Southern Illinois Area Criminal Defense
The Constitution affords you certain rights. One of those is the right to an attorney. And if you are facing a criminal charge, your lawyer may become the most important person in your life. As such, you want to make sure that person is somebody who knows criminal defense inside and out; who knows how to analyze evidence, conduct independent investigations, work with a jury, look for holes in the prosecution's case and, ultimately, get you a successful outcome.
If you need sound, aggressive criminal defense, call the Edwardsville, Illinois, law office of Polinske & Associates at 618-505-4213 (877-632-3089 toll-free). With 40 years of experience between us, attorneys Brian Polinske and Donna Morrison-Polinske know the system and have the skills to mount an effective defense.
Every Criminal Charge Has Potential Consequences
Of course, the most serious violent crimes, such as homicide, carry the possibility of the most severe punishment — but even a speeding ticket can mean a stiff fine and license suspension. Attorneys are trained to know the law. Experienced attorneys also know the nuances of the court system. No matter what the charge, it is in your best interest to get legal guidance from accomplished criminal defense lawyers for charges of:
- DUI / Reckless Homicide: Penalties may include imprisonment for up to 14 years for a DUI-related death
- Traffic Violations: Yes, you could not only lose your driving privileges, but could also face up to 10 days in jail
- White Collar Crime: Certain of these can be federal offenses that are comparatively harder to defend and carry more severe penalties
- Drug possession / Sales: Depending on how much, what and where, penalties vary — but your job could also be jeopardized
- Domestic Battery: If there's a report and the police show up, you will be arrested
- Child Pornography: Mandatory 10-year sex offender registration if you are convicted
- Sexual Assault: Worst-case scenario includes imprisonment and lifetime sex offender registration
- Assault
- Weapons Charges: Even a misdemeanor UWW (unlawful use of a weapon) charge can be punishable by up to a year in jail and a $2,500 fine
- Violent Crimes: The most serious penalty for the most serious crimes — a lifetime in prison
- Violation of Order of Protection
- Disorderly Conduct
What Are You Waiting For?
If you need skilled legal help from a veteran team of trial attorneys, contact us by e-mail or call us at 618-505-4213 (877-632-3089 toll-free). A free initial consultation is available when and where you need it.
Recent Successes
People v. Head - Madison County - May 2010 - Mr. Head was charged with various felony methamphetamine charges following a traffic stop by the Illinois State Police Methamphetamine Response Team. He was facing up to 7 years in the Department of Corrections. He was not a first time felony offender. We were able to negotiate a disposition whereby the case will be dismissed after two years of probation. Mr. Head did not have to complete any time in jail or prison for this offense.
People v. Pace - Madison County - June 2010 - My client was charged with possessing a controlled substance without a prescription. Through negotiations we were able to dispose of the case as a misdemeanor offense. All felony counts were dismissed per negotiations.
People v. Severs - Criminal Trespass charge was dismissed based upon insufficient evidence. Although the complainants strenuously urged the State to not dismiss the complaint the charge was dismissed based upon insufficient evidence.
People v. Johnson - Aggravated Assault - My client was charged with Agg. Assault after having thrown a person out of his own home. He had previously advised the complainant that he was not allowed in his house. The complainant ignored his warnings and tried to gain entry. My client physically removed him from the house. The complainant was injured and the police pressed charges. All charges were dismissed.
People v. Wilkinson - My client was charged with multiple Domestic Battery charges. We were able to negotiate dismissal of the charges. The State's witnesses had serious credibility issues.
People v. Liljenberg - My client was charged with domestic battery after a verbal dispute in his residence. We were able to convince the State to dismiss his case.
People v. Baumgartner - My client was charged with various felony offenses surrounding a school burglary. We were able to obtain a dismissal through supervision on an amended misdemeanor offense. A couple years later we were able to fully expunge the felony arrest and the misdemeanor disposition from his record.
People v. Waltman - May 2010. My client, a financial sector profession, was arrested for allegedly committing a sexual assault upon a young child. She vehemently denied the allegations. We fully reviewed the case and decided to announce ready for trial. We scheduled a polygraph (lie detector) test for her and tendered her satisfactory completion of the test to the State. My client was facing up to 30 years if convicted. We submitted a long list of witnesses whom we subpoenaed for trial. The State ultimately dismissed the felony charges against my client. She is now able to continue working in the financial sector.
People v. Obermark - Clinton County May 2010. Ms. Obermark was convicted of DUI a few years back. She was caught driving while revoked for DUI. If convicted of a felony DWLR she would lose her job. We were able to negotiate a dismissal of the felony DWLR and ultimately resolved the case for a non-moving violation disposition. She was able to keep her job and avoided a permanent felony conviction upon her record.
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