Criminal Defense
Driving Under the Influence (DUI) • Drug Charges • White Collar Crimes • Violent Crimes • Sexual Offenses • Traffic Citations • Ordinance Violations • Felonies • Misdemeanors • Expungements • Pardons •
If you are facing criminal charges, we are ready to be on your side.
If you have been charged with a federal or state criminal offense, were placed under arrest, were issued a traffic citation or notice of ordinance violation, or simply believe that you may be under investigation, Gates Wise Schlosser & Goebel can help. We understand the anxiety, questions and fears that can accompany any criminal charge, and the potential hardship that criminal convictions can bring now and in the future. We pride ourselves on being zealous and understanding advocates for those facing prosecution. Our training and experience allows us to handle the full spectrum of state and federal court criminal matters, from minor traffic violations to murder charges to complex “white collar” prosecutions. Our office includes a former president of the Illinois Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and two members of the Illinois Capital Litigation Trial Bar.
Proven Success at Trial
If you are facing criminal charges, you need an attorney who isn’t afraid to go to trial. Our trial skills have been sharpened by years of battle in courtrooms throughout Illinois. We have successfully tried jury cases before some of the toughest and well-known judges in the area, and against some of the most seasoned, veteran prosecutors. The lawyers in this firm have won many cases that looked impossible to win.
Below we have provided a brief sampling from our numerous successfully defended cases.
A husband charged with first degree murder, accused of killing his wife:
The prosecution had sought a first-degree murder conviction that would have carried a minimum prison term of 20 years. Our client admitted that he had killed his wife, but we argued that he should only be guilty of involuntary manslaughter, not first degree murder. The jury agreed. On the count charging First Degree Murder, the Verdict: Not Guilty.
Driver charged with DUI:
The officer claimed that our client failed all of the field sobriety tests. Moreover, the client’s BAC was more than twice the legal limit. However, through cross-examination of the State’s witnesses, the jury learned that the breath test results in the client’s case could not be trusted. The jury’s Verdict: Not Guilty.
Teenager accused of Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon:
A law enforcement officer claimed to have been an eye-witness to the crime and testified against our client. The client testified in his own defense. For strategic reasons, we elected to have a bench trial instead of a jury trial. The judge noted that there were reasons to doubt the officer’s testimony and returned a Verdict: Not Guilty.
Man accused of molesting his girlfriend’s daughter:
There are few things that are more distressing than being falsely accused of molesting a child. We have successfully defended several of these cases. In one, our client was accused by the young daughter of our client’s girlfriend. Through cross-examination, the child’s story was shown to be inconsistent and contradictory. Our client was found: Not Guilty.
Tenant accused of punching his landlord’s property manager:
Several witnesses claimed that they saw our client punch his landlord’s property manager in the face, knocking him out. Our client testified, admitting that he had punched the property manager in the face. He also admitted that he threw the first punch, but he explained that he had acted in self defense. The jury’s Verdict: Not Guilty.
Political candidate accused by a Sheriff’s Deputy of pointing a firearm at him:
A law enforcement officer accused our client of pointing a long barreled weapon at him while the officer was engaged in his official duties. Our client claimed from the beginning that the officers were attempting to frame him for political reasons. Through aggressive pre-trial investigation, including subpoenaing the officer’s personal cell phone records, the jury learned that there was more to the story than what the officer had written in his police report. The Verdict: Not Guilty.
Murder Charge of Shaken Baby Death:
Our client was charged with killing his own child. The State called an expert witness who testified that the baby’s injuries were caused by being shaken. The police claimed that our client confessed. We had different experts review the State’s evidence and they testified on behalf of our client. The jury issued a verdict in our client’s favor: Not Guilty.
An excellent criminal defense is not just about a trial.
We have successfully defended hundreds of other cases, from homicide charges on down. Most cases do not go to trial. Many of our cases have resulted in dismissals because we were able to have the evidence against our clients thrown out prior to trial. In many others, we were able to work out very favorable plea bargains for our clients.
We are acutely aware that being accused of any charge, even something minor, can be absolutely devastating. We devote our time and attention to the unique circumstances of each and every case. We are highly proactive in defending our clients, and we diligently work to ensure that their rights are upheld at every stage of their criminal case. We conduct extensive pre-trial investigations and follow up with pre-trial motions to dismiss or reduce charges based on the evidence and facts of a case.
We understand the great importance of, and are well-prepared to deal with, the complex rules governing criminal cases and criminal sentencing. Should your case require an appeal, we are as comfortable in the appellate courts as we are in trial. We are also ready and willing to pursue available avenues of post-conviction relief.
For a skillful and determined criminal defense attorney, contact us today.
Please keep in mind that past results are not a guarantee of future success.