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Criminal Defense
Criminal Defense Lawyer/Attorney Misdemeanor/DUI/Felony
Oak Lawn, Illinois 60453.
Jawad R. Shalabi is the criminal defense lawyer/attorney for YOU.
My name is Jawad R. Shalabi, Attorney at Law. I am a criminal defense lawyer/attorney, handling misdemeanors and felonies in Cook County, Illinois and the surrounding counties.
If you have been charged with a crime, you deserve a criminal defense lawyer/attorney willing to do everything necessary to protect you.
“I previously worked in the public defenders office for the 5th Municipal District, handling only criminal cases. Since 2013, I have worked in private practice, routinely disposing of misdemeanor cases and fighting felony cases every step of the way.
“I have had great success in suppressing illegal evidence and am not afraid to go to trial.”
Get a FREE consultation to have all your criminal law questions answered by filling out the contact form on the upper left.
Criminal Defense Overview
Criminal Defense is arguably the most important area of the law, because you have the most to lose: your liberty. All crimes are serious, but some are more serious than others. If you have been charged with a crime, you should consult with a criminal defense lawyer/attorney immediately.
Below, is a list of misdemeanor and felony levels in Illinois, as well as petty offenses. You can browse through the list to see which level applies to you. First, however, you need to understand your rights.
Your Rights
What are my rights when arrested?
You have the right: (1) to know WHY you are being arrested; (2) not to be strip-searched when arrested for alleged traffic or misdemeanor offenses (some exceptions); and (3) to not have your body cavities searched (except your mouth) without an executed search warrant.
What are my rights when in police custody?
You have the right to:
(1) remain SILENT;
(2) not have unlawful means used against you to get a statement, admission, or confession;
(3) be treated humanely (provided with proper food, shelter, and, if required, medical treatment;
(4) communicate with your lawyer and family (you can make a reasonable amount of telephone calls or contact them in any other reasonable manner).
(5) consult with a lawyer (Memorize these words: “I want my lawyer.”)
(6) a Speedy Trial (If you are in custody: 120 days from the date you were taken into custody, with exceptions. If you are on bail: 160 days from the date you demanded trial, with exceptions); and
(7) a Trial by Jury.
Misdemeanors
What is a Misdemeanor in Illinois?
A misdemeanor is a criminal offense with a maximum possible sentence of 364 days in jail and a $2,500.00 fine. Misdemeanors are less serious than felonies, but are serious, nonetheless, and should not be taken lightly.
What is a Class A Misdemeanor in Illinois?
Class A misdemeanors are the highest and most serious of misdemeanors. They carry the maximum possible sentence of 364 days in jail and a $2,500.00 fine.
- DUI
- Reckless Driving
- Aggravated Assault
- Battery
- Aggravated Speeding
- Theft
- Criminal Trespass
- Possession of Cannabis
- Harassment
Consult a criminal defense lawyer/attorney for more information.
What is a Class B Misdemeanor in Illinois?
Class B misdemeanors are misdemeanors that carry a maximum possible sentence of 6 months in jail and a $1,500.00 fine or a fine specified in the offense, whichever is greater. Some Class B misdemeanors are lesser versions of Class A misdemeanor offenses and, therefore, have the same title.
- Aggravated Speeding
- Criminal Damage to Property
- Criminal Trespass
- Possession of Cannabis (more than 10 gm, less than 30 gm)
Consult a criminal defense lawyer/attorney for more information.
What is a Class C Misdemeanor in Illinois?
Class C misdemeanors are the least-serious of misdemeanors, but are criminal offenses, nonetheless, and should be taken seriously. The maximum possible sentence for a Class C misdemeanor is 30 days in jail and a $1,500.00 fine.
- Assault
Consult a criminal defense lawyer/attorney for more information.
Felonies
What is a Class X Felony in Illinois?
Short of first degree murder, Class X felonies are the most serious criminal offenses in Illinois. The sentence for a Class X felony is not less than 6 years and not more than 30 years in prison. The sentence for an extended term Class X felony is not less than 30 years and not more than 60 years.
- Aggravated Battery (injury from discharged firearm)
- Theft (property exceeding $100,000 value)
- Armed Robbery
- Aggravated Vehicular Hijacking
- Home Invasion
Consult a criminal defense lawyer/attorney for more information.
What is a Class 1 Felony in Illinois?
Class 1 felonies are the highest level of felonies, after Class X felonies. The sentence of imprisonment is not less than 4 years and not more than 15 years, except for second degree murder, which is 4 to 20 years. The sentence for an extended term Class 1 felony is not less than 15 years and not more than 30 in prison.
- Aggravated Intimidation (gang related)
- Theft (property exceeding $10,000 value)
- Aggravated Robbery
- Vehicular Hijacking
- Burglary (of school, day care center, etc)
- Residential Burglary
- Criminal Damage to Property
- Possession of Cannabis (over 5,000 gm)
Consult a criminal defense lawyer/attorney for more information.
What is a Class 2 Felony in Illinois?
Class 2 felonies are serious. They are surpassed only by Class 1 and Class X felonies. The sentence for Class 2 felonies is not less than 3 years and not more than 7 years in prison. The sentence for an extended term Class 2 felony is not less than 7 years and not more than 14.
- Aggravated Intimidation (of police officer, fireman)
- Theft
- Retail Theft
- Robbery
- Burglary
- Criminal Damage to Property
- Possession of Cannabis (over 2,000 gm, less than 5,000 gm)
Consult a criminal defense lawyer/attorney for more information.
What is a Class 3 Felony in Illinois?
Class 3 felonies are often lesser versions of more serious felonies, or aggravated versions of lesser crimes. The sentence for a Class 3 felony is not less than 2 years and not more than 5 years in prison. The sentence for an extended term Class 3 felony is not less than 5 years in prison and not more than 10.
- Aggravated Assault
- Intimidation
- Theft
- Retail Theft
- Burglary
- Criminal Damage to Property
- Possession of Cannabis
Consult a criminal defense lawyer/attorney for more information.
What is a Class 4 Felony in Illinois?
Class 4 felonies are the lowest level of felonies in Illinois. They are serious. The sentence for Class 4 felonies is not less than one year and not more than 3 years in prison. The sentence for an extended term Class 4 felony is not more than 3 years and not less than 6 years.
- Aggravated Assault (weapon)
- Theft
- Retail Theft
- Possession of Burglary Tools
- Criminal Trespass to Residence
- Criminal Damage to Property
- Possession of Cannabis
Consult a criminal defense lawyer/attorney for more information.
Petty Offenses
Petty offenses are offenses that are not punishable by jail or prison, but by a fine not to exceed $1,000.00. Most traffic tickets are petty offenses. See Traffic Tickets.
Consult a criminal defense lawyer/attorney for more information.