Criminal Defense

Facing criminal charges is a frightening experience. The system can be confusing and intimidating, especially in a county as large as Cook County.  If you have been arrested or are charged with a criminal offense, you need a defense attorney familiar with the system to protect your rights. A criminal conviction can potentially have a negative impact on your life forever. Your life and future is too important to trust just any attorney to represent you.  It is essential to have an attorney that listens to your needs and can defend you effectively. Attorney Stephanie Kemen has experience defending a wide range of criminal charges, including drug crimes, gun crimes, white collar crimes, sex offenses and more.

Charged with a misdemeanor? What does that mean?

In Illinois, there are three levels of misdemeanor crimes: Class A, Class B, and Class C. Because all classes of misdemeanors include the possibility of jail time, it is crucial that you hire a criminal defense attorney like Stephanie Kemen that has successfully defended hundreds of misdemeanors cases.

Although a misdemeanor is less serious than a felony, it is still a crime and is a very serious matter. If you are found guilty of a misdemeanor, you will have a criminal record. A conviction for any type of misdemeanor disqualifies a person from expunging their record. Attorney Stephanie Kemen has significant experience with misdemeanors and is extremely familiar with the misdemeanor courtrooms in Cook County and the surrounding counties.

  • Class A Misdemeanors: punishable by up to 1 year in jail and/or fines up to $2,500
  • Class B Misdemeanors: punishable by up to 6 months in jail and/or fines up to $1,500
  • Class C Misdemeanors: punishable by up to 30 days in jail and/or fines up to $1,500

I am charged with a felony. Am I going to jail?

Being charged with a felony is a very serious matter. In Illinois, there are five levels of felony crimes. Because all felonies include the possibility of significant prison time, it is crucial that you hire a criminal defense attorney like Stephanie Kemen. Attorney Stephanie Kemen has significant experience with felony cases and is extremely familiar with the felony courtrooms in Cook County and the surrounding counties.

  • Class X Felonies: punishable by 6-30 years incarceration; not eligible for probation
  • Class 1 Felonies: punishable by 4-15 years incarceration
  • Class 2 Felonies: punishable by 3-7 years incarceration
  • Class 3 Felonies: punishable by 2-5 years incarceration
  • Class 4 Felonies: punishable by 1-3 years incarceration

The above are the basic sentencing ranges for each felony. Depending on the specific crime and any applicable enhancements, the possible sentences can vary greatly from the basic ranges above.

If you are charged with a crime, either a felony or a misdemeanor, contact Attorney Stephanie Kemen to ensure that your rights are properly defended.

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