; Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault — just to name a fe… Read More