Waukegan, Illinois Criminal Defense Attorney

Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer Representing Clients in Waukegan, Illinois

If you have been accused of a criminal offense, your rights and freedom are on the line. A conviction of a misdemeanor or felony offense could entail a long sentence of incarceration and heavy fines, both of which can drastically impact your future. Moreover, the stigma of a criminal record may follow you for years after you have served your sentence, affecting your personal and professional life.

Seeking strong legal representation is important when faced with criminal prosecution. At Law Office of Theodore S. Potkonjak, our Waukegan, IL criminal defense attorney can evaluate your case and start planning your next course of action. As a former prosecutor, judge, and current Special Public Defender with decades of experience, Theodore Potkonjak has a deep understanding of how criminal cases are handled from both sides of the courtroom.

How a Criminal Conviction Can Impact Your Future

A criminal conviction does not end when a sentence is served. Collateral consequences can be felt through every aspect of your life, limiting opportunities long after the case is closed. Employers often conduct background checks and may decline to hire individuals with certain records, even for minor offenses. Housing prospects can also be curtailed, as landlords frequently screen applicants for convictions and may deny rental agreements.

In regulated professions like nursing, teaching, or commercial driving, a record can jeopardize your licensure, resulting in suspension or revocation and preventing you from pursuing your chosen career path.

Skilled Criminal Defense Representation in Waukegan

As a highly experienced criminal defense lawyer, Attorney Theodore Potkonjak is qualified to handle a wide spectrum of criminal matters. We work closely with clients to understand their circumstances and tailor our defense strategy accordingly.

No matter the charge, our attorney will conduct a comprehensive review of the available police reports, witness statements, and forensic evidence. The earlier you get in contact with Law Office of Theodore S. Potkonjak, the sooner we can start building a foundation of evidence to strengthen your case.

Exploring Legal Defenses for Criminal Allegations

When you face criminal allegations, understanding viable defenses can make the difference between conviction and acquittal. This requires a close examination of the circumstances that led up to your arrest, rather than trying to apply a one-size-fits-all approach and hoping for the best.

Challenging the legality of the initial traffic stop or search may bring the prosecution's case against you into question. We examine whether law enforcement followed proper procedures and whether your constitutional rights were respected. If we find that your rights were violated at any point, we can file a motion to suppress illegally obtained evidence.

In many cases, proving a lack of intent or demonstrating an alibi can dismantle the prosecution's argument. Where appropriate, we also explore defenses such as mistaken identity, self-defense, or duress, tailoring our arguments to the specific facts of your situation.

Our goal is to build a robust defense strategy that addresses all facets of the allegations against you. From pretrial motions to persuasive courtroom advocacy, we will explore all options to secure an optimal outcome to your case.

Meet With a Waukegan Criminal Defense Lawyer

An encounter with law enforcement can leave you shaken, but do not forget that you have a right to request an attorney. At Law Office of Theodore S. Potkonjak, we can provide you with legal advice and advocacy, fighting to uphold your rights in a court of criminal law. Beyond Waukegan, we serve clients throughout the area, including residents of Lake County, McHenry County, Cook County, and DuPage County.

We are available 24/7. To schedule a free consultation today, contact our Waukegan, IL criminal defense attorney or call us at 847-263-1200.

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