A Chicago Criminal Lawyer with Success in All Types of Charges
As a longtime Chicago resident and former criminal prosecutor, esteemed defense attorney Howard J. Wise has seen countless individuals arrested for nearly every crime imaginable. Over his decades practicing law, Mr. Wise has successfully defended clients charged with crimes ranging from traffic tickets to murder charges.
Though Mr. Wise has brought countless cases to victory in the courtroom, he knows that obtaining a favorable outcome is far from easy. The Illinois criminal justice system is notoriously tough on all types of crimes, and every case requires thorough investigation, careful planning, and a tough defense. If you are facing a criminal charge in Chicago, you'll need powerful legal representation if you want to avoid the devastating consequences that accompany conviction.
Howard J. Wise understands the gravity of a criminal charge. During his time working as a criminal and DUI prosecutor, he witnessed many defendants penalized with lengthy prison sentences, huge fines, and permanent stains on their criminal record. Now, as a criminal defense attorney, Mr. Wise has committed himself to helping his clients avoid wrongful conviction while protecting their freedoms and future. Mr. Wise has the skill, experience, and dedication to protect his clients' rights in court, and he's ready to fight for yours.
Aggressive Representation from a Chicago Defense Attorney Who's Seen Everything
Mr. Wise and his associates have experience defending clients in the following areas:
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Assault
Assault is both a serious and frequently misunderstood charge. Under Illinois law, a wide variety of criminal actions can constitute assault—including physical contact, verbal attack, and the threat of physical attack.
That means you could find yourself facing assault charges without ever having touched an alleged victim. A criminal defense lawyer can help you fight assault charges and avoid penalties like fines and prison time.
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Battery
Though battery and assault charges are often confused, battery typically involves some kind of physical contact or bodily harm.
The penalties that follow battery charges are severe, and you'll need an aggressive defense if you hope to avoid them.
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Burglary
Burglary is described as the entering of a building or vehicle without permission with the intention of committing a felony or theft. A Class 2 felony, the penalty for burglary is 3 to 7 years in jail.
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Criminal Appeals
One of the better aspects of our criminal justice system is the provision that allows defendants to appeal the ruling of an unjust trial.
If you believe that your case was tried unfairly, you can challenge the court's decision with the help of a criminal attorney.
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Domestic Violence
In Chicago's determination to crack down on domestic violence, courts are quick to hand out harsh penalties.
Even if you feel you have been falsely accused, there's a good chance you will be convicted for a domestic violence charge if you attempt to defend your case alone.
Only a seasoned criminal defense attorney can help you avoid conviction and the harsh penalties that follow.
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Driver's License Reinstatements
If you have lost your license due to reasons such as excessive traffic violations or a DUI, you can apply to have it reinstated with the help of an experienced traffic violations attorney.
While the process is often long and complex, a successful application will allow you to reclaim your license and freedom.
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Drug Crimes
Drug crimes cover a variety of criminal offenses, including possession, distribution, or manufacturing a controlled substance. Controlled substances include marijuana, prescription pills, and illicit drugs.
Don't risk jail time, fines, and a criminal record by attempting to defend a drug crime charge on your own—consult with a Chicago criminal defense attorney with experience defending this unique type of crime.
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DUI Charges
The consequences for driving under the influence include license suspension, hefty fines, and imprisonment.
However, you can work to protect yourself from these harsh consequences by hiring a DUI defense attorney who has experience both defending and prosecuting these types of charges.
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Expungements & Record Sealing
When you have a criminal stain on your permanent record, it can make it very difficult to find a job, secure housing, or obtain a loan.
However, you have the right to petition to have certain criminal offenses expunged or sealed from your record, making it so the general public cannot access it.
A defense attorney can guide you through the steps involved with expungement or record sealing, and help you defend your petition if it becomes necessary to go to court.
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Federal Charges
Federal charges include crimes against the government, crimes that span state lines or national borders, and crimes committed on federal property.
These types of charges bypass state courts to be tried on a federal level, and are typically more complex and harshly sentenced.
If you are facing federal charges, it is important to enlist the aid of a defense attorney with experience in the federal trial system.
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Felony Crimes
If you are convicted of a felony, you can be almost certain that you will receive a prison sentence that spans many years—perhaps even a lifetime.
A felony defense lawyer can help you avoid prison time, as well as consequences like fines, probation, and the death penalty.
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Fraud
Penalties for fraud will vary according to the charge and amount of money involved. As an example, credit card fraud (if the amount involved was less than $300 over a six month period) may be punishable by 1 to 3 years in prison.
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Internet and Computer Crime
Internet and computer crimes charges have become increasingly common as more of our regular activities move to the web.
Common examples include fraud, child pornography, and identity theft.
If you are charged with any type of online crime, you'll need a defense attorney who is ready and able to defend your case on a state or federal level.
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Juvenile Crimes
Juvenile offenses typically involve crimes committed by minors—individuals under the age of 18.
Because juvenile crimes are usually tried in a separate court system, a juvenile charge requires representation from an attorney with experience in this unique area of the law.
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License Suspension / Revocation
For many people such as truck drivers, chauffeurs and others, driving is involved in earning their living. It is important to protect your license to drive
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Misdemeanor Offenses
Don't make the mistake of assuming a misdemeanor charge does not need to be taken seriously.
While less serious than a felony, a misdemeanor conviction still comes with life-altering consequences. Your attorney can help you work to get misdemeanor charges reduced or dropped.
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Murder / Manslaughter
The general public, the media, and Chicago courts alike look harshly on murder and manslaughter cases, and the consequences for conviction are some of the toughest in our criminal justice system.
If you think there is any possibility that you are being investigated for involvement in this type of crime, it's vital to contact a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.
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Probation Violations
If you violate the terms of your probation in any way—even if it's as simple as failing to check in with your probation officer—you may find yourself sent back to jail.
Your attorney can help you understand your options, and negotiate with your officer or the court to have your violation dismissed.
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Retail Theft / Shoplifting
This charge can result in jail time and a fine. Most importantly, a conviction will go on your record and can affect future job opportunities. At the Law Offices of Howard J. Wise & Associates we offer committed and effective representation for clients charged with retail theft and shoplifting.
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Robbery & Armed Robbery
Robbery involves the forceful taking of property from another. Armed robbery involves the use of a weapon, such as club, knife or firearm to threaten the other person to turn over property. The penalties for this offense are 4 to 15 years in the state penitentiary.
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Sex Crimes
Sex crime is a blanket term that covers a range of criminal offenses, from soliciting a prostitute to human trafficking.
If you have been charged with any type of sex crime, don't risk the staggering legal penalties and the lifelong stain on your reputation—contact a skilled attorney who has experience defending sex crime charges.
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Theft
Theft is another umbrella term encompassing a variety of criminal actions, including robbery, burglary, and shoplifting.
To avoid consequences such as prison times and fines, hire a theft crimes defense attorney if you have been charged with this type of offense.
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Traffic Violations
Many Chicagoans make the mistake of dismissing traffic violations as a minor charge, or believing traffic violations cannot be challenged.
But multiple traffic violations can hike up your insurance rates and lead to license revocation over time, so it's important to contest even minor infractions to stave off undesirable consequences in the long run.
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Weapons Charges
If you are found in possession of a gun or other firearm without a valid Firearm Owners Identification card, you may face prison time and other strict punishments.
However, a criminal defense attorney can defend you against such charges, working to protect both your freedom and your right to bear arms.
Contact Chicago Defense Lawyer Howard J. Wise to Start Protecting Your Rights
Regardless of the type of criminal charge you are facing, it's essential to consult with a defense attorney as soon as possible. With it comes to criminal defense cases, time is of the essence, and every moment that passes is a moment that could have been spent investigating and building your defense.
Howard J. Wise is ready to start fighting for your rights when you are. Contact the Law Offices of Howard J. Wise & Associates today and take the first step towards protecting your finances, freedom, and future.