Felony Attorney Northwest Indiana and Chicago, IL
The stakes are high when someone faces an accusation that they have committed a felony crime. Felony crimes include the most serious offenses and include steep prison sentences and high fines.
Because the stakes are so high, it’s critical to find an attorney who has the experience as well as the time and resources to investigate your case fully and establish a plan for resolving it. Experienced criminal defense attorneys will know how to investigate and structure the facts and evidence to convince a judge or a jury that you are not guilty or the prosecution to dismiss the case.
If you’ve been accused of a felony in Northwestern Indiana or the Chicago area, hire a law firm that has been defending the accused since 1974: Alvarez Law Office. Our attorneys will do what it takes to fight for your freedom, your family, and your future.
Along the way we will never forget, or let you forget, the most cherished principle under our system: We are all presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a court. Call us today at (219) 300-5204.
Alvarez Law Office has two former prosecutors on staff. Andy Kyres and Herb Shaps know the tactics and methods of the prosecution. We use that knowledge to provide an expert criminal defense. Don’t leave your freedom to chance. Trust a firm with decades of experience to fight for your rights. Whether you’ve been accused of a misdemeanor or a felony, call the Alvarez Law Office in Crown Point before you make any statement to police or prosecutor. You have the right to have a lawyer present and it will be to your advantage to exercise that right.
What Steps Are Involved in a Felony Case?
Felony defendants in both Illinois and Indiana have the right to request a speedy trial. The definition of a speedy trial varies between states depending on whether a defendant is free on bail or being held in jail prior to trial. The goal of speedy trial rules is to keep governments from detaining defendants indefinitely without activity in their case. But once proceedings start, defendants can expect to go through a common set of steps:
- Initial hearing, where a defendant is informed of his or her rights and advised of the charges.
- Discovery and investigation, where parties exchange evidence they have collected and expect to present.
- Pre-trial motions, including motions to dismiss charges or to exclude certain pieces of evidence.
- Plea negotiations, where the parties seek to resolve the case before trial.
If plea negotiations fail, then the final step is a trial. The government has the burden of proof, meaning they must present evidence that shows a defendant has committed the elements of a crime beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, defendants also have the right to appeal, a process that can go to the state’s Supreme Court and even the U.S. Supreme Court under certain circumstances.
We've Recovered Billions for Clients
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$15 Million Semi-Truck Accident
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$8.5 Million Semi-Truck Accident
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$4 Million Steel Mill Explosion
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$3.55 Million Injured Tradesmen/Steelworker
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$3 Million Prescription Medical Defect
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$2.5 Million Amputation in Illinois
Classes of Felony in Indiana and Illinois
The states of Illinois and Indiana both bucket felony criminal offenses into various classes to further describe their severity. In Indiana, the lowest level felony is a Class 6 felony, punishable by sentences of six months to two and a half years. The highest level is a Class 1 felony, with penalties of 20 to 40 years. Murder is a class unto itself, carrying a sentence of 45 to 65 years.
Illinois places felony offenses into four classes. They range from a Class 1 felony, punishable by sentences of 4 to 15 years, to a Class 4 felony, with sentences of 1 to 3 years in prison. Murder in Illinois also gets its own classification, calling for sentences of 20 to 60 years. Class X felonies cover other very serious crimes, such as gun crimes and lead to sentences of six to 30 years.
These sentences can be increased based on the presence of certain aggravating factors. Sentencing decisions in both states generally belong to the judge. Note that not every state breaks felony offenses into individual classes.
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The whole entire staff IS GREAT from the front desk to the top. Very nice very friendly honest and reliable!- Joseph L.
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My experience with the Alvarez Law office was outstanding. They took my case and completed it in a timely manner. Ms. Theresa was outstanding with my case and made sure that I had everything I needed. If anyone needs a law firm that would fight for you like no other this is the Law firm for you. Thank you Anna Gallo- Anna G.
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The Alvarez Law Office helped me settle a workers compensation case. I am very pleased with the results thus far! Brandon along with the paralegal staff have been very professional and friendly. If you are in need of legal representation, consider Alvarez Law Office. Thank you so much!- Laura J.
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Very pleased with this law firm Brandon has kept me updated throughout my case. Brandon and Nicole are Rock Star's. I would definitely encourage anyone to use this law firm. If you want a Rock Star lawyer then Brandon Morford at Alvarez Law that's the guy you need.- James C.
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The office staff was always polite answering the phones. The paralegals are always there to answer my questions through email or by phone calls it may have taken time to get back to me but just had to be patient. The legal secretary called to go over and make sure I understood what and how it was going to be finalized. Attorney Steve Alvarez not settling and making sure he went the extra mile for me.- Brandy F.
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This is a firm you want on your side. They did an amazing job on my car accident case. They really are 24-7. Brandon answered all my questions promptly even on the weekends. Steven got me an amazing settlement. He is the man! He even got my medicals lowered. This is a powerhouse lawyer you want on your side.- Moses V.
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- Hailey S.
Brandon was great at getting back to me and answering all of my questions. It was nice having someone that would answer 24-7 and Attorney Alvarez got me a great resolution on my case.
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Everyone that I have spoken with at Alvarez has been polite, positive, & professional. These interactions have inspired my confidence in this firm. It’s reassuring when you’re not well to have a team like this on your side. My attorney, Steven Alvarez a great communicator, very helpful, and kind. He has already been a huge help. I’m grateful I have Alvarez Law working on my behalf.- Lilly P.
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The Alvarez Law Office helped me with a personal injury case and did a superb job. Everyone from the office staff to Walter Alvarez are very personable and friendly. My experience was great. Shout out to Steven Alvarez for a great job! Thank you so much!- Marci W.
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I was in an awful wreck in January and I contacted Mr. Alvarez. He has been such a great attorney but an even better friend! From checking up on me and making time for calls with both of our busy schedules. I can honestly say in an awful circumstance Steve Alvarez did his absolute best at all times. I Highly recommend this attorney to anyone!!! Thank you- Collin S.
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I recommend the Alvarez Law Office; Friendly, helpful, and needful advice and also very knowledgeable regarding workman's comp claims. I appreciated their professional representation and skill.- Faith F.
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Got me more money back than I expected for my injuries! Thanks Alvarez law firm. You guys are awesome!!!- Jerry G.
What Is a Felony?
A felony is one of two categories in the law used to characterize the seriousness of a criminal offense, the other being a misdemeanor. Felonies refer to more serious crimes that come with stiffer penalties, including higher fines and longer prison sentences, and periods of probation. In most instances, a felony is defined as a crime with a sentence of at least a year in prison.
What Is a Felony Defense Lawyer?
If you are accused of a felony, you must find proper legal representation right away. Nothing short of your freedom is at stake. Don’t try to represent yourself, as both the law and criminal procedure are complicated and the things you say could be used against you.
Your best option is to seek the help of a criminal defense attorney with experience in representing individuals or companies against charges of felony crimes. Criminal defense attorneys not only specialize in criminal law, but they also tend to have well-developed relationships throughout the system that can help point your case to a fair and just outcome. Experienced criminal defense attorneys also understand the rules of criminal procedure, which are important to navigate in the context of a criminal trial.
When Should You Hire a Felony Defense Lawyer?
Hiring the right felony defense lawyer is your highest priority and should happen as soon as possible after you are arrested. From the minute you are in custody, any words you speak, even to assert your innocence, can become evidence against you. Felony defense lawyers such as those in the Alvarez Law Office, serving Indianapolis and other parts of Indiana, will do your talking for you. They will carefully help you navigate the initial proceedings while working diligently to gather and document evidence and research the law to begin building a theory for a defense. Everything you say to a felony defense attorney is privileged, meaning it stays confidential. Your attorney can not repeat the information to anyone.
Make the Right Decision When Charged with a Felony
Remember that while police and prosecutors have a job to do, representing your best interests is not part of it. You have a constitutional right not to speak to authorities, and you should exercise it. Choose the best representation for the best defense. Call the attorneys at Alvarez Law so we can represent you in official proceedings and say nothing to anyone until your lawyer arrives. You are presumed innocent.
Our attorneys have more than 200 years of collective experience in the law. We represent clients in felonies, drug crimes, sex crimes, and more. We also work with clients in felony traffic matters. You will find us in Hammond, Crown Point, South Bend, Indianapolis, and Chicago.
Our team has had extensive success in getting charges dropped or reduced in severity and keeping our clients out of jail. Call us or contact us online today for a consultation
